Massage Therapy
Massage has proven to be a vital component to the total healing process. Once the doctor has restored range of motion to the spine and relieves pressure off the nerves, the muscle will begin to relax. This is the perfect time to start working the trigger point and spasms which are pulling abnormally on the joints.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the style that comes to mind when most people think about massage. It was developed in Stockholm a couple of centuries ago and is the most common and best-known type form of bodywork performed today.
The goal is relaxing the entire body and this is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Lotion is often used to reduce friction and stimulate the skin.
Swedish massage is exceptional for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but is used to target knots and release chronic muscle tension. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and helping to eliminate scar tissue. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain as in Swedish massage. The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend warriors. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area like a knee or shoulder.
Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.
Prenatal
Why Massage During Pregnancy?
Massage during pregnancy offers undeniable physical benefits. At Spring Chiropractic, our professional massage therapists will work to stimulate your lymphatic system, increasing immunity and the removal of excess toxins, while also stabilizing hormonal levels and balancing the glandular system. Hormonal changes can cause depression and anxiety during pregnancy, which is why many expecting mothers can find relief at Spring Chiropractic.
What Are The Benefits Of Prenatal Massage?
Massage therapy is a wonderful, complimentary choice for prenatal care and a healthy way to reduce stress and promote general well-being. Spring Chiropractics professional therapists work to relieve the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, joint pain, and edema. In addition, by relaxing nervous tension, you can experience a better night’s sleep. Below are examples of how massage can help you throughout your pregnancy:
First Trimester
- Relieve headaches
- Help alleviate morning sickness
- Reduce fatigue
Second Trimester
- Alleviate backaches
- Relieve leg cramps
Third Trimester
- Reduce swelling/edema
- Relieve pain from varicosities
- Enhance sleep
- Prepare pelvic muscles for birth process
How Will I Receive My Massage?
When receiving a prenatal massage at Spring Chiropractic, you will be gently positioned on your side to keep you comfortable while your therapist massages your back. Once finished with your back, you may then be placed in a semi-reclining position while your professional therapist massages the front of your body. During the first trimester, it is also acceptable for clients to lie on their backs with a slight elevation under one hip. This positioning alleviates the extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the massage is being administered.