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Rub it Out – The Benefits of Massage Therapy

person massaging man s shoulder

The benefits of massage therapy are so well documents that it might be one of the best ways to take care of yourself. From relaxation to muscle recovery, millions of people worldwide use massage treatments as an alternative to potentially harmful prescription medications. And people have trusted massage therapies for centuries. In fact, massage therapy may be the oldest form of medical care still in widespread practice.  

Benefits include reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and reducing many risk factors of cardiovascular disease.  Massage therapy can lower anxiety, reduce pain, and improve grip strength for people living with arthritis. Adica Health Clinics reports massage therapies to have great restorative benefits, similar to getting 7-8 hours of sleep.  Image getting the benefits of a full night’s sleep in just 60 minutes!  To learn more about popular massage treatments and their therapeutic benefits, keep reading.

Popular Massage Therapies

According to Healthline, here are some popular massage therapies:

1. For Relaxation–Swedish massage

Swedish massage is often the starter massage because it is a gentle type of full-body treatment. It’s a popular treatment at resorts because it puts people in a state of gentle relaxation. It’s ideal for people who are new to massage therapy, those with a lot of tension buildup, and those who are sensitive to touch. Swedish massage may help release muscle knots, but it is most effective for relaxation.

2. For Muscle Tension–Hot Stone Massage

A man getting a hot stone message is enjoying the benefits of massage therapy.
Hot stones, and sometimes crystals, are placed strategically along the spine.

Hot Stone Massage is best for people who look for a relaxing way to treat muscle pain and tension. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage. However, the massage therapist uses heated stones instead of, or in addition to, their hands. The heat from the stones relieves more muscle tension than a Swedish massage. Hot stone therapy may also improve blood flow and circulation, as well as reduce pain and inflammation.

3. For Muscle Recovery–Deep tissue massage

Deep Tissue Massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option to treat chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety. 

Male therapist giving leg massage to athlete patient on the bed in clinic for sports physical therapy concept, banner proportion.

4. Sports massage

Sports Massage is a good option for repetitive-use injuries to a muscle, such as what you may get from intense workouts and playing a sport. Over time, sports massage therapy can help prevent sports injuries, increase flexibility and performance.

Any of the massage treatments covered above will last from 60-90 minutes and are recommended at least once per month. However, in severe pain situations, weekly treatments could be beneficial. And before any massage therapy, drink plenty of water.  Water helps make the muscle tissue more flexible and easier to manipulate.

Get Your Drink On!

It’s beneficial to drink water after a massage too. That’s because as the massage therapist manipulates the muscles, toxins are often released, according to Hackensack Meridian Health. Drinking water after a massage helps the body flush out any materials released during the massage. Additionally, deep tissue and sports massages can be dehydrating. Kneading and working muscle tissue pumps fluids out of the soft tissue and into your circulatory system. Drinking water replenishes those lost fluids.

There are many benefits to massage therapy. And taking care of your physical self helps you perform at your best, whether that’s in the boardroom or the bedroom.  Game Changer Products also helps you perform at your best.  We offer a full line of performance enhancement products for both men and women.  Check out our recently expanded product lines in our Rhino Superstore and our Honey Shop. We also offer express shipping options, so you can always be ready when the right moment comes along.  Plus, our money-back guarantee helps you shop with risk-free confidence!  Always be ready to perform at your best with Game Changer Products. 

Drinking water before and after a massage treatment is critical.