The first question when scheduling a massage is what kind of massage do I need? There are three general types of massage: Relaxation (Swedish), Therapeutic (Treatment) and Deep Tissue. At Centering Massage we define the three as:
Relaxation: Rhythmic strokes bringing lots of love to the body
This type of massage is for traumatized or stressed people that need to get their brain to shut down before their body will ever shut down. The rhythmic strokes relax the brain the muscles follow allowing the LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) to add a little more pressure to upper shoulders and low back and voila…you’re relaxed and sleeping! It is perfect for people wanting to reconnect with their whole body and doze off while getting their massage.
Therapeutic: Middle of the road. Deeper relaxation and more focused massage
Because of the length of time between massages or ergonomics the LMT needs to work the different muscle groups to get them to work synergistically with each other. Once the LMT gets the muscles and nerve proprioceptors to cooperate with each other, the muscle relaxes. The LMT generally uses a bit of Deep Tissue to further set the muscles and nerves but finishes with relaxing effleurage strokes to remove the toxins. This massage will help retrain the body to release on its own or to release very quickly when it comes back to the massage table.
Deep Tissue: Not relaxation at all. Straight to the point
In this massage, the LMT overrides the nerve proprioceptors in the muscles by forcing them to release by using heavier pressure. It’s great for muscle cramps but is generally temporary as the body does not get retrained to release itself but instead wants to increase its strength against the LMT on returning visits. I only recommend Deep Tissue massage for those clients with muscle spasms or bodybuilders as they are constantly contracting their muscles keeping a low grade muscle spasm. Deep Tissue is never used throughout the body in one session.
Note for bodybuilders: if you do not stretch after workouts your body will consistently remain hypertonic pulling the body into itself and an LMT will have very little results from giving you a massage. You have to do your part in consistent stretching.
I recommend Therapeutic with Deep Tissue massage for those needing deeper work and Swedish/relaxation for those who are needing to be reconnected throughout their body or are extremely stressed or traumatized.
About the Author:
Connie Weisel
Founder of Centering Massage 2002
LMT & Owner
Connie has personally given thousands of massages that included medical, insurance work, PIP’s (auto accidents) and relaxation. She is excited to share what she has observed, learned and mastered in the massage room.
Voted Best of Central Kitsap Massage Therapist 2013 & Small Business of the Year Award 2016