Who knew? Types of massage

Updated: Apr 10, 2021

Types of Massage

The choice can be confusing when there are so many types available. A chat with your therapist before your treatment will high light your needs and preferences. This blog sheds light on some of the main differences between massage types. Ultimately my goal as a therapist is to help you and improve your quality of life. I am passionate about health and your physical and emotional needs are central to my approach. I am committed to working alongside you to get the results you need.

What is Jing Advanced Clinical massage for chronic pain?

I am a Jing Method™ advanced clinical massage therapist, trained at the Jing School of Massage, qualified to treat a range of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions.

These include low back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, frozen shoulder, sports injuries, knee pain, ligament and tendon issues, whiplash, carpal tunnel, temporomandibular pain and many other ongoing injury or pain conditions.

The Jing Method™ is a partnership between you, the client, and me (your therapist) where we agree a treatment plan which focusses on decreasing your daily pain whilst improving your joint range of movement (ROM) and ability to carry out daily activities over 6 treatments. Jing massage uses a fusion of Eastern and Western bodywork techniques including amma fusion, fascial techniques such as skin rolling and power effleurage, muscle trigger point therapy, acupressure point therapy, stretching and self care tailored to you. Jing massage helps to treat specific pain but incorporates an holistic approach which is deeply relaxing whilst reducing chronic pain offering both mental and physical benefits.

I offer the following types of massage

What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage was developed to help athletes perform optimally in their chosen sport. It can be used for maintenance, injury prevention and rehabilitation, pre event and post event. It can also be used as part of the treatment for injuries particularly in the sub-acute and chronic phases and as part of a rehabilitation programme. One of the main aims of sports massage is to prevent injury by taking care of soft tissues such as muscles and tendons during training. A consultation is carried out to identify asymmetry in the body, muscular imbalances and areas of pain that could lead to potential injury if left untreated. The therapist will have a good knowledge of sport specific injuries like 'shin splints' in runners, tennis and golfers elbow, hamstring strains in footballers to name but a few. There are of course many more and injury type is not always sport specific. Pain is associated with sports massage but often a client will refer to 'good pain' felt during the massage. However the client's pain threshold should be the lead on how much 'good pain' is tolerable. Soft tissues including muscles are massaged using a variety of strokes and pressures and manipulated deeply to improve muscle length and elasticity, to release tension, to re-energise tired muscles, to improve joint mobility and range of movement.

Other benefits are the stimulation of circulation and healing and recovery processes.

Pre-event massage involves fast, vigorous strokes to warm up and stimulate the muscles, nerve endings and blood flow to prepare muscles for activity. Where as post-event massage strokes are slow and less deep, allowing tired muscles to recover post exercise. Gentle stretching is also incorporated.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage has been around a very long time. It uses slow strokes with firm pressure to manipulate the layers of muscle and surrounding fascia (connective tissue). The massage will work along the length of the muscle fibres but also across the fibres. It can be used to focus on persistent aches, knots or scar tissue that need breaking down. The whole body may be massaged following a routine which will enhance musculoskeletal balance and well being. The deep tissue manipulation boosts circulation, enhancing healing and the body's natural detoxification processes. It can be a deeply relaxing massage, relieving tension, temporarily reducing blood pressure and promoting sleep.

Is sports massage for you?

Sports and deep tissue massage are not just for athletes. As part of a regular routine massage will alleviate tension in the fascia, muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as stimulating the blood supply, reduce chronic pain which can be caused by every day life, poor posture, overuse & repetitive strain. Different techniques such as resisted stretching & trigger point release can be incorporated depending on what the therapist finds during assessment and massage.

For example muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back can carry tension, opposing muscles in the chest become weaker, through working at a computer or being on a gadget. This is becoming more common particularly in teenagers and young adults giving a hunched appearance. Massage and resisted stretching can help correct muscular imbalances, reducing pain and tension in these areas.

Deep tissue massage is often used to reduce post-operation adhesions and swellings. The body's response to the massage can have an analgesic effect reducing pain.

How often will I need massage?

Treatment may be needed on a weekly basis initially for up to 6 weeks. As the pain is reduced and range of movement restored a monthly maintenance massage is advised.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage can be used during pregnancy and postnatally to combat aches, pains and tensions that can be experienced during pregnancy and after whilst looking after a baby. Studies show that women who receive regular massage during their pregnancy have fewer complications during their pregnancy and labour. Pregnancy is a unique state for the body experiencing anatomical and physiological changes during the three trimesters. Soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles become more elastic (lax ) to allow the body's joints and soft tissues to expand so the baby can grow and mum can give birth. This can mean joints are less stable and less supported than usual. A thorough consultation will be given to ensure the most appropriate treatment is given and which addresses your physical, emotional and health needs.The most beneficial and comfortable way to receive a massage when you are pregnant is in side-lying with plenty of support.

Benefits of pregnancy massage

Massage can alleviate common ailments during pregnancy such as pelvic, low back pain, headaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, oedema or swelling and nerve compression (sciatic type pain can be triggered during pregnancy). Pregnancy massage improves circulation and lymphatic drainage which helps to nourish the body, can boost the immune system and lessen swellings or water retention that may occur.

Importantly pregnancy massage can be deeply relaxing at what may be a stressful time and has been shown to benefit both mum and the baby. Massage can help reduce anxiety and help maintain a steadier blood pressure. Endorphins (feel good chemicals/natural pain-killers in the body) are released during the massage which have a calming effect. Sometimes the baby can become quite responsive during massage.

Pregnancy massage can be used throughout pregnancy but after the first trimester or 12 week scan may be more appropriate if you are not used to massage

Relaxation Massage

Relaxation massage is a holistic massage which uses a variety of strokes and flowing movements with different pressures to work all over the body to create a state of deep relaxation. The massage will improve circulation of blood and oxygen around tissues, promote healthy skin, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, stimulate the release of endorphins and promote tissue healing, inducing calmness and relaxation. This type of massage can also be referred to as Swedish massage.

Remedial massage/Therapeutic Massage

This type of massage is used after injury and operations. After assessing a client's requirements, whether that be during rehabilitation after an injury or operation which may include scar work procedures, or whether it be a chronic condition, a range of massage strokes and advanced soft tissue techniques are used. In the long term the main aim is to deal effectively with the variety of musculoskeletal problems arising post trauma returning the client to pre injury/operation condition or better. In the short term help with recovery reducing the symptoms a client is experiencing, relieving aching muscles and any pain. Regular remedial massage can also help enhance the immune system, allow mental and physical relaxation of the mind and body and realign scar tissue after injury allowing muscles to work freely and reducing potential for weak spots in the muscle.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Massage

Some symptoms of a dysfunctional TMJ can be tinnitus (ringing in ears), dizzy spells, earaches, headaches, pain around the ear, face, neck, upper back and shoulders, difficulty sleeping and sensitivity to light and noise. Worn teeth or teeth grinding (Bruxism), difficulty opening mouth normally (Trismus) and clicking and clunking of the jaw are also symptoms of TMJ dysfunction (TMJD). This massage protocol will assess the jaw soft tissues and identify painful trigger points in the face, jaw, neck, upper back and shoulders to treat your TMJD and pain. Treatment may be needed on a weekly basis initially until pain reduces.

Of course there are other types of massage not discussed above such as Thai Table, Hot Stones, Shiatzu and Indian Head massage. There is definitely a soft tissue treatment to suit you :))