Massage: types and benefits

Have you wondered if massage therapy might compliment your chiropractic care? Or felt curious about what massage is or what it does, and how it might help?

Massage therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues, including the muscles, fascia, fibrous tissues, ligaments, and tendons. Examples include myofascial release, myotherapy, remedial massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, traditional Chinese massage, and relaxation massage. Understanding the different types can help you make solid therapeutic decisions.

Myofascial release has a specific meaning; ‘myo’ refers to muscle, and fascia to fascia, the thin layer that covers tissues, including muscle. Think of fascia like the body’s cling wrap; if it becomes thickened and sticky, the tissue beneath can struggle to work well. So, myofascial release aims to smooth and free troublesome muscle and fascia.

Myotherapy, according to the Australian Natural Therapists Association, is a “physical therapy designed to prevent, treat and manage musculoskeletal pain and associated pathologies.”
Remedial massage, remedial means to remedy or rectify − so it’s used to treat damaged, immobile, or tight muscles.

Deep tissue massage emphasises slow, firm, and targeted strokes to unlock deeper tissue layers. Sports massage focuses on people who exercise, especially athletes. This approach aims to improve flexibility, avoid damage, and aid healing following injury.

Traditional Chinese massage uses physical techniques with a view to sparking improved blood vessel and nerve function, and whole-body health.

Relaxation massage is, as its name suggests, relaxing. The other approaches centre on working tissues toward better function, but relaxation massage shifts the focus from body to mind. With flowing strokes, kneading, and pain-free motions, it soothes stress and promotes mental ease. While this is pleasant and beneficial, it likely won’t be sufficient to treat a physical problem.

Still curious? Ask us whether massage therapy is right for you. If it is, we can provide advice about the right type to best suit your needs.