We Specialize in The Most Popular Types of Massage

Hippocrates first wrote about the healing benefits of therapeutic massage as a tool for the modern-day physician. He observed that massage would promote health, increase muscle tone, improve flexibility and mobility, and aid in the flushing out of waste.  Massage has come a long way since the days of Hippocrates.

Did you know that there are now almost 70 different types of therapeutic massage?

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular types of massages, the benefits of each, and which one is right for you.

What is a Therapeutic Massage?

Despite dozens of types of massage, in general, a massage will involve the movement of the skin, fascia, muscles, and tendons in order to promote a relaxed sensation and promote healing effects in specific areas or systems.

The movement or pressure that your clinical massage therapist will use depends on your comfort level, the issue that is being resolved, and the type of massage.

Types of Massage and Their Benefits

While there may be over 70 different ways to get a massage, in our office we specialize in the seven most popular types of massage:

Swedish Massage

The most popular of massage options in both chiropractic offices and spas, a Swedish massage is the most appropriate massage for the greatest number of people. Swedish massages can address a variety of general complaints such as neck and shoulder stiffness from typing all day.

It focuses on long and soft strokes. There is pressure but it’s not firm like a deep tissue or sports massage, which we’ll discuss below. The goal of a Swedish massage is to restore circulation of blood and oxygen while promoting detoxification and tension release.

Deep Tissue Massage

The next most popular type of massage is a deep tissue massage. As the name implies, this type of massage targets the deepest layers of muscle and connective tissue.

Similar to a Swedish massage in that multiple issues can be addressed, a deep tissue massage focuses more on deep and firm pressure. For some, the pressure can be a bit uncomfortable at first. If you find that the pressure is too much, let the therapist know so they can adjust to your comfort level.

Sports Massage

It’s easy to mistake a sports massage for a deep tissue massage. Both use firm pressure, focusing on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue but that’s where the similarities end.

A sports massage addresses aches, pain and injuries that are associated with sports or repetitive physical activities with both massage and stretching. This combination helps to alleviate the tight, overused muscles and increase total body relaxation, getting you ready for your next workout or game.

Trigger Point Therapy Massage

Have you ever had a sharp pain or spasm that starts in one part of your body and shoots to another part? This type of pain is caused by trigger points, which are extremely tight areas. They are usually found in parts of your body that are prone to tension such as your neck and shoulders.

Trigger point massages combine deep breathing with alternating levels of pressure – going from soft to firm – with the goal of releasing these areas of tension.

Pre-Natal (Pregnancy) Massage

Motherhood can be an exciting and wonderful time in a woman’s life but expecting mothers can experience a heightened level of both physical and mental stress. Anxiety, fatigue, and mood swings can be common, but massage therapy can help to reduce this.

A pre-natal massage focuses on the most common issues during pregnancy. Your therapist will target your legs, back, and neck, allowing you to move with more comfort. Pre-natal massage is also ideal for improving circulation, which can be helpful for both mother and baby.

Studies show that women who get pre-natal massages report decreased levels of depression, anxiety and back pain. ^[1]

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Our lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that contain lymph, which is made up of water, proteins, and waste products from cell metabolism. A manual lymphatic drainage massage helps to breakup any areas where lymph is building and move it along to be properly processed.

This type of massage focuses on a combination of soft, gliding movements while stretching and cupping. It does not involve firm pressure as the idea is to stimulate the lymphatic system without putting too much pressure on the vessels as this can cause a buildup of lymph.

Myofascial Release Massage

Do you have an overly tight muscle that restricts your movement? Maybe it’s around the area you had a surgery or experienced an old sports injury. When muscles are so tight that they restrict your movement, you’ll want to get a myofascial release massage.

This type of massage focuses on restoring proper movement between muscle groups by using steady pressure for several minutes at a time directly at the problem area. This amount of time allows the muscle groups to completely soften and stretch out, promoting improved movement patterns.

Each Clinical Massage Therapist has a Unique Style

Each type of massage requires its own repertoire of techniques, requiring additional seminars and technique specific classes each year to master these techniques.

Massage therapists focus on learning different techniques for eliciting different effects on the body, depending on what the goal of therapy is.

Generally, the therapist will develop his or her own style from a variety of different massage types; each massage therapist has a unique style.

With over 750 hours of massage instruction as a foundation, our massage therapists go on to learn even more specific or stylized types of massage.

 

Your Massage Therapy Team at Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center

You will benefit from our diverse team of expert, highly experienced and licensed Chicago massage therapists. We provide you with 30-minute, 60-minute, and 90-minute physician-directed massages.

At Ravenswood Chiropractic, we have both male and female massage therapists so if you have a preference, please let us know when you schedule your massage.

Schedule Your Massage Today

 

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

It ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. Generally speaking, getting a massage once every 3-8 weeks can help you maintain your balance, keep stress levels low, and promote overall health and well-being. Regular massages are recommended if you suffer from chronic pain or muscle tension, and this may be at an increased frequency if symptoms flare up. Some people may benefit from more frequent visits – for example, athletes or individuals with higher levels of physical activity. Ultimately, the frequency is decided based on individual circumstances and desired results.

What Are the Benefits of Regular Massage Therapy?

Regular massage can benefit your overall health in many ways. It can help lower stress and cortisol levels, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, boost the immune system, and alleviate pain. Massage also releases endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good hormones – which can improve mood. Additionally, regular sessions can help you stay relaxed and improve your sleep quality.

What Conditions Can Massage Help With?

Massage is known to reduce stress and tension, alleviate pain, help manage depression and anxiety, and improve circulation. Massage can also benefit medical conditions like TMJ disorder, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, high blood pressure, and headaches. Whether you have one of these conditions or just need an escape from the stress of everyday life, a massage session could potentially help you benefit from improved well-being.

Do Different Forms of Massage Have Different Frequency Requirements?

Yes, the frequency may vary depending on the type of massage you choose. Swedish massage is best suited for those looking for an overall sense of relaxation and rehabilitation and can usually be done as frequently as once a week. On the other hand, if you’re looking to increase mobility or reduce chronic pain, deep tissue massage tends to work best when done once every two weeks, or so your body can do the healing needed in between. Sports massage is often recommended before sporting events as well as after them, but not necessarily regularly.

Get the Most From Your Massage Therapy Treatment

When visiting a massage therapist, communication is critical. Let your provider know how you’re feeling, and make sure to provide feedback during your treatment. For example, provide direction on pressure, pinpoint areas of concern and trouble spots, and give updates if pain begins to shift or becomes more intense at any point during the session. Good communication is essential for achieving optimal results from your massage!

Starting With Gentle Pressure Yields Better Results When It Comes To Healing Muscle Pain

If you haven’t received massage therapy for over a month, it is recommended to opt for a lighter pressure on your muscles until your body gradually grows accustomed to it. It’s essential to take the gradual approach if it has been a while since your last session, starting with lighter pressure and increasing the intensity over time in multiple appointments. Each successive massage can include a more targeted and deeper therapeutic massage that relieves muscle soreness. Massage therapy is one of the best ways to relieve sore and tight muscles. With consistent massage therapy treatment, you can enjoy ongoing muscle pain relief.

Tips If You Are You Currently In Pain

Are you seeking massage therapy in Chicago to help treat an active health issue or are you in pain? We suggest scheduling one massage every week to receive the most effective healing benefits. Often, two or three sessions are enough to assist with general conditions. However, if you don’t feel any improvement by then, we advise contacting a chiropractor or other qualified healthcare provider in your area for an evaluation. At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, our licensed chiropractors provide complimentary consultations, so you know which treatments will benefit you best.

A Few Final Tips for Optimal Health and Wellness Through Massage

Whatever type of massage you choose, physical medicine experts agree that consistent massages are best for optimal health and wellness. By taking the time to invest in your physical and mental health regularly, you will reap the benefits of massage therapy in no time. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek advice from one of our licensed massage therapists or chiropractic physicians if you need guidance in finding the right kind of massage for your needs.

Ready for a Massage?

Our licensed Chicago massage therapists have a reputation in Andersonville and the surrounding Chicago neighborhood’s for providing highly skilled massages that get results you are looking for.

Our clinical massage therapists provide massages that not only address your area of complaint, but also enhance your general wellness. Call us today at 773.878.7330 or contact us for more information on incorporating massage into your treatment or wellness plan.

References

1. Field T. Pregnancy and labor massage. Expert Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;5(2):177-181. doi:10.1586/eog.10.12.