Therapist Types
Massage Therapist
Massage Therapists are types of manual therapists who use hands on techniques such as kneading, effleurage and petrissage to manipulate soft tissue, mainly for the benefit of relieving tension within muscles. A massage therapist will often apply pressure with oil (sometimes without) through the use of hands, fingers elbow but may also use specialist tools such as massage guns, scrapers and more. The role of a massage therapist is multifaceted, and includes promoting relaxation and wellness, reducing muscle tension, aches and pains, facilitate injury recovery and rehabilitation.
Treatments
There are different types of massages a massage therapist can offer depending upon their skill and training. Each style generally tends to have its own specific focus, the most common are outlined below:
Sports Massage:
Often viewed as the massage that involves the most amount of pressure. This type of massage is primarily focused upon enhancing a clients recovery and improving mobility or physical function. It is often a good choice when dealing with an injury. Within a sports massage you may find that a therapist may offer further nuances to the treatment such as pre/post event treatment which are massages further tailored to a sports person either preparing for or recovering from a sporting event. Depending upon the level and skill of the Therapist, a sports massage may also include specialist techniques such as trigger point therapy or soft tissue release which involve concentrated and sustained pressure and pressure combined with movement of a limb.
Swedish Massage:
A Swedish massage might be considered the opposite of a sports massage as it typically involves the least amount of pressure. The primary focus of a Swedish massage is relaxation and involves gentle, soothing, long gliding massage strokes. This type of massage is often a good treatment option for those new to massage. The benefits of a Swedish massage include improved circulation, ease muscle tension, increase flexibility, and promote overall relaxation and stress relief. Within a Swedish massage, you may find that a Therapist may offer nuances to the treatment such as the use of scented or specialised oils or the inclusion of hot stones to enhance the aforementioned benefits. Usually nuances in Swedish massage treatment can be largely tailored to the clients individual needs, including the areas to be treated.
Deep Tissue Massage:
This type of massage is similar to a Sport massage as it involves firm pressure applied to muscles with a view to target and relieve chronic muscle pain, or knots. There is less emphasis with this treatment however on fixing injuries and usually does not involve specialist techniques such as soft tissue release. There are fewer nuances with this treatment such as pre and post event massages which are found in a sports massage. A deep tissue massage is often administered as a full body treatment. Similar to Sports massage a deep tissue massage may be beneficial for helping break down scar tissue, improve mobility, increase circulation, and promote physical and mental well-being. A common area for deep tissue massages include the neck, back, and shoulders.
The above massage styles may be considered the most common a Massage Therapist may offer, however other specialist styles do exist such as indian head massage, Thai or pregnancy massages. Each however share the common theme of hands on techniques. Depending on a massage Therapists level of skill and qualifications, they may be able to provide a combination of each massage style within the treatment. Massage Therapists often offer flexibility with treatment approaches and seldom stick rigidly to the boxes of a given massage style. As with any treatment however, you should discuss your requirements with your Therapist prior to the appointment.
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