How to Compare Sports Massage to Other Therapeutic Massages

How to Compare Sports Massage to Other Therapeutic Massages



Most people are familiar with some form of massage, whether it be the ubiquitous Swedish form or the more exotic varieties of Thalassotherapy (using sea-derived treatments) or Shiatsu (incorporating acupressure). There are more than a dozen varieties of massage but perhaps the most common are therapeutic and
sports
. While all massage affects overall well-being, there are distinctions in the purpose of each. Here’s how to spot the difference.







Things You'll Need:





An open mind







Select the Right Massage Therapy




1


Understand that therapeutic massage is based on traditional Swedish massage techniques, consisting of petrassage, effleurage, and kneading strokes.





2


Understand that sports massage therapies can be both preventative and therapeutic.





3


Know what ails you. Choosing the correct form of massage depends on knowing your symptoms.





4


Choose therapeutic massage for help with improving lymphatic function, relieving stress and fatigue, sleep problems, and for general well-being.





5


Choose sports massage if you’re active and wish to prevent or alleviate problems such as knee pain, shin splints, tennis elbow or other sports-related maladies.








Tips & Warnings










Some forms of massage can bring feelings of discomfort. This is natural. However, extreme discomfort should be brought to your therapist’s attention.








Share specific concerns such as low back pain so the therapist can take proper precautions.








Ensure there is no deeper medical issue before obtaining a massage. Certain medical conditions such as an aneurysm could be worsened, and even fatal, if any massage is performed.



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