What massage is best for you?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists manipulate clients' soft tissues and joints to treat injuries and promote general wellness. While this is true, it is also an incredibly basic description of what can be accomplished in a session. Different techniques (also called modalities) are used throughout the session to achieve different goals.

For example, some massages are geared more towards relaxation, done in a more typical spa or resort setting. Your therapist may use long, gliding movements with their hands or forearms combined with gentle stretching to soften and relax the muscles. This may be done in conjunction with a facial, body scrub or wrap.

Medical massage is performed with the goal of regaining function or providing pain relief. These modalities require specific, science-based continuing education and certifications. Your therapist will use less oil or lotion, and require a fair amount of friction to achieve the goal. Techniques such as deep tissue, trigger point, neuromuscular, myofascial release therapy are used to release specific muscle groups. These sessions are typically shorter in length, with the work concentrated on the area that has pain or dysfunction.

Other specialized techniques are used for a specific type of client. These concentrate on unique and related applications, such as prenatal, sports massage, injury recovery, or other energy based techniques such as Reiki, Tui Na massage, Trager® therapy, or the Feldenkrais® Method. Specialized massage can be performed in a wide range of environments, including spas, wellness centers, and onsite at a client’s home.

The therapists at Massage Harrisburg strive to offer a variety of techniques and advanced training, focusing mainly on pain reduction and improving function. For more information on specific techniques available, please click here for massage techniques or here for advanced techniques offered at Massage Harrisburg.