About 89% of consumers agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain. Of course, there are numerous massage types that are considered more specialized due to the areas they target and the techniques required to perform them correctly. While you’ll learn many of these strategies by attending massage therapy classes, it can be helpful to have an idea of the advanced massage types to provide some insight regarding the massage therapy setting you’d like to work in upon finishing massage school. Here are just a few advanced massage therapy techniques you can learn in massage school.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is a type of therapeutic massage that specifically focuses on muscular knots. It can also penetrate deeper layers of muscle tissue to target existing problem areas and relieve pain. Deep tissue massages are ideal for those who suffer from chronic pain or have existing issues that may contribute to decreased mobility. Deep tissue massage therapists need extraordinary hand, wrist, and arm strength to perform the techniques correctly, but there shouldn’t be any pain involved.
“Using deliberate, slow strokes or friction across the grain of the muscle, the therapist addresses chronic tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or injuries. While it’s true that the pressure of deep tissue is generally more intense than that of a Swedish massage, it shouldn’t have to be painful to be effective. If you’re experiencing pain, let your massage therapist know right away,” writes Cathy Wong on VeryWell.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage uses an ancient technique to relieve pain and focus on pressure points. Heated rocks, usually basalt, since it can retain heat well, are placed on specific points around the body. From there, the massage therapist can provide some traditional massage techniques, and with the added benefit of the heat, you’ll experience relief from that unrelenting muscle tension.
Ultimately, it is estimated that there are 325,000 to 375,000 massage therapists and massage school students in the United States, and understanding these advanced massage techniques can point you in the right direction upon massage therapy school graduation. For more information about massage programs, contact The Parisian Spa Institute.
