Getting a massage is one of the best ways to relax, especially after a long day from work. It provides stress relief and gets rid of muscle tension or stiffness. There are different kinds of massage techniques that work for almost every part of the body. You can get a massage that provides stress relief for your back muscles, legs, arms, abs, and even your face. What makes these different massage techniques beneficial is that they can relieve muscle tension from regular chores or workout strain.
There’s a specific massage that is ideal for almost every pain and aches that can provide the ultimate stress relief. If you want to learn more about the different types of massage techniques, you can take advantage of the physiotherapy services of Health on 21 located in Palm Beach, QLD, by clicking on the provided link.
Massage and The Massage Therapist
Massage: A practice that focuses on rubbing and kneading the body with the hands, elbows, fingers, massage tools, and accessories. The primary purpose of a massage is to maximise stress relief and help muscles relax.
Massage Therapist: A person that applies different massage techniques using light, moderate, and strong pressure to specific body parts to provide stress relief and to ease-out muscle tension.
Types of Stress Relief Massages
The Swedish Massage: A gentle and mild massage that is ideal for everyone who is:
- New to stress relief massages
- full of muscle tension
- Sensitive to physical touch, or ticklish
The Swedish massage is efficient against muscle stress accumulation, especially in untying “muscle knots” from inactivity, or too much exercising. The entire session is completed with kneading, flowing strokes in the heart’s direction, deep circular rubbing, tapping and vibrations, and passive technique to increase joint mobility. One session usually lasts about sixty to ninety minutes.
The Hot Stone Massage: One of the best types to try out for people who 
want to relax, and release muscle tension, stiffness, and overall stress. It employs similar massage techniques with the Swedish massage, but with the addition of heated stones. The effects are perfect for increasing natural blood flow and muscular pain. It is the best way to:
- Decrease or alleviate muscle pains and aches
- Improve the blood and lymphatic flow
- Improve natural detoxification
- Provide stress relief
- Induce natural sweating
The hot stones are placed on multiple spots in the body to promote relaxation. One session usually lasts for ninety minutes.
The Aroma Therapy Massage: is considered the ultimate relaxation method in terms of emotional and physical healing. The pleasant scents create a soothing atmosphere that touches the body and mind deeply. Aromatherapy helps with:
- Mood improvement
- Stress relief
- Reducing anxiety
- Reducing depression
- Relieves muscle tension
- Relieves physical pains and aches
The scented essential oils enhance the experience of the entire session. That, together with the mild rubbing and kneading, can provide one of the best ways to relieve stress. The entire session typically lasts between sixty to ninety minutes.
The Deep Tissue Massage: Focused on pain relief and muscle tension. It is similar to a Swedish massage; however, it uses more pressure. The massage techniques performed help by relieving the pain and tension from deep connective tissues. It lasts for sixty to ninety minutes per session. It is best for:
- Chronic or recurring pain
- Improving the lymphatic flow
- Improving natural detoxification
- Improving range of motion
Avoid taking showers after the deep tissue massage. The full effect lasts for at least a day.
The Reflexology Technique: A full-body massage that includes the hands, elbows, and feet of the massage therapist to perform the technique. It usually lasts after an hour. It targets:
- Pressure points
- Joints
- Stiff muscles
The Shiatsu Massage: A Japanese-style massage that is ideal for muscle relaxation, joint mobility, and overall stress relief. It promotes:
- Mental and physical relaxation
- Anxiety, depression, stress relief
- Alleviates headaches
- Reducing muscle tension
Although the shiatsu massage is focused on the entire body, you can ask your therapist to focus on specific parts that you want to work on. The massage usually lasts for one hour. This can also help alleviate sleeping related disorders.
The Thai Massage: Focused on improving one’s range of motion and mobility. It allows the person to relax while improving their overall athleticism. It is best for:
- Improved physical flexibility
- Muscle and joint circulation
- Increasing energy levels
It takes about one hour to complete. It also uses stretches similar to Yoga and Pilates practice.
Other Types of Stress Relief Massages
Here are some of the best ways to relieve stress on your own:
For Tired Eyes:
- Close your eyes
- Massage your eyes gently using your thumbs with a circular motion
- Repeat as much as needed
For Headaches:
- Massage the side of your head next to your eyes with your thumbs with a circular motion
- Put both your thumbs onto the bridge if your nose and gently rub in the direction of your eyebrows
- Apply the same process but start on your forehead going to your scalp
- Repeat as needed
For Tired or Aching Hands:
- Stretch your hands and fingers up to the full extent
- Pull each finger with ample force
- Squeeze in-between the webbing of each hand
- Repeat as desired
Massage Tools and Accessories to Improve Stress Relief
The massage stick: Perfect to release muscle tension.
- Easy to use
- Unties muscle knots
- Inexpensive
- Improves lymphatic flow
The massage gun: Ideal for stimulating muscles.
- Easy to use
- Stimulates stiff muscles
- Inexpensive
- Improves joint mobility.
Final Thoughts
Stress relief massages are beneficial for all types of people, regardless of age, gender, and fitness level. Not only does it provide stress relief, but it also improves your physical ability to perform daily tasks and exercises. Stress relief massages are often used to improve the mood and keep a positive mindset throughout the day.
People with anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping, can all benefit from these massages. It provides them with a sense of relaxation and peace. Some of these massage techniques are ideal for relieving post-workout stress. It provides deep relaxation after training that increases the efficiency of the routine. Another advantage of stress relief massages is that they can help with stroke or accident recovery. Since the common denominator of stress massages is muscle relaxation, it is potentially helpful to increase the range of motion.
