What Does a Swedish Full Body Massage Include and What Are the Benefits?

Swedish massage therapy is extremely well-known. It is the foundation for other techniques. Swedish massages focus on anatomy and physiology. They provide not only physical, but mental relief. Read below for how you can benefit from a Swedish massage and what it entails.

Before Your Massage

Massages can last 50 to 90 minutes. Communicate with your therapist and inform them if you have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.

During Your Massage

Typically you are nude underneath a sheet or towel. The therapist uncovers only the part of the body being worked on. If nudity makes you uncomfortable, wear underwear which most first-comers do. Breathe normally and deeply; you’re here to relax.

Oils help lubricate and also warm the skin. Each massage therapist has a different style. You normally start face down, in the u-shaped holder. This preserves your neck alignment. Massage movements include stroking, gliding, kneading, friction, or tapping.

These light strokes combine low to medium pressures to ease your muscles. Speak up if you want your therapist to spend more time on certain areas. If you want deeper pressure and can tolerate more to get relief from muscle pain, it’s better to book a deep tissue massage, which is another form of Swedish massage.

Benefits

One of the top benefits is that Swedish massages calm your nervous system and ease muscle tension. Stress affects everyone. Mental stress can manifest itself in your body causing unwanted tension and pain. Swedish massage helps reset your body and mind from these natural responses to stress.

It also improves flexibility and posture. Working out tension elongates muscles while also decreasing swelling and any inflammation. For people prone to sitting for long periods of time or injury, it is a way of balancing out.

This massage technique improves blood circulation and relieves headaches. Many headaches can be caused by poor circulation. Massage dilates your blood vessels, making it easier to deliver fresh blood to muscles and organs. This promotes oxygen delivery, which in turn energizes and renews you. It also awakens your lymphatic system. This is responsible for the disposal of bad toxins and waste.

Lastly, massage allows an endorphin release which improves your mood. Increasing serotonin and dopamine levels promote better emotional well-being. This positively impacts your quality of sleep, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.

Tips

Stay hydrated post massage. You’re also going to want to take it slow; do not rush into anything hectic. Go enjoy your newly refreshed self.

If you’re still curious about how massages can improve your well being, read our testimonials. If you have further questions about Swedish massage, give us a call at the top of our site. Our professional massage therapists can help find the perfect massage type for you!

 

 

 

 

Who Should Get a Deep Tissue Massage?

A deep tissue massage is performed by a professional and consists of a massage that uses deep stroke technique and applying firm pressure. These deep, firm strokes help break down scar tissue as well as muscle knots (these can cause tension). If you have chronic pain or stiffness, this massage could serve as a great benefit to pain relief. Although, if you have blood clots, this massage may not be for you. Blood clots can become dislodged. Not only are massages beneficial for decreasing pain, but they are also great for reducing stress. Massages are a great alternative healing method. Deep tissue massages are also beneficial to everyone, especially if you have any of the following issues.

Postural Problems

Deep tissue massagesrelax your overworked muscles that are the consequence of using bad posture. During the massage, it helps your back fall into a natural alignment that is healthy and creates a natural movement in the spine. A bad posture can also cause many more issues. Having a bad posture can put pain in your lower back, but it is also a difficult habit to break. With a massage, you get to sit back and relax.

Sprain Injuries

With sprain injuries such as a sprained ankle or wrist, a deep massage can help provide a faster recovery. The deep strokes and firm pressure can help blood flow, thus allowing more oxygen and reducing swelling.

Limited Mobility

Massages help increase blood flow, alleviate stress, stimulate blood flow, and can even increase mobility and flexibility. If you have limited mobility due to a previous injury or muscle issues, a deep tissue massage might bring you some of that mobility back.

Post-Workout

Muscles can tighten during exercise, so it is always important to stretch. Having a massage once in a while can reduce the chances of a sprained muscle. Active people are more at risk for pulling something especially if they do not stretch. This is a great way to prevent injuries. Massages are also a great way to enhance your athletic performance.

Stress Relief

Massages are a way to reduce physical pain but also great for emotional release. During the massage, the atmosphere includes warm Aveda oils, relaxing music, and a feeling of peace. Giving yourself an hour of tranquility can do wonders for the mind.

Deep tissue massages have many benefits and can help a variety of injuries. If you think you have these issues, contact Sean’s Massage Center for more information on deep tissue massages. During a deep tissue massage, make sure to communicate with the therapist if it feels painful.