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Massage Services

Updated on August 13, 2009

If you are suffering from the pain of arthritis, stress, or fatigue from exercise then massage services could be a source of relief for you. There are many different kinds of massage therapy techniques that are available to the public. This article will go through an explanation of each massage service and discuss the benefits of each as well as what type of massage is best for what ailment. There are also many places that you can enjoy massage services in. Depending on your level of modesty, whether you prefer female or male massage services, your financial resources, and how often you need relief you can choose to get your massage services in a variety of locations. All in all massage therapy is an excellent way to relieve stress, unwind your muscles after the strain of strenuous exercise, or lessen the pain of arthritis. If you work on your feet, a foot massage can be an excellent way to unwind at the end of the day and relieve the pain in your feet and lower legs. If you start getting regular body massage services then you will definitely start to feel better in your day-to-day life.

The first decision you need to make is what kind of massage service you want. Only professionals can perform certain kinds of massage and those professionals might work out of a massage parlor or day spa. Other professionals might be willing to come to your home for the right price. In home massage services vary widely in price. If you take a massage services class with a friend or spouse and purchase a massage table then you can perform massages on each other at home for free. Another option would be to purchase electric massage tools like a chair or hand held massage tool. You can also have a masseuse come to your home. If the masseuse is not licensed then the massage could be relatively affordable. However, as a rule, professional licensed massage therapists are more expensive if they come to your home than if they work in a salon or parlor. Massage parlors and day spas do of course have overhead to consider, but they massage therapist has a large volume of clients and does not have to spend time traveling as they would for home massage service so they do not have to charge as much for their time. A plus of going to a massage parlor or day spa is the availability of massage extra service like aromatherapy. It is hard to turn any room in your home into a sauna where you can be engulfed in different scents as you get your massage.

Swedish Massage

The most common massage performed today is the Swedish massage.  The Swedish massage is a massage of the entire body and its main goal is to relax the participant.  This type of massage would be good for someone who is suffering from stress or mild muscle fatigue or stiffness as the result of recent exercise or activity.  The masseuse uses techniques like kneading which is also called petrissage, circular motions or friction, tapotement or quick hitting movements, and long strokes called effleurage over every part of your body.  Typically, you will use lotions or oils in this type of massage to reduce the amount of friction between the hands of the massager and the body of the recipient.  Each massage therapist will do a slightly different version of this massage and no two will be the same.  Make sure that you communicate with your therapist about what feels good to you so that you can get the most out of your massage.

Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is a variation on the Swedish massage that utilizes hot Basalt stones.  Basalt stones are used because of their smooth round shape and their weight.  The massage therapist will perform a Swedish massage while holding the hot stone in their hand.  The theory is that the heat from the stone is absorbed by the skin and deep into the muscles, which helps to relax them.  As your muscles relax and tension is released this gives the massage therapist the opportunity to use deeper massage techniques and relieve even more deep rooted tension then just a regular Swedish massage would allow.  As the stone cools down a new stone is taken from a hot water bath so that the massage can continue.  Hot stone massages also include the placement of hot stones down the center of your back and on your palms and feet.  Because of the ability for this massage to relieve deep tension, it is appropriate if you experience chronic pain and sever stress.  Arthritis patients can benefit from hot stone massages as well as people who have the pain of an old injury.

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage combines the theories of massage and acupuncture.  The massage therapist uses their fingers and thumbs instead of needles.  As with acupuncture, shiatsu massage is not only to relieve stress, but also to treat the overall health of your body.  Practitioners of shiatsu believe that regular shiatsu massage can improve your overall heath and prevent illness.  Shiatsu is used to treat a variety of ailments like headaches, insomnia, depression, digestive disorders, and ease a woman through labor.  Shiatsu is closely related to Thai massage services.  Thai massage is a Shiatsu massage combined with stretches and yoga positions.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is an advanced form of massage that is typically sued on patients that experience chronic pain. The massage therapist utilizes slow and hard strokes and deep finger pressure to get to the deeper layers of muscles. The theory behind deep tissue massage focuses on resistance of the patients muscles. First, the massage therapist puts pressure on a muscle until he or she feels resistance or tension and maintains that pressure until the resistance disappears. Hands are not the only thing used in a deep tissue massage. The masseuse will use hands, fingers, elbows and forearms to apply the right amount of pressure. If a deep tissue massage is done properly, you will be sore for approximately one to two days. While there is pressure, you should not feel great pain when receiving a deep tissue massage.

Here is a new twist on a Swedish massage

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