Recent estimates show that massage therapy has grown to become a $16 billion industry and is continuing to grow. No longer considered a fringe or alternative mode of treatment, massage therapy is widely thought of as an effective service – often used in tandem with other treatments as part of a multifaceted approach to healing.
The National Institutes of Health reports that massage therapy can do everything from reducing back pain to increasing the quality of life for people with depression, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and beyond.
Massage Therapy Treatments
There is a multitude of massage types, and the variety that is best suited to you will depend on your unique needs.
Swedish Massage
Stress is a common part of everyday life thanks to the ever-increasing demands placed on us by work, social obligations, and taking care of the family. However, stress can wreak havoc on the body, leading to reduced immune response, chronic muscle tension, a spike in blood pressure – and, if left untreated, it can also lead to heart attacks, kidney disease, and even cancer.
To help alleviate chronic stress, Swedish massage has been shown to offer deep relaxation, reduce pain, improve flexibility, and even help with joint stiffness. By decreasing levels of cortisol – the body’s stress hormone – Swedish massage can trigger long-lasting feelings of calm.
Deep Tissue Massage
Those who have sustained injuries due to accidents, sports, or general wear-and-tear are all too familiar with the discomfort that can follow. In a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will harness slow, forceful strokes to target deep layers of muscle and connective tissue.
Precision Neuromuscular Therapy
Athletes and those looking to restore muscle length, and gain greater flexibility, may want to try precision neuromuscular therapy (PNMT).
Whereas most types of physical therapy have the ultimate goal of relaxation or the reduction of pain, PNMT involves the physical therapist first conducting a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the cause of the pain. The therapist will then perform specific soft-tissue massage to address the issue.
Tension Headache Massage
Tension headaches are a common occurrence for many – developing when anxiety, depression, skipped meals, eye strain, medications, lack of sleep, or intense work trigger a contracting of the neck, face, and jaw muscles. Massage can be an effective therapy for relieving this pressure.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
One type of massage technique that has gained popularity in recent years is lymphatic drainage massage. Patients who have undergone surgeries or have experienced damage to the lymph nodes can experience a buildup of unwanted, toxic fluids in the body. This is because the lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating the body’s waste and toxins.
Your massage therapist can employ the use of gentle pressure to move waste fluids away from affected areas. This will help facilitate proper circulation, thereby drawing a rich blood supply to damaged, stiff, or tense muscles.
Massage Therapist in Northeast Ohio
Like a fresh start for the body, massage therapy can help reinforce healthy movements and foster proper blood flow. You’ll feel better and look lengthened after leaving the massage table.
Whether you’re seeking some much-needed relaxation – or that sports-related injury is causing you persistent pain – a trip to the massage therapist may be exactly what you need. Utilizing a variety of techniques, the highly trained massage therapists at Suburban Physical Therapy can help mitigate your musculoskeletal discomfort to help you feel like yourself again.
Schedule your consultation to discover what massage therapy can do for you. Call our Brecksville office today at (440) 746-1730 or Twinsburg at (330) 963-2920, or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to helping you put a spring back in your step!
