Why You Might Need Massage Therapy
While a relaxation massage can help anyone feel good, there are reasons you might need (or want) massage therapy. Studies show that massage therapy targeted at offering pain relief and reducing soreness and muscle tension, it can help improve physical and mental wellbeing for people suffering from a range of conditions, including
Types of Massage Therapy You Can Receive at Cima Health
Not all massage therapy is the same, and not every form of massage will be right for you, your physical condition, and your needs. Before you get a massage at Cima Health, we will ask you questions about your physical health, areas of pain, and more. If you are suffering from pain, we may advise you to seek a chiropractic care assessment.
All in One Place
You can get chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy all in one day! Massage therapy is part of an integrative care plan for our patients, but of course, can also be a way to pamper yourself. It all depends on your needs and the type of massage therapy we recommend.
Here are the main types of massage we provide:
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is a form of therapeutic massage, also known as medical massage. Some people call it neuro massage therapy or neuromuscular therapy. While it goes by many names, it means one thing. The massage therapist focuses on reaching the nerve level.
As such, it is a form of massage well-suited to help relieve pain from:
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome / wrist pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Calf cramps
- Hip, knee, and jaw pain
- And more
Benefits of Neuromuscular Massage
- Pain relief
- Release of trigger points
- Increased flexibility
- Increased energy
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved posture
- Reduced stress – as a result of pain relief
Neuromuscular Massage FAQs
1. What is neuromuscular massage?
We think we answered that above, but you can contact us if you have specific questions.
2. How is neuromuscular massage different from deep tissue massage?
Neuromuscular massage focuses on the nerves, while deep tissue massage focuses on the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a full-body therapeutic massage where the massage therapist uses firm pressure and slow strokes to massage the deep layers of your muscles, tendons, and connective tissues (fascia). It is suitable only for people with a medium to high pain tolerance.
This type of massage is a useful massage therapy technique to break up scar tissue and break down muscle adhesions (the knots you may get in your muscles). It’s a go-to technique to help with musculoskeletal issues such as chronic pain and fibromyalgia as well as sports injuries.
Sports massage is a kind of deep-tissue massage that targets the area of injury rather than the whole body.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
- Pain relief
- Trigger point release
- Increased mobility
- Lower blood pressure
Deep Tissue Massage FAQs
1. What should I do after a deep tissue massage?
Since deep tissue massage can cause some soreness, it’s important to stay hydrated, use heat therapy or a topical treatment, and do some gentle stretching.
2. How is neuromuscular massage different from deep tissue massage?
Neuromuscular massage focuses on the nerves, while deep tissue massage focuses on the muscles, tendons, and connective tissues.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the type of massage you think of when you’re thinking about a day at the spa. It’s probably the most common form of massage, and it focuses on relaxation and energizing you. The massage therapists will use several forms of therapeutic touch, including:
- Kneading
- Tapping
- Percussion
- Rolling
The massage therapist will use massage oil to protect your skin from uncomfortable friction. Swedish massage is a great form of self-care and a way to pamper yourself. Consider booking a massage before or after your aesthetic treatments.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
- Relaxation
- Reduced muscle tension
- Reduced stress
- Improved circulation
- Increased flexibility
- Improved posture
Swedish Massage FAQs
1. Can you tell me the difference of Swedish massage vs deep tissue massage?
Swedish massage is much gentler than deep tissue massage and is more focused on helping you relax, de-stress, and detoxify.
2. What should I wear to a Swedish massage?
To get the full effect of a full-body Swedish massage, you can choose to disrobe completely or keep underwear on. You will be covered with a sheet while the massage therapist focuses on your upper body, and then they will cover your upper body as they focus on your lower body. If you are uncomfortable with disrobing, you can wear light, loose clothing.
Prenatal Massage
Your body is experiencing a lot of changes and you can expect to feel some aches and pains. And with all sorts of changes in hormones, it’s especially important that you ramp up your self-care routine. Making time for a massage can make all the difference in how you feel during your pregnancy. How far along you are in your pregnancy and what kind of pain you’re experiencing will determine how often you should get a massage.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
- Pain relief
- Reduced swelling
- Stress relief
- Decreased depression
- Regulated hormones
- Improved circulation
Prenatal Massage FAQs
1. Are prenatal massages safe?
Yes, in most instances. You may wish to confirm with your doctor before scheduling. You’ll lie on your side on the massage table, with cushioning to support you, rather than be in the typical face-down position for a traditional massage. We use very gentle techniques and are especially careful in your leg, breast, and belly areas.
2. What areas do you avoid during prenatal massage, and why?
We avoid working IT bands to reduce the possibility of premature induction.
Induction Massage
You may feel ready to have your baby, but your baby has a mind of its own. In this situation, induction massage can help you feel better and help your body send signals to the baby that it’s time to make their way into the world. It can help induce labor naturally in full-term or late-term pregnancies. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines term pregnancy this way:
- Early term: 37 0/7 weeks through 38 6/7 weeks
- Full term: 39 0/7 weeks through 40 6/7 weeks
- Late term: 41 0/7 weeks through 41 6/7 weeks
- Post-term: 42 0/7 weeks and beyond
For the safety of you and your baby, we would only schedule you for induction massage if you were at 39 weeks or later in your pregnancy. While there is no guarantee an induction massage can induce labor, it does help prepare you for giving birth.
By focusing on acupressure points, an induction massage can:
- Help release your sacrum and pelvic area to create more space for your baby to come into this world.
- Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system to promote the start of labor.
- Decrease stress and increase natural Oxytocin (the primary hormone that stimulates contractions and stimulates milk production.
- Helps you to relax and focus on what your body is designed to do at this time.
Benefits of Induction Massage
The primary benefit of induction massage is that it can help you go into labor naturally, and welcome your baby into the world. You can schedule an induction massage at 39-40 weeks.
The other benefits of induction massage are that your body and mind are prepared to do what you need to do to deliver your baby. This can help shorten labor and reduce pain, making delivery a less stressful time for you and your loved ones.
Induction Massage FAQs
You may still have questions. Here we answer the most common questions.
1. Is labor induction massage safe?
Yes, as long as you are at full term. The massage therapist focuses on acupressure points on your hands, lower leg, feet, and base of your spine.
2. Does induction massage really work?
As we stated above, there is no guarantee that induction massage will trigger labor. However, there are thousands of women who say it is the only thing that helped them start labor naturally. At the very least, the massage will help you feel more relaxed as you get ready for the newest member of your family to arrive.
What to Do After Massage Therapy
to Make the Benefits Last Longer
To truly make the benefits of massage last longer, you may want to rethink your lifestyle. Increase your self-care and schedule regular massages. Whether you’re a busy mom who needs to schedule some “me time” during your children’s play date, or a busy executive, carve out some time in your schedule. Massages help relieve pain, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.
Lastly, invest in your health, and strive to reduce your stress at work. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Get regular exercise. Cima Health can help you do all of that, to achieve whole-body wellness.
Read What Our Clients Are Saying
Schedule Your Massage Therapy Appointment Today
At Cima Health, your massage can be scheduled the same day as your physical therapy appointment, aesthetics treatment, or other appointment. Or maybe you want a post-workout massage. Our massage therapist is an integral part of our wellness team and trained to provide you with the pain relief and relaxation you crave. Our overall goal is to help you achieve whole-body wellness and restorative, lifelong solutions.
