We know how you feel sometimes, sitting at your desk all day, stretching your back and neck. All you want is to go home and get a massage from your loving significant other. But why don’t you invest in a professional massage? A licensed masseuse has underwent the rigorous training to become board certified. They know what areas to focus on to alleviate pain versus stress. Although a massage from your roommate or loved one might be passable, we think the benefits of a professional massage outweigh the costs. We want to make sure you get the right treatment for your back pain.

What Are The Benefits?

Massages don’t just help you physically, but they help you mentally as well. They give you time to relax and put your mind at ease. Overall, massages are also an excellent way to deal with your back pain. Studies show that they are very helpful:

  • They increase blood flow and circulation, which brings nutrition to your muscles and tissues, as well as aids the recovery of sore or strained muscles. Increased circulation also allows your body to function better after the massage.
  • They increase your endorphin levels, enhancing your mood while helping to decrease your anxiety, stress, and depression, which may help reduce stress pains.
  • They decrease muscle tension, which leads to improved flexibility and thus a decrease in muscle spasms and pain.
  • Massages play key roles in treating muscle strains in the lower and upper back and neck region, osteoarthritis of the spine, fibromyalgia, and sciatica.

Err on the side of caution if you have varicose veins, damaged or eroded joints from arthritis, high blood pressure, severe osteoporosis, or a skin rash. And if your pain continues, or is getting in the way of your daily activities, you should probably get off the massage table and call a doctor.

What Type Should You Get?

Swedish Massage:

This is the most common type of massage and works best for stress relief, relaxation, and releasing cramped or tense muscles. This is also the best kind of massage for people who have not gotten one before.

Deep Tissue Massage:

These massages are a more vigorous form of Swedish Massages. The masseuse uses their elbows and knuckles to apply more pressure to your troubled areas and knotted muscles. This type of massage is best for treating stiff shoulders and necks in people who are hard on their bodies such as athletes.

Hot Stone Massage:

During this massage, your body is weighed down with hot, smooth stones that are used to rub down your body. This is known to be one of the most relaxing forms of massages because it focuses on relaxation rather than releasing continuous muscle cramps.

Trigger Point Massage:

This is similar to a deep tissue massage but focuses on specific areas through pressure points in order to relieve chronic muscle pain and tension.

Shiatsu Massage:

Shiatsu uses ancient techniques from Japan using pressure points and stretching to help relieve headaches, back pain, and boost your energy.

Thai Massage:

This massage works on one’s entire body. It is one of the most vigorous and active types of massages, as the masseuse will move and bend your body into yoga poses and different stretches. The masseuse will use every part of their body including their knees, elbows, legs, and feets, to help alleviate pain. Thai massages are best to improve energy, increase flexibility, and improve one’s overall health.

Sports Massage:

As seen by its name, a sports massage is designed specifically for athletes. It combines Swedish, Shiatsu, and the Thai massage while concentrating on specific areas the athlete needs. It can help athletes to prepare for events and to treat and prevent injuries.

While a massage can be relaxing and helpful, it cannot replace the expertise and treatment that a physician or physical therapist can give you. If you are having serious back pain, please talk to a doctor about prescribing ActivAided.