Thursday, July 14, 2011

Therapeutic Massage Newport Beach

Therapeutic Massage Newport Beach also goes by the name of massage therapy. It offers an approach that is more than just providing relaxation and a typical massage of this type will involve the manipulation of soft tissue and muscles. Massage therapy is useful in a number of applications such as for different types of injuries, regardless whether it is a sports related injury or an injury such as whiplash that is accident related, as well as for other conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, postural problems and even repetitive strain injury.

Massage is certainly one of the most natural and oldest methods used to heal the mind and body. The benefit of having a regular massage is immeasurable, however it can include relieving tension, reducing stress, improving circulation and even helping with lymphatic flow as well as relaxing muscles that are sore and tense. Many masseurs will use oil when they perform massage therapy and the oil they typically use will be a cold-pressed oil that is vegetable based, such as sweet almond oil which can easily be absorbed into the skin making it soft and smooth.

The main massage movements are based on Swedish massage techniques, the original style that is the source of most modern massage therapies: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and tapotement (tapping). Effleurage means long, smooth, stroking movements that are relaxing and warm up the muscles, petrissage means "kneading" the muscles to work deeper into tense areas. Friction and tapping are more localized techniques to increase blood flow to the tense area.



If you have back, neck or shoulder problems, therapeutic massage provides a great way to get some relief. The massage therapist is able to focus on areas of the body that are most affected by tension, and even with a full body massage they will be able to pay special attention to your back and neck. Tension in the neck can often lead to headaches, so relieving this stiffness can be an excellent natural healing method for anyone who suffers from tension headaches.

Typically a session with a massage therapist will begin with the consultation. It is during the consultation that the therapist will be able to question the client regarding various aspects of their health, including the details of any illnesses or injuries, both past and present, as well as lifestyle issues, particularly those dealing with diet or exercise. A consultation with the professional massage therapist is a crucial part of the treatment process, especially when it is a client's first visit with that particular therapist. While just one massage will often be enough to provide relief for many health issues as well as provide necessary relaxation, oftentimes a course of massage treatments will be recommended for treating health problems. After having the initial consultation and treatment session, the therapist will be better able to explain to their client a course of treatment and the number of sessions that will probably be necessary.

Many massage therapists are trained in several different styles, and may combine techniques from a variety of massage traditions: Swedish massage, deep tissue (sports) massage, aromatherapy, shiatsu, Thai massage or acupressure. If the masseur or masseuse is trained in different modalities, s/he might use several or just one or two of them during a treatment, depending on the client's needs.

Everyone can benefit from getting therapeutic massage, even if you do not suffer from any specific health conditions. It can help to loosen up tight muscles, to increase body awareness, to relieve stress and tension in the body and the mind, and to help relaxation. A regular massage, even if it is just once a month, can help to prevent stress and to maintain a general feeling of well-being.