Does Deep Tissue Massage Hurt? | Deep Massage

Find out if a deep tissue massage hurts from celebrity massage therapist Meagan Holub in this Howcast video.

So, to answer the question, “Does deep tissue massage hurt?” my immediate answer is, “It depends on who you’re getting the deep tissue massage from.”

I wish that I could say, “No, it doesn’t always hurt, ” but that’s not always true. So, I, I personally try to keep deep tissue massage from hurting, and I feel that most deep tissue massage experts do. And the way that we can do this is by accessing the tissue really slowly, really gently, and you get to much deeper layers if you do it that way.

There’s actually something called the “soul gel theory, ” which states that if you access the tissue very slowly, your tissue almost liquefies and you can get nice and deeply and the body doesn’t experience any pain. But if you try to go in fast and, and, access those deeper layers really quickly, your body’s going to resist just like it does with any sort of extreme pressure or, or, trauma to the area.

So, while there may be some discomfort, it’s actually really important for your massage therapist to be checking in with you and make sure that they’re asking you where your pain threshold is. And where they figure out where that threshold is where you’re sort of on the line between “hurts so good” and “hurts, ” they need to keep you right on that side of “hurts so good.”

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How to Prepare for a Massage | Deep Massage

Learn how to prepare for a deep tissue massage from celebrity massage therapist Meagan Holub in this Howcast video.

As a client preparing for deep tissue massage you're going to prepare for it, much like any other massage. You basically get to just sit back and relax, and let the massage therapist work their magic. But there are a couple of things that a massage therapist is going to do to make sure that you are properly prepared for a deep tissue massage. It's a little bit different than a relaxation massage or a Swedish massage.

So they're actually going to prep your tissue with some Swedish massage strokes, some more relaxing strokes. This helps your tissue warm up, and it becomes a little more flexible. So that later when they access with those deeper strokes, your tissue is ready to allow it and it feels great and it's pain free. One of the things that many massage therapists suggest for you to do, is to stay well hydrated for a few days before the massage and afterwards. It helps keep your muscle tissue supple and soft. But I do suggest that you don't drink too much water right before you get on the table.

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The Health Benefits of Prenatal Massage

This form of massage therapy is designed specifically for the pregnant women's needs and changes to their bodies. Professional therapists adjust the techniques being used according to each individual and which stage of pregnancy they are in.

Prenatal massage dates back to ancient times. References to it have been found in ancient ayuruedic medical texts, relating to the care of women preparing for child birth. They saw, even way back then, the need for the expectant mother to be in excellent spiritual, mental, and physical shape for this momentous occasion. All of these are key factors still today. The ancient texts tell how rubbing the mother to be with oils is vital during pregnancy and after the birth of the child.

Pregnancy Message Treatments

Studies show that massage treatments during pregnancy improve the outcome of labor, along with the newborn's health. The message technician does this by lowering anxiety, relieving muscle aches, and decreasing depression through specific techniques. In addition, there are several other problems associated with pregnancy that are remedied with pregnancy massage treatments.

• Pregnancy causes a fluctuation in hormones. Regulating these hormones is a huge benefit of message therapy. Hormones cause discomfort and mood swings for the mother. Massage alters hormone levels through reduced stress and relaxation. Having the hormone level regulated by a massage therapist also leads to fewer complications during birth.


• Pregnant women often experience swelling. Massage therapy reduces swelling and edema caused by a reduction in circulation and an increase in pressure on the blood vessels. A message therapist can stimulate tissue, reducing the amount of fluid collecting.


• The sciatic nerve can cause pain during pregnancy. Less Sciatic Nerve Pain is another result of pregnancy massage treatments. Sciatic problems occur during late pregnancy when swelling and weight gain puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing back and leg pain. A professional therapist will relieve the pressure placed upon the sciatic, meaning less pain for the mother to be.


• An increase in the volume of blood can cause women to experience frequent headaches while carrying a child. A professional therapist can massage the shoulders and neck to relieve the pain.


• Patients using a massage routine during pregnancy will find they can get a better night's sleep. All of the problems commonly associated with pregnancy can keep the mother awake at night. Massage will alleviate many of these pains, allowing one to rest easier.

The Health Benefits of Prenatal Massage Therapy

The health benefits of prenatal massage therapy are numerous. Among them, reducing stress is of great importance. When the mother to be is free of stress, she can relax. This promotes an overall wellness for her and the baby.

This form of massage therapy also relieves several of the most common discomforts a pregnant woman experiences. Stiff neck, backaches, leg cramps, edema or swelling, and headaches can all affect one's overall health. Massage is a natural way of eliminating many of these problems by stimulating the blood flow and nerves.

Best of all, massage therapy relieves stress that appears on joints that bear the extra weight. This combined with the nervous system being soothed can allow the pregnant woman to feel less pain. Both the lymph and blood circulation will benefit as well.

All of these benefits help one sleep better at night. Massage combined with a good night's rest means relief of anxiety and depression. These symptoms are brought on by changes in the hormones, but they can be elevated when an expecting woman is sleep deprived. In response to massage therapy techniques, the body will release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. All are natural chemicals that play a key role in relaxation and health.

Prenatal Massage Therapist

Becoming a prenatal massage therapist takes specific training to enable the therapist to have the proper qualifications. They need to have a strong ethical background, as well as a thorough education on positioning and massage treatments.

The advanced training a prenatal massage therapist receives includes an in-depth study of deep tissue, passive movement, neuromuscular systems, and reflexive positional release. They will have studied methods of massage that are modified to handle the structural, emotional, and physiological changes the expectant mother encounters.

Massage therapists who specialize in prenatal care need to have a comprehensive understanding of more than just massage treatments. They need to have the knowledge to help a woman through every stage of their child bearing journey. This includes labor, birth, and even postpartum care. Their skills can help one successfully transition into each phases, resulting in a healthy and uncomplicated birth.

NYC Massage Therapist Eugene Wood fulfills all of these requirements and is qualified to help you throughout this amazing time in you and your child's life. He can help you relax, feel less pain, and get the rest and sleep you need for a healthy and safe delivery. Call Eugene Wood today at (917) 952-8052 to set up a time for a free consultation where he can discuss treatments that are best suited for your individual needs.

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What's the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?

Massage therapy is not a one-size-fits-all practice. Knowledgeable and skilled therapists will adjust their techniques and tactics depending on what issues you're dealing with and what kind of relief you hope to gain. The goal is to provide benefits that are specific to your needs and wants, which means tailoring the massage accordingly.

That said, there are distinct techniques under the therapy umbrella that boast different schools of thought, manipulation techniques, and health benefits. Two common practices in the U.S. are Swedish massage and deep tissue. While they do share certain characteristics and a therapist may be certified and trained in both methodologies, there are also distinct differences between the two. Knowing the hallmarks of a specific massage practice can help you choose wisely and reap the maximum benefit it.

Swedish Massage

If you're new to massage, Swedish massage is probably what you think of as a standard, "classic" massage. During a this, your therapist will employ an array of movements, including effleurage (sliding across and stroking the skin), petrissage (kneading motions), tapotement (rhythmic tapping with the palm, back, or side of the hand), vibration, and friction. The kneading and tapping can relieve muscle tension and dispel knots, while gliding and creating friction can increase blood flow to the area, stimulate nerves, and further soothe sore muscles. In general, Swedish massage works on the superficial muscles and promotes relaxation and well-being.

Deep Tissue Massage

For people with injuries or ongoing musculoskeletal issues, deep tissue massage can be just the right prescription. Unlike Swedish massage, deep tissue massage digs down below the surface muscles to directly target problem areas. By manipulating the fascia-the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, organs, and nerves-a therapist can release unhealthy muscle patterns and stretch chronically injured or overly tense muscles. Deep tissue is often included in physical therapy regimens for injury recovery. Athletes, dancers, and other people who rely on their body professionally use it to improve performance. During a deep tissue massage<, the therapist may use fingers, fists, forearms, or even elbows to reach the necessary tissue layer.

Considerations

For a soothing, full-body relaxation experience, choose Swedish massage. Deep tissue is more intense, as the goal is often to encourage injured or tight muscles and fascia to heal faster and to increase range of motion and flexibility. If you're in doubt about what's right for you, talk to your doctor before setting up a massage therapy appointment. Also, always inform your therapist of any and all physical issues you're having before he or she starts the session. Afterward, take care to hydrate and to gently stretch out any areas with residual tension. Note that it's common to experience some soreness after it, particularly a vigorous deep tissue massage. However, massage therapy should never be truly painful and is best viewed as a supplement to rather than a replacement for standard medical care.

Sam Stout is a senior SEO marketing strategist for the local online advertising group Prospect Genius.

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Pregnancy Massage - What You Need to Know

Pregnancy is a big event in the life of the expectant mother as well as the father. And in order to make sure that everything goes well with it, couples will be willing to go through any possible methods. One technique that is famous among those who are expecting their babies to come is a pregnancy massage.

A little background about pregnancy massage might be necessary for a lot of people. It might not be familiar to women who have not had a baby before. If it is your first pregnancy, you might want to stick around and learn if pre-natal massage is right for you.

The techniques that are used for pregnancy massage are specifically made with the pregnant mother in mind. This means that a mother's welfare is prioritized. Any potential dangers to the mother and the baby are effectively avoided as much as possible.

The difference between a regular massage therapy and a pregnancy massage can first be obvious on the position that is assumed. On a regular massage, a person can lie on any position. The most common of these positions is laying face-down. However, for mothers who are in their second or third trimesters, lying face-down might not be the best idea. Also, lots of pillows and padding are used in order to ensure that both the baby and the mother are comfortable and well supported.

There are body parts, particularly the womb, which should be avoided. Deep tissue massage is likewise avoided. The use of certain lotions or oils might also be lessened especially if they are not indicated for a pregnant woman.

A pregnancy massage might be necessary for a mother in order to try to reduce the stresses that one can experience with pregnancy. Becoming pregnant does not only have physical strain. It also offers a lot of emotional burdens on the expectant mother.

Taking in medications while pregnant can be limited. If you are experiencing back pains from carrying the baby around for some time might be solved with the aid of a massage and not by taking pharmaceutical pain relievers. Other body parts might also feel the strain which massage can effectively relieve.

Getting a massage while pregnant can require a decision that is made by both the mother and father. Although there are no immediate risks to the welfare of the baby, issues are avoided as much as possible. The risk of injury will always be present even in a very small degree. Fortunately, you can keep in mind ways that will keep you and your baby away from danger.

In order to make sure that you are safe, you should only get your massage from a licensed massage therapist. Someone who has extensive knowledge on pregnancy massage will also be preferred. He or she will be able to identify what techniques should be avoided and what will be most effective and that will provide the mother with the most benefits. Consult your obstetrician regarding your plans of getting a massage. If you are cleared, you can start searching for the most fitting massage therapist in your area.

Marion Mccants enjoys writing about heat massage recliner and massager chair as well as related products.

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Take Charge - Massage And A Self-Actualized You

Lots of people enjoy a massage and many see it as a gift to themselves - sort of a reward for dealing with day-to-day life and the craziness of work, family, traffic, school and other sources of stress.

Who's not up for relaxing in a beautiful, calm studio, with low lighting, pretty music, wonderful aromas and strong, expert hands massaging away the cares of the day?

In the workplace, employees that get a massage regularly tend to have increased productivity and ability to focus and are, as a group, not so stressed as coworkers who don't take advantage of the mental and physical health enhancements that accompany massage. But, often we tend to look for an excuse, or feel like we need a reason to get a massage. For some, it takes a significant event to push them out of thinking about it, into actually picking up the phone and scheduling their massage.

If you find yourself searching for justification or an excuse to get a massage, here's an idea: Knowing how good massage is at relieving stress after an event, why not join that group of people who get a massage BEFORE a potentially high stress event? Individuals taking this proactive approach experience a measurable decrease in anxiety during and immediately after the stressful situation or event, along with reported moderation's in heart and breathing rates.

It's also well documented that massage substantially alters aspects of blood chemistry for the better.
Why not take a self-actualizing step, and enjoy that kind of relief as part of your preparation going into that day of the big business meeting or exam?

Walking into the situation, inwardly you know your muscles and tissues are less bound by up tension and toxins.

Stepping up to the plate, you know you're on top of your game since those by-products of stress can tend to make you sluggish, if not flat-out fatigued. You're more aware, more alert and your immune system is stronger. You're ahead of the game, just by taking the time for your massage BEFORE the event gets underway.

There are always good reasons to decide to make the call or the click to schedule your full body massage.

Now you have another reason - a new 'take charge' idea that extends to a more relaxed, self-actualized and powerful you.

You not only deserve the indulgence of a massage, it makes perfect sense.

James ("Jim") Thomason, has been in practice as a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) since 2001, is insured, licensed by the State of Georgia Licensing board, certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and is a member of the Associated Massage and Bodywork Professionals (AMBP). He lives in Atlanta, writes on a variety of health and massage-related subjects, and can be reached through his Massage Therapy of Atlanta website: http://massagetherapyofatlanta.com

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Hot Stone Massage - What It Is And How It Works

Hot stone massage is perhaps one of the fastest growing techniques being used for massage therapy world wide. Even though it is relatively new, it is growing in popularity very quickly. The healing powers of this new massage make it one of the most desirable therapies. This type of massage was first developed in Sweden and it is just like it sounds. Hot stones are used with the more traditional massage to help people relive stress as well as aching tight muscles.

The use of the hot stones is quite different then the usual massage technique. A therapeutic body massage is done by using a gentle touch that slowly works the kinks out of your muscles. You may be surprised to find out that in some cases the massage therapist may even massage you without even touching you. That is where they come into play. The only time the therapist may have to touch you is to reposition the stones to ensure that you are getting the full benefits and that they are where they need to be.

One thing about the hot stones is that there is no pain involved at all, where as regular massage may hurt as the muscles are being working to loosen them up. The kneading action of traditional massage can sometimes be painful so, this is a great alternative.

The type of stone massage can vary depending on the therapist and the patient. The therapist will evaluate the patient's needs and tailor the therapy as needed. Basalt stones are the stones that are used as they can keep the heat in them for the length of the massage. These stones are usually heated up to 120 degrees before they are used.

Once the stones have been heated they are then placed strategically on the parts of the body that need to benefit the most. Usually body parts such as the arms and legs will require the lighter stones where as the heavier stones will be placed on the torso. The ones that are placed on the torso are usually 3 to 5 pound stones as they can penetrate the heat better to the thicker muscles.

The therapist will then take each stone and work it into the muscles by rubbing it where the problem areas are. Now keep in mind that the hot stone therapy does not require the massaging of the stones. You can simply place the stones in the areas of need and let the heat do the rest of the work.

If you suffer with back problems or stiff muscles then this may be just the thing for you. Talk with a massage therapist and see if a hot stone massage is a good option for you and your body.

To learn more about the benefits of a hot stone massage visit http://www.full-body-massage-therapy.com , a popular website devoted to massage techniques that can relieve stress and loosen muscles. You'll find out about the many benefits of massage therapy, and also get information on picking out a qualified massage therapist.

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