People attend massage sessions for several reasons besides its obvious health benefits. Massage modalities have a vast number of variations across the world which can make it exceptionally difficult for someone to choose any specific form. A person can opt for a Massage Leicestershire either to enjoy a relaxing stress-relieving experience, or they could be hoping to relieve some specific physical condition.
It is for this reason most types of massages can be categorized in two ways - relaxing massage and therapeutic or remedial massages. The benefits of these two distinct categories will be discussed in this blog along with highlighting some of the most crucial differences.
Why do People Opt for Massages?
As already mentioned earlier, people can get a massage for a variety of reasons. This is why it makes sense to have so many different forms of massage modalities as each variation is designed uniquely, although some may be meant to fulfil similar purposes.
A few common health-related reasons to seek out a massage session include the following:
For relieving pain
For Rehabilitating Sports Injuries
Relieving Stress and Anxiety
Inducing Relaxation
Improving Overall Well-Being
To Address Depression
Massage modalities tend to vary in terms of the techniques being used, such as the manner of touch, applied intensity and pressure. Lets now dive into the difference between relaxing massages and therapeutic massages.
What is a Relaxation Massage?
A relaxation massage is applied through smooth and gentle strokes that are directed at relieving muscular tension, improving the circulation of blood and promoting an overall general sense of relaxation. Most often a relaxing massage session is comprised of a Swedish massage which typically involves long rhythmic strokes and circular hand movements. This approach helps break down the adhesions in the body and helps facilitate better blood flow.
However, what differentiates the Swedish massage from a more intense modality like a deep tissue massage is that it does not address the connective tissues in the muscles. A relaxing massage session is not focused on healing sports injuries or reducing muscle discomforts, but rather helps reduce muscle tension and induces a sense of pure relaxation. Such sessions give people who have had a long exhausting week at work some sense of relief.
How is it Beneficial?
The default version of relaxing massage therapy primarily invests effort into soft and gentle massage strokes which helps the body and mind to slip into a relaxed state. The true purpose of this type of massage is to help trick the body into releasing 'happy' hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Consecutively, relaxing massage is also meant to reduce the release of stress-inducing hormones like cortisol. The main aspect is that relaxing massages are not meant to target or address any specific area of discomfort.
Those with mental health concerns such as heavy anxiety and depression can resort to a relaxing massage. Individuals with physical issues like tensed-up muscles, insomnia and stress can also benefit immensely from a relaxing massage session.
What is a Therapeutic Massage?
All therapeutic massage forms are based on techniques that stretch and manipulate the muscles in a way that helps heal injuries and realign them in the proper position. Those individuals who are suffering from muscle soreness or can feel multiple knots forming on their back can opt for a therapeutic massage. Such massages help restore the body to a tension-free state, removing all such discomforts. Unlike relaxing massages, therapeutic massages are always convened in a clinical setting for instance at a spa or physio-clinic. The primary objective of any rehabilitative massage therapy is to treat specific health issues rather than simply providing relaxation.
In many cases, people experience a lot of pain during a therapeutic massage session but this pain is often referred to as 'good pain' for it is an indication that the tension is being released from the muscles. Since the massage therapist works on the tissue rigorously the patient is likely to experience tenderness. They apply different techniques that are specifically meant to relieve the patient of various physical ailments. They may implement a combination of deep tissue techniques, resistive stretching and trigger point therapy to get the best results.
How is it Beneficial?
Therapeutic or remedial massages are an excellent option for helping patients experiencing acute or chronic pain. Even those suffering from muscular tension or are nursing a sports injury can also opt for a remedial massage. The most significant benefits reaped through remedial massage therapy are an increase in flexibility, reduced musculoskeletal pain and an overall boost in well-being. Although remedial massages are specifically meant to address pain and discomfort, they can also relax the body and calm the mind.
Some of the benefits of therapeutic massage modalities have been summarized below:
Pain Reduction
Reduced Stress
Improved Mood
Improved Sleep
Improved Blood Flow
Boost in Energy
How to Choose the Right Type of Massage?
There are a handful of things people need to consider when conflicted between choosing a relaxing massage or a therapeutic massage. In a nutshell, those who desire a relaxing time should definitely go for a relaxing massage session, while individuals who wish to have specific health concerns addressed should definitely consider a therapeutic modality.
Certain factors that can be considered;
What are the goals of the individual?
What type of environment do they prefer?
What is their budget?
Do they require multiple sessions?
Conclusion
The primary key difference between therapeutic massage clinics and a relaxing massage spa in Leicestershire is that the sessions of relaxing massages last for shorter periods but can promote overall well-being, while therapeutic sessions address specific issues.
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