At Jon Ric International Health and Wellness in Edmond, OK, we strongly believe in the holistic treatment of our clients. Not every ache and pain needs to be treated with addictive medication with nasty side effects. Often, injuries can be treated with massage therapy. Today, we answer some of our most commonly asked questions about a full-body Swedish massage.
A full-body Swedish massage is the most common massage method today. In fact, if asked to envision a massage, there is a very good chance you would visualize a Swedish-style massage. But what exactly does it entail?
A Swedish-style massage primarily involves long, soft, kneading strokes to release tension from the deepest muscles of your body. While releasing tension from the surface layers of muscles, this method uses light, tapping, rhythmic strokes. Both these techniques are combined with joint movement to relax, energize, and heal your joints and muscles.
A Swedish-style massage usually starts with the effleurage stroke. This smooth, gliding stroke relaxes soft tissue. Then, the petrissage stroke is used. This stroke involves kneading, rolling, and squeezing.
To treat scar tissue and heal injuries, friction strokes are used. Friction strokes involve deep, circular movements that rub one layer of tissue against another tissue layer. For rapid recovery from exercise, the tapotement stroke is used. The tapotement stroke is characterized by an alternating, short tap performed with the edge of the hand, fingers, or cupped hand.
There are several reasons why people choose to receive a Swedish-style massage. The benefits go far beyond muscle relaxation. It is particularly beneficial for decreasing muscle toxins, improving flexibility, improving circulation, and increasing blood oxygenation.
Decreasing muscle toxins is particularly important for athletes after a heavy training session or competition. Lactic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that builds up in your muscles when they are pushed to failure. It leads to a condition known as DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness) and makes people feel like they have the flu.
If you have too much lactic acid in your muscles, you may feel soreness, lethargy, pain caused by inflammation, muscle weakness, and other symptoms. It may not start until 12 to 24 hours after your rigorous exercise, but the symptoms can last up to three days. This massage style helps your lymphatic system flush these intramuscular toxins from your muscles so you can get back to your daily routine.
Swedish-style massage improves flexibility because your muscles are stretched and your joints are put through their full range of motion during the massage. Flexibility is important because it eases muscular pain and mitigates the risk of injury. For instance, if your hamstrings are too tight, you may fall while you are walking.
A Swedish-influenced massage, however, does not just roll your joints and stretch your muscles. It also improves flexibility by relaxing the muscles. The more relaxed your muscles you are, the greater the range of motion you can enjoy without discomfort and pulling your muscles.
A Swedish-style massage improves circulation, in part, by supporting your lymphatic system. Moreover, when your muscles are loosened up, blood can flow more easily. This is particularly beneficial because the better your circulation is, the more nutrients and oxygen can get to where it is needed the most, such as the muscles you targeted at the gym this morning.
According to a study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine, a 45-minute Swedish-inspired massage resulted in significant decreases in the levels of cortisol and arginine vasopressin. Arginine vasopressin is a hormone that can lead to an increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone because it increases mental stress levels.
Cortisol doesn’t just make you feel emotionally stressed. It also tells your body to store excess calories in the form of white fat around the abdomen and inside vital organs. If you are chronically stressed, you may find that you are hungry more often, less satiated when you eat normally and feel compelled to eat processed foods even when you’re not hungry.
The same study that revealed this massage technique eases mental stress also showed that recipients of a 45-minute Swedish-style massage saw a significant increase in lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that play a major role in the efficiency and efficacy of your immune system. A boost in these immune cells will help your body fight the flu and colds.
During your initial consultation, we will review your symptoms and health and wellness goals to help you determine the right type of massage for your needs. In general, this massage style is ideal for those who are new to massage, are sensitive to touch, or who have a lot of tension. The average session will last between 60 and 90 minutes and primarily releases muscle knots.
This method is ideal for people who want to relax fully, both physically and mentally. During this type of massage, you will remove your clothes. However, you may choose to wear your underwear. To protect your modesty, you will be covered by a sheet while lying on the massage table. The sheet will only be moved to allow access to the part of your body being actively worked on.
Research is still being conducted on the health benefits of a Swedish-style massage. However, a review of 17 clinical trials revealed that this massage style helps to treat depression. Moreover, due to the relaxed environment and reduction in physical stress, it can minimize the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
This massage style is highly effective for relief from knee osteoarthritis. To get the most out of your treatment plan, we recommend a one-hour massage once or twice weekly. This will result in less pain and stiffness and more function. Moreover, this style of massage can improve sleep, reduce migraine frequency and severity, ease back pain and relieve cancer symptoms.
To prepare for this type of massage, come in 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This gives you adequate time to complete a health history form, meet your licensed massage therapist and discuss your goals and preferences.
We recommend leaving your cell phone in your vehicle so you can focus completely on relaxation during your massage therapy session. For the best results, you should be adequately hydrated before and after your session. Try to drink between 32 and 64 ounces of water after your massage therapy session.
There is no definitive answer to the best massage style. Different styles may be the best for you at different points in time due to different symptoms or goals. During your initial consultation, we will consider your age, health, personal preferences and goals to create a customized massage therapy plan to achieve your goals.
Our licensed massage therapist and reflexologist is licensed in several modalities, including pre-natal and post-natal massage, hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, deep tissue, and sports massage, Swedish massage and reflexology.
A hot stone massage is ideal for anyone looking to unwind from a stressful day or treat minor muscle pains. It is not ideal for those looking to ease joint pain. This technique is like a Swedish-style massage. However, your licensed massage therapist will use warm stones instead of, or in addition to, their hands. This eases muscular tension, supports your circulatory system, eases pain, promotes relaxation, and relieves stress.
This type of massage usually takes 90 minutes. Like a Swedish-style massage, your entire body may be massaged, however, you usually get more muscle relief because of the heat used. Whether you wear underwear during this massage or not, you will be under a sheet so your modesty is protected. Depending on your unique needs, we may also use cold stones.
An aromatherapy massage may be right for you if you suffer from mood disorders. Several essential oils are scientifically proven to boost your mood, reduce stress and anxiety and reduce symptoms of depression. Moreover, thistype of massage is great for relieving pain and muscle tension. The essential oils are diluted with a carrier oil before they are applied to your skin.
The average aromatherapy massage session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Depending on the results you’re looking for, you may inhale the essential oils, absorb them through your skin, or both. Some clients receive a full-body massage. Others receive a massage focusing on the head, shoulders and back.
A deep tissue massage may be right for you if you suffer from chronic pain or carry a lot of muscle tension. However, if you are particularly sensitive to pressure, this technique may not be right for you. Like the Swedish-style massage, this technique usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. When using this technique, your licensed massage therapist will use deep finger pressure and slow strokes.
This relieves tension from the deepest layers of your connective tissues and muscles. We usually recommend this method for people with chronic soreness, muscular imbalances, and muscular injuries. It is often used to treat anxiety, chronic muscle pain, and tight muscles.
Sports massages are generally recommended to clients who suffer from a repetitive-use injury. This may be due to sports participation or working a job that requires constant repetitive motions. This therapy may come in the form of a full-body massage or focus on only one area. For instance, if you throw tires for a living, this massage may focus on your chest, triceps, and forearms.
Like a Swedish-influenced massage, this therapy session will last between 60 and 90 minutes. You may choose to be nude. If you choose to be clothed, wear thin, loose clothing that allows your licensed massage therapist access to your muscles. For instance, you may wear a tank top and loose shorts. This type of massage improves flexibility and mitigates your risk of injury.
The best type of massage depends on your unique needs. To learn more about a full-body Swedish massage, or to determine if it is right for you, contact us at Jon Ric International Health and Wellness in Edmond, OK today to schedule your initial consultation.
