What is massage therapy?

Massage Therapy is the treatment of soft tissue structures and muscles in the body. Massage Therapy can treat musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and other types of dysfunction by using techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilizations, scraping, sports massage, and deep tissue massage. 

Sports Massage Therapy vs Deep Tissue Massage - What is the difference? 

Sports Massage: Sports massage is a style of massage therapy offered by a Registered Massage Therapist and/or Sports Massage Therapist. Sports massage therapy is not specifically tailored towards athletes or those who engage in sports, instead, it is appropriate and catered to any patient who requires more area-specific treatment. This may be a result of training intensity and volume, injuries, muscular imbalance, or poor biomechanics. 

During a Sports Massage Therapy appointment, the Registered Massage Therapists at Rehab Hero may also provide you with a home exercise plan based on their assessments to help improve performance, improve mobility, decrease pain and muscular tension. As a result, you will maintain the mobility gained from the treatment for long term results

Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue Massage is another form of massage offered by a Registered Massage Therapist and/or Sports Massage therapist. Deep Tissue involves using sustained pressure with deep strokes to target deeper muscle groups and fascial layers. Deep Tissue massage is a viable option if you have been experiencing chronic muscle tension. 

What are the techniques and modalities used during Massage Therapy? 

Myofascial Release: Myofascial release is a type of technique that focuses on reducing pain by relieving tension in the affected muscles and fascia. There is minimal lotion application to specifically target the fascial layers effectively. 

Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger point therapy refers to the treatment of myofascial trigger points that are found within the muscles and fascia. Myofascial trigger points are hyperirritable spots or a taut band found in muscles. Trigger points can be very sensitive and found anywhere in the body. Trigger Point therapy includes sustained deep pressure to muscles and fascia to help reduce muscular tension. The Massage Therapist may use different points of contact to apply deep pressure, this includes, fingertips, knuckles, palm, or elbow. The more accurate the trigger point therapy is, the better the results. 

Joint Mobilization: Joint mobilizations is a manual therapy technique that uses the passive movement of a joint which provides a therapeutic effect such as decreasing pain or increasing range of motion. There are 5 classifications for Joint mobilizations grade 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) can use grade 1-4 joint mobilization techniques, meanwhile, grade 5 mobilizations which is referred to as manipulation is specific to only chiropractors. 

Neuromuscular Techniques: Neuromuscular techniques are an umbrella term for kneading and muscle stripping techniques. Kneading and Muscle stripping is a deep tissue massage technique where the RMT targets a specific band of muscle and applies direct pressure from where the muscle originates to where it inserts. These techniques are key to accelerating recovery and reducing muscular tension. 

Scraping Therapy: Scraping can also be referred to as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). This technique uses tools to help decrease soft tissue restrictions, break down scar tissues, decrease fascial restriction, and improve blood circulation in the body. After scraping therapy provided by an RMT, it is normal for the patient to experience bruising, redness, and soreness the following days. Scraping can be a very valuable tool for those who are experiencing chronic muscular tension to help give a window of opportunity for better manual massage techniques and exercise prescriptions. 

Cupping Therapy: Cupping is a form of ancient Chinese therapy that can help with increasing blood flow and relieving muscular tension. Cupping applies suction to certain areas of the body and can help with lifting and separating tissues within the layers of muscles and surrounding fascia. This allows for more movement between the layers. After cupping it is common to have red or dark purple circles and can last a few days before fading. 

Medical Acupuncture: Medical acupuncture is a modality that can be utilized within massage therapy if the RMT has completed extra training and is a certified medical acupuncture provider. Medical acupuncture is very effective in providing pain relief in those who are experiencing chronic pain. Fine solid needles are inserted into anatomical structures and can be stimulated either manually or with electricity to help achieve therapeutic results. Medical acupuncture can be used for pain syndromes, functional problems, chronic pain, myofascial pain, and muscular tightness. It can provide up to 48 hours of pain relief. It is recommended to get at least 6 acupuncture sessions for lasting results. The RMT will conduct an assessment to see the appropriate number of sessions needed for each patient. 

How do I know which type of massage therapy is suitable for me? 

Unsure of which Massage is suitable for you? Registered Massage Therapists at Rehab Hero are trained to conduct thorough postural and movement assessments to help identify your source of pain, any mobility limitations, and compensation patterns. The RMT will provide you with a better understanding of what type of Massage Therapy is suitable for you to help achieve your goals during the initial assessment. In addition to Massage Therapy, the RMT will also provide corrective exercise programming to help you take autonomy in your health and wellness goals. 

Interested in Registered Massage Therapy services? Contact us if you are suffering from any types of pain or musculoskeletal issues to see how effective massage can be. You can also click here to book in directly online with an experienced Rehab Hero Massage Therapist.

Recent Articles

Mobility Exercises