Massage therapy involves the touch manipulation of soft tissues, primarily muscles. Among the most common forms of muscular massage therapy are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and sports massage. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "scientific evidence on massage is limited," and "scientists are not yet certain what changes occur in the body during a massage, whether they influence health, and, if so, how."
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most recognizable style of massage therapy and includes vigorous movements designed to increase blood flow to the muscles. During the massage, your therapist may use a combination of gliding, kneading, rolling and tapping movements as well as effleurage and petrissage techniques.
MassageTherapy.com cites that the benefits of Swedish massage include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage involves techniques for massaging the sub-layer of muscles and fascia. The therapist may massage with her knuckles, fist, forearm or elbow to administer pressure on localized areas of muscle tension.
According to MassageTherapy.com, deep tissue massage helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation as well as reducing inflammation caused by arthritis and tendinitis. Because problems can arise from too much pressure, tell your therapist if you experience pain during your massage.
Trigger Point
Trigger point is a therapeutic modality designed to control myofascial pain and dysfunction. During the treatment session, your therapist uses pressure point techniques to address knots in the muscle tissue. MassageTherapy.com notes that trigger point therapy can reduce your level of pain and can increase range of motion, strength and endurance of affected muscles.
The Mayo Clinic website recommends inquiring about the level of training and certification of a potential massage therapist prior to trigger point therapy.
Sports Massage
Sports massage combines Swedish, deep tissue and trigger point techniques. To enhance athletic performance, the massage therapist offers treatments at various stages of competition and training.
MassageTherapy.com indicates that a stimulating pre-event massage establishes blood flow to warm up muscles and as a calming post-event massage flushes wastes from your muscles. Additionally, restorative massages between competitions can release muscle tension and correct muscle imbalances.
Medical Considerations
"Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low platelet counts and by people taking blood thinning medications," reports the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
"Massage should not be done on any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, weakened bones or where there has been a recent surgery," the center advises. Side effects of massage therapy can include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling and a sensitivity to massage oils.
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