Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can offer an alternative to risky procedures like surgery by targeting tissues in areas in your body. Some aches you can relieve include those in your shoulders, neck, legs, arms, or other parts.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a form of alternative medicine that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body through various massage techniques.

Massage therapists use their hands, forearms, elbows, and sometimes feet to knead muscles and loosen adhesions. They often work on muscle groups that are adjacent to each other.

For example, they may work on the quadriceps (thigh) muscle group one day. And the hamstring (back of the thigh) muscle group the next day.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy

Health benefits of massage therapy for patients include:

Improved circulation
Increased range of motion
Reduced pain and swelling
Improve sleep quality
Reduce stress levels
Lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Massages are an excellent way to improve relaxation, reduce anxiety, and aid in the treatment of various health conditions.

Call 208-991-2684 to learn more about our chiropractic massage therapy treatment options.

What Are Different Types of Massages?

Various massage techniques include:

Swedish massage
Deep tissue massage
Trigger point massage
Sports massage

A Swedish massage is a gentle massage that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements. This technique relaxes muscles and improves circulation.

Deep tissue massage is a more intense form of massage. It targets knots and releases tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Massage therapists often use it to address specific issues such as chronic pain or recovery from injury.

A trigger point massage is a type of massage that uses pressure points to relieve pain. Massage specialists frequently use it with other therapies, such as acupuncture or physical therapy.

Sports massages help athletes prepare their bodies for peak performance and to help them recover from strenuous activity. Therapists will manipulate and knead joints and muscles.

How to Prepare for a Massage Therapy Session

You will want to prepare for a massage therapy session by following various tips. First, you will want to ensure you eat a light meal and hydrate yourself at least 1 hour in advance. The former tip will help prevent your stomach from rumbling during your session. Meanwhile, the latter helps soften your muscles and make them easier to manipulate.

You will also want to dress in loose clothing. Doing so will help you stay relaxed before and after your massage session. Ensure you arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment begins. This gives you time to fill out health questionnaires.

You will want to explain your issue in depth to your massage specialist during your initial appointment. From there, they will devise an optimal treatment plan and determine the best technique to use.

How Often Should I Get a Massage?

Your frequency of getting a massage depends on your situation. In some cases, you will need massages weekly. While in others, you should get them bi-weekly.

When speaking to your massage therapist, they will suggest how often you should come in to treat your symptoms.

Each massage therapy session will last at least, on average, 60 minutes.

Massages offer a low-risk alternative treatment for muscle tension, bad blood flow, and other symptoms.

While getting a massage, you may want to consider trying our other services, like:

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