What Is Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is manipulation of soft tissues. A massage therapist who is properly trained can apply pressure by using fingers, elbows (forearms), hands, knees, or feet.

Well-designed research supports the benefits of massaging in reducing anxiety, stress and pain. It is also known to boost the immune systems and help with fibromyalgia.

Swedish

Temecula massage places true technique promotes relaxation for the whole body. Your massage practitioner will use long, smooth strokes either with one hand or both. This is called effleurage. It is the first stroke used to warm up muscles, relax the nervous system and increase circulation.

It opens blood vessels and improves blood flow. This reduces muscle strain and releases toxins. It also stimulates the production of serotonin and oxytocin hormones which improve mood by stabilizing it and helping to lower the release of cortisol, the stress hormone.

It's important to inform your massage therapist of any specific areas you would like addressed. These can include pain management, releasing knots (also known as adhesions), or flexibility goals. Your massage specialist will be able adjust the pressure level based on what you need.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage works on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues. It focuses to realign the deep layers, muscles, tendons or fascia using finger pressure.

This type of massage may be uncomfortable or painful at times. It's important to communicate with your therapist if you feel that the treatment is going beyond your pain threshold.

Tight muscles can lead to poor circulation. Regular massage relieves tension and improves circulation. Massage boosts the production "feel good" neurons like serotonin or dopamine. It can help to reduce the symptoms caused by fibromyalgia. It can also alleviate the tightness and stiffness associated with muscle spasms.

Sports

A sports massage is a bodywork technique geared toward athletes. It uses many Swedish, deep-tissue and stretching methods to improve athletic performance and reduce injury.

Sports massage increases range of movement and flexibility. It also prevents injuries, by keeping muscles supple. It helps reduce lactic build-up and speeds up the elimination of waste products by the body. It also increases circulation which decreases the likelihood of muscle tears.

Depending upon the intention of the massage, (pre-events, post-events, or maintenance) as well as the athlete's requirements, different methods are used. Examples include effleurage, petrissage (two handed kneading), percussive strokes and cupping. This type of massage is beneficial for athletes of every kind, from top-level professionals to weekend joggers. It's a vital part of their training regime.

Trigger Point

A myofascial trigger point is an irritating spot within a tight band of skeletal tissue, ligaments, or fascia. Referred pain is believed to be caused by these tight spots.

Massage therapists will use a number of techniques, including friction, sustained pressure or micro-stripping, to release knots. They will start by pressing the area with their fingers and thumbs, then massage with a steady pressure. The pressure will be gradually increased until it becomes uncomfortable, but never painful.

When the pressure on the nerve is released, a chemical reaction occurs that increases the permeability and nitric-oxide release of the tiny blood vessel called capillaries. This helps to break the cycle between pain, spasms, and pain.

Myofascial Unwinding

The fascia surrounds and penetrates every nerve, bone, blood vessel and organ in the human body. If your fascia becomes too thick or tight it can restrict your movement, cause you pain and limit the range of motion.

During the myofascial work and craniosacral treatment, the client may 'unwind'. It is a spontaneous movement which occurs when the fascia or muscles begin to loosen. This movement can be accompanied either by emotions or memories. It is a self correcting process.

Myofascial release is a hands-on skin treatment that is performed without lotions or oils. The therapist applies their hands to fascia while the client relaxes. The therapist will gently press the fascia to soften and stretch it back to its normal wavy shape.