Alternatives To Massage Therapy

Traditional massage therapy incorporates a variety of hands-on movements to relieve pain and muscle tension and to promote relaxation. However, massage therapy is not the only way to experience these positive effects. There are alternatives to massage therapy that have similar health and wellness benefits.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world and is part of traditional Chinese medicine. The term acupuncture describes a variety of procedures involving stimulation of certain body parts but the most common form is with needles. Licensed practitioners use their hands or electronic stimulation to penetrate your skin with thin, solid metallic needles to restore and help maintain your health. American practitioners of acupuncture incorporate healing traditions from China, Korea, Japan and other countries that achieve a balanced state by unblocking the flow of vital energy in various pathways of the body to prevent disease. There are few negative side effects or risks of acupuncture but you are advised to only receive treatment from a licensed therapist.

Chiropractic

The American Chiropractic Association defines chiropractic as a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system and the effects of those disorders on your health. Generally, chiropractic treats pain in your neck, back, and the joints of your arms and legs. Treatment involves a pain-free, hands-on approach called spinal manipulation or spinal adjustment. The purpose of this treatment is to restore joint mobility by manually applying controlled force to those joints that have become immobile and thereby cause you pain.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses fragrances or aromas like jasmine, rose and basil to rejuvenate your body and reawaken your mind and spirit. Aromas or scents are inhaled through your nose and register in a section of your brain called the limbic system. This part of your brain controls your moods, emotions, memory and learning and can react with the aromas to encourage emotional wellbeing and pleasant memories. Aromatherapy is most often practiced at home with incense sticks, plants, flowers and candles that also make great decorations. Professional aromatherapists select oils that best suit you physically and mentally. If you want the oils massaged into your skin, they are mixed with carrier oils to provide lubrication; otherwise, they are poured into small jars for you to inhale as you lie on a massage table.

Trigger point therapy

Trigger points exist throughout our body but unless activated, they do not cause any problems. There are three types of trigger points, as evidenced by research from the American Pain Foundation. Hot spots are points that are injured and very sore to the touch. Satellites are points that are sore but manageable, and latent spots are sore to the touch but do not cause pain otherwise. A trigger point therapist works to release pain and erase the trigger points from your muscle memory. The therapist applies pressure directly to the site for a short period of time, usually a few seconds. The applied pressure breaks up your muscle fibers and releases toxins that were built up in those muscles. With continued treatment, muscle fibers will begin to repair themselves and eventually return to their natural, relaxed state. Be prepared to experience some pain or soreness after treatments that will subside as your muscles relax.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga therapy is both a doctor’s visit and a stretching class. After reviewing your medical history and current ailments, a yoga therapist puts together a series of physical poses, mediation techniques and breathing exercises to address your needs. According to Gaiam Life online, this series of custom yoga poses will change according to your progress and level of comfort. Over time, yoga therapy teaches your body, mind and spirit to work as a single unit to increase strength and flexibility, reduce stress, ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.