Performed by a Physiotherapist, massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate muscles and other soft tissues in the body.
Massage works in various ways:
- It relaxes and refreshes tired or knotted muscles
- It increases blood circulation
- It stimulates deep circulation, both of blood and lymph which helps your body to heal, and generally work more efficiently
- It encourages your body to produce endorphins - the natural chemicals in your body that make you feel happy
Types of massage therapy
- Therapeutic massage: Often used to treat muscle pain, injury, and stiffness. This type of massage is aimed at releasing tense and painful muscle knots that are often associated with physical discomfort, stress, and headaches.
- Sports massage: Often used by athletes, sports massage is used to assist in athletic training. This type of massage is focused on preparing muscles for intense training. Additionally, sports massage is used to help the muscles recover after intense performance or injury.
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Swedish massage: Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage therapy and is meant to help relax the body and mind. It involves a total body massage where a person lies on the massage table while the massage therapist slowly works through different muscle groups. Swedish massage also helps circulate blood flow, relieve mental stress, and reduce muscle pain and tension.
