The word massage conjures up the feelings of soft, firm hands gently relieving sore or tense muscles. There are several varieties of massages, and each can yield different results. Knowing what types of massage are available and what each intends to do can transform a massage experience.

Preparing for the Massage :::

Being prepared can help make the most of a massage appointment. Bathing prior to a massage can prevent perfumes and lotions from reacting to the massage creams and oils, advised Katie Dennie, licensed massage therapist (LMT) at Edy‘s of Course. “Take off all jewelry,” she said. “This will prevent a break in the massage flow and allow you to relax more.” Dennie also recommends talking to your massage therapist if you have any questions.

During the Massage :::
“Relax fully, and let the therapist position your body,” Dennie said. “Feel free to ask questions at any point.” Most massage therapists have soothing music or dimmed lighting for a more relaxing experience. The extent of disrobing is based on the type of massage received and the comfort level of the client. Some massages are fully clothed. When receiving a massage fully disrobed, the client need-not fear; professional therapists are discreet, and you will be fully tucked into clean linens. Session times vary with each massage therapist. Some treatments require several sessions before their full effects are felt.

“Massages can also be honed to each individual. This is accomplished through talking with the client, knowing what they want and what they’re expecting,” said Gretchen Lancing, licensed massage therapist and head therapist at Balanced Bodywork and Massage in Lake Placid. The experience is also individualized once the therapist can feel the person’s tissue under their hands to feel whether the client is holding tension. The client may want a massage because they have an injury, or because they just want to be relaxed, Lancing said.

Massage Types :::
Aroma therapy may be on its own or combined with other types of massage. “Different oils have different affects; some are more calming, and some are more invigorating,” said Dan Sullivan, LMT, owner and operator of Adirondack Massage Cruise. Peppermint, for example, is stimulating, while lavender is relaxing, he said. An aroma therapy massage utilizes essential oils to have the desired effect. “It takes your body 12 to 24 hours to metabolize the essential oil, so it has effects even after,” Sullivan said.

LMT, owner and operator of Adirondack Massage Cruise. Peppermint, for example, is stimulating, while lavender is relaxing, he said. An aroma therapy massage utilizes essential oils to have the desired effect. “It takes your body 12 to 24 hours to metabolize the essential oil, so it has effects even after,” Sullivan said.

Bowen therapy addresses the fascia, the soft connective tissue around veins, nerves, bones, arteries, organs, and muscles. “If it’s tight, it can act like shrink-wrap on your muscles,” said Kelly Hass LMT, certified Thai therapist, owner and operator of Adirondack Therapeutics. The client is fully clothed. Hass recommends loose clothing. This is not a deep tissue massage; it utilizes a series of gentle hand movements along the body. It is a type of holistic treatment, which can be used on pregnant women, infants, children and adults. The session lasts from 40 minutes to an hour. Bowen therapy can relieve chronic pain, especially in the neck and lower back. It is also used for those suffering with arthritis.

Cranial sacral therapy, also known as cerebral sacrum therapy, is a holistic type of massage. The massage therapist gently works the spine and skull easing nerve tensions. “You’re removing different restrictions and helping that flow to be better,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes people think deep and pain is the way to go, but sometimes it’s not.” He continued saying that to him a deep massage has to do with its effectiveness rather than the amount of pressure. Loose fitting clothing should be worn, Sullivan suggested.

Deep Tissue Massage :::
According to Balanced Bodywork and Massage of Lake Placid, “Deep tissue massage works the deeper muscles to release tension in the body, usually chronic tension. This is done with slow strokes, concentrated pressure on the tense areas and stretches to loosen muscles and fascia.” The massage is based on using harder pressure than that of Bowen therapy for example. The client may experience soreness the following day. A fast-pace form of this massage can be used to alleviate muscle pain in athletes, Lancing said. Knots, or trigger points are a hypersensitivity or irritation in the muscle, said Lancing. “We work to push and smooth those knots out,” she said. This type of massage is also beneficial for those who are on their feet all day, such as waitresses, or those sitting in a desk all day.

Hot Stone Massage :::
Hot stone massage therapy uses heated stones to heat the muscles. The stones are used as working tools by the therapist, who holds them in their hands as they massage. Basalt stones are usually used because they have a higher mineral content, so they hold the heat better, Sullivan said. The stones can also be placed on different Chakra points. “It melts the stress away,” he said.

Pregnancy Massage :::
A pregnancy, or prenatal massage, is done using different pillows and cushions to help relax and secure the woman’s body during the massage. A special cushion made specifically to contour to a pregnant woman’s body is placed on top of the massage table. If the woman is not comfortable being on her stomach, she may lay on her side using a body pillow. The massage is used for relaxation and to relieve the muscle tension the body is going through to hold the extra weight, said Lancing.

Reflexology :::
Reflexology can be worked into a massage, or done on its own. The therapist works reflex points on the hands, feet and ankles, treating the entire body. “There are 10 reflex zones that correspond to our whole body,” Sullivan said. For example, different parts of your toe correspond to different parts of your body. The therapist may work the base of your big toe if you are having neck pain, Sullivan explained.

Reiki :::
Reiki can be a hands-on or hands-off holistic healing method. The therapist is a conduit for the spiritual life energy force. “The energy goes where it needs to go, in the amount it needs to go,” Sullivan said. “Energy is most dense in the bone.” Healing energy can be moved through the palms from healer to receiver.

Swedish Therapeutic Massage :::
A Swedish massage is used for relaxation and therapeutic flushing, Lancing said. Pressure is applied to joints and muscles with a stroking technique that increases oxygen flow. Aromatic oils may also be used to add to the soothing nature of the massage.

Thai Massage :::
Unlike average massages, a northern-style Thai massage has the client lie on a mat on the floor. The client receives the massage through their clothing. It’s a combination of yoga-like stretching, acupressure and compression, said Hass. The massage lasts from an hour-and-a half to two hours. Acupressure is received with hands, palms, thumbs and elbows, and in some instances the therapist might walk on your back, said Hass. Hass also uses Thai herbal compresses, which can be used with any type of massage. The compresses are bundles of herbs that are heated, which is good for sore, tight muscles. A bundle of eucalyptus, ginger, lime leaves, and lemon grass, for example, will allow the pores of the skin to open and let their body relax, said Hass. The treatment is a combination of heat and aroma therapy. Smaller bundles can be used on your face. The warming is good for the sinuses. For the face, Hass might use lavender buds and lemongrass because they are gentler. “It’s also known as lazy man’s yoga,” described Sullivan, because the client is being stretched by the therapist.

Trigger Point Therapy :::
A trigger point is a “hyperirritable point within a taut band of your soft tissues, mostly muscular tissue and/or fascia,” according to Dennie. “When you have a trigger point it prohibits the body from functioning in its most optimal way. This can lead to muscular strain and joint pain due to other muscles compensating for the defected muscle.” This may cause frequent headaches or decreased range of motion in muscles or joints. Trigger point therapy works specifically on those knots, smoothing them out with massage.

Zero Balancing :::
Zero balancing is a holistic type of massage, similar to Reiki, but your own energy is being re-released in your body, Sullivan explained. The massage involves getting in contact with the energy in the bone, then the muscle, then the aura, he said. “I use my hands and fingers as fulcrums, where I create this space for [the client] to change from the inside out,” Sullivan said. It releases energy from within the bones to where its needed most. He aligns his methods with whatever they are looking for in the session. Areas of tension are also focused on. “It helps to balance you in whatever way you want to be balanced,” Sullivan said.

After the Massage :::
There are several steps a client can take after the massage to maximize the benefits of a massage session. Walking and getting fresh air are beneficial because the exercise helps your body to respond to the chemical changes from the massage. Stay hydrated. When getting a massage chemicals may be released from organs similar to those released after a hard workout. Walking and being well hydrated will minimize any negative affects, said Hass.

At Home :::
“Massage was intended as a form of therapy within a family,” explained Hass. It was often done by the grandmother, who passed on her knowledge to the family, she said. “Make it a family event.” With a 10-year-old and a 14-month-old, Hass has worked massage into her family’s routine. “Have a massage night. One of the best things that you can do is partner up with a friend, your love, your mate, your children,” she said. She suggests getting a book on massage, taking a class or simply helping each other to learn. It also improves sleep, Hass said. “Work on each other. Maybe it’s a foot, maybe it’s just a hand massage. It’s just something that’s a wonderful way to bond with your family and friends.”

 

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