Therapeutic massage is sometimes called "massage therapy". Its approach is more than simply relaxing, and a typical treatment involves manipulations of muscles and other soft tissue. Massage therapy can be used in several conditions including injuries (such as sports injuries or accident-related whiplash), chronic pain, repetitive strain injury, arthritis and postural problems. Therapeutic Massage Laguna Niguel
Massage is certainly one of the most natural and oldest methods used to heal the mind and body. The benefit of having a regular massage is immeasurable, however it can include relieving tension, reducing stress, improving circulation and even helping with lymphatic flow as well as relaxing muscles that are sore and tense. Many masseurs will use oil when they perform massage therapy and the oil they typically use will be a cold-pressed oil that is vegetable based, such as sweet almond oil which can easily be absorbed into the skin making it soft and smooth.
The main massage techniques used are based on those found in Swedish massage which is the original style and the source of almost every other type of modern massage therapy: petrissage, friction, vibration, effleurage and tapotement (or tapping). Petrissage means "kneading" and in this method the muscles are kneaded to get deep into areas that are tense while the effleurage method includes stroking movements that are long and smooth and designed to warm up and relax the muscles. Friction and tapping are techniques that are more localized and are used to increase the flow of blood to the areas that are tense.
If you suffer from neck and shoulder pain or back problems, therapeutic massage is an easy way to get relief. A massage therapist can focus on the areas of most tension in the body, and even in a full body massage special attention can be paid to the back and the neck. Neck tension can also lead to headaches, and releasing stiffness in this area is an excellent natural remedy for tension headaches.
Typically a session with a massage therapist will start with a consultation. In this consultation the therapist will generally ask the client some questions regarding their health, including details pertaining to any injuries, any illnesses the client has suffered either currently or in the past, as well as lifestyle issues, especially as they relate to diet and exercise. This consultation comprises a very important factor in the overall treatment, especially if this is the first time you have sought treatment from this particular therapist. Even though a single massage will often provide help with many health problems as well as offering great relaxation, a regular course of massages is often recommended for treating most health problems. Once the consultation and first treatment are finished, the therapist should be able to explain how many sessions will likely be necessary.
There are many massage therapists who have been trained in various different styles of massage and they might combine these different techniques from different massage traditions, such as Swedish massage, shiatsu, deep tissue or sports massage, aromatherapy, acupressure or Thai massage. If the massage therapist has been trained in various methods, they will often make use of one, two or even more of these modalities during a single treatment session, depending on what their client needs.
Everyone can derive benefit from a therapeutic massage, even when they are not suffering from a specific health problem. It can help relax and loosen tight muscles, increase body awareness, relieve tension and stress throughout the body as well as mentally, and it can provide a more relaxed state. Regular massage treatments even if they are only once a month, will help prevent stress and maintain an overall feeling of wellness.


