What is Therapeutic Massage?

Receiving an occasional massage once or twice a year on vacation is such a great gift to give to your body and mind. However, massage can be much more than a “feel good” experience that occurs only on special occasions. Whether you are sitting at computer all-day or swinging a hammer, your body can develop tension areas in specific muscles from repetitive motion that can become chronic problems. For some of us, massage therapy is a necessity that helps to keep us going so that we can continue working and participating in the activities we love to do.

Therapeutic massage sessions are “tailored” to your specific needs according to what is going on in your body at the time of your session. A therapeutic massage therapist will take into consideration past and present health concerns, injuries, and what you put your body through on a daily basis to better determine a “plan of attack”, so to speak. A “fluffy full body massage” may feel good but a therapeutic massage will focus on releasing your tension areas that can be causing migraines, carpal tunnel and low back pain. Advanced techniques like deep tissue or trigger point therapy may be used during this type of session increasing circulation, speeding up the healing process, and breaking down scar tissue. A therapeutic massage therapist will see a client very frequently for the first few weeks or months. This might include half hour massages two or three times a week, or weekly hour massages for a couple of months in order to get the best results.

Remember, that it is important to communicate during your massage letting the therapist know if the pressure is not right and also if something is uncomfortable. You’re the boss and if you are tensing up during your session then it is defeating the purpose. The purpose is to relax, release, and heal. Like proper nutrition and exercise, regular therapeutic massage will help your body stay happy, healthy and strong.