Massage Therapy - How to Decide on a Massage Therapist Right For You

SARASOTA, Fla. - Nov. 9, 2014 - PRLog -- Many people that receive massages associate their massage with a vacation or an object similar to luxury. Since the beginning of time, a massage has always suggested an improved feeling of self worth and ultimately is a positive mentally and physically. Research suggests that this ancient form of healing may be more than just an indulgence and may actually improve your health. According to Bretz Rehabilitation Clinic in Sarasota Florida, massage therapy helps thousands of patients feel better and helps offset the needs of taking pain medications.

The best massage therapists will use high tech - state of the are lasers, ultrasound, decompression tables, their hands, elbows, forearms and fingertips to manipulate the patients muscles and any other body part that is in need of attention. Techniques vary by the expertise of the massage therapist but may include a vast variety of massages adopted from the various types of massages that have been developed from the beginning of time. These massages may include deep tissue massages, cranial sacral therapy, sports therapy, neuromuscular massage or trigger point therapeutic massages.

　

Deep tissue massages specifically targets the deep tissue structure of the fascia and muscles. Deep tissue massages basically focus on the release of muscle tension and chronic knots. By massaging the stressed muscles, oxygen and nutrients can better circulate through the muscle thus helping it heal and recover faster. These techniques are used a Swedish Massage however the difference is in the technique itself. The exception is that more pressure is applied and cross muscle grain strokes are used. Elbows, fingers, and specialty tools may be used for optimal penetration of the muscle to ensure the best massage is performed. Extra pressure may be held for several minutes to help alleviate the problematic areas during a deep tissue massage.

Cranial sacral therapy primarily focuses on the concept of primary respiration and regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The massage therapist manipulates the synarthrodial joints of the cranium with a therapeutic touch. By applying light touches to a patient’s skull, face, spine and pelvis, stress and tension are released. Patients feel an exhilarating feeling of deep relaxation during the session but may feel a bit light-headed as to this is normal. The adjustment restores balance to the central nervous system and surrounding body structures that support it.

　

Sports therapy relieves injuries that are common and can happen with or without being involved with sports. They can involve your neck (cervical spine) including hyper flexion/extension (whiplash type) injury or involve the low back (lumbar spine) and such as a slip and fall accident. Other sports injuries include strains, sprains, bruises or tendonitis. Football, basketball, baseball, bowling, martial arts, boxing, gymnastics, cheerleading and soccer are the most common sports where injuries can occur.

Injuries often include a numbness /tingling feeling or pain in the head, neck, back, leg, arm, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Sports massage therapy helps reduce these symptoms and when combined with chiropractic adjustments, can offer effective relief of these symptoms and help you feel great again.

Neuromuscular massages utilize specific massage therapy, flexibility stretching, and home care to eliminate the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. This specific and scientific approach to muscular pain helps balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Neuromuscular massages enhance the function of joints, muscles and biomechanics and releases endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers). Benefits range from restoring muscle strength and flexibility to natural pain relief.

　

Trigger point therapeutic massages are specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain by using isolated pressure and release on specific points of the body. First, the massage therapist will verify the discomfort parts prior to the massage. The patient will then perform deep breathing while the massage therapist hones in to painful spot controlling the intensity and pressure of the massage precisely.

　

When considering any types of massage therapy for any specific medical conditions, mention it to your doctor or other health care provider. Massage therapists may use different approaches but the skill and integrity is what should help you decide which massage therapist is right for you. If you are faced with a need for massage therapy, research your massage therapists until you find one that fit’s the qualifications you need and may have some positive feedback on their online reviews. Ask your friends, family and coworkers and see if anyone has tried your massage therapist and how they liked them.

Visit http://ChiropractorSarasota.com for more massage therapy information from the Bretz Rehabilitation Clinic in Sarasota Florida