Massage therapy is a centuries-old healing art. Although massage therapy has been practiced since ancient times there are many types of massage therapies today. These include prenatal massage, sports massage and deep tissue massage. There are many massages available that can be used to alleviate pain and heal.

Back pain can be acute or chronic. The pain you experience for the first-time is called acute. It can last for several days or even longer. Chronic pain, which is more severe after an injury, will usually last longer. There are four types of back pain that are most common. They are sports massage, low-impact massage, deep tissue massage and trigger point massage.

Sports massage deals with the soft tissues of the body. It usually involves stretching, pulling and bending of these muscles. Usually, when you have a sports massage the therapist will begin with your shins and then go down to your calves, then to your feet. This massage helps to relieve pressure from injured areas.

Low-impact massage therapy is primarily focused on pain relief by relaxing tight muscles. It improves the range and motion of joints. It is commonly used to relieve muscle spasms. There are many types of massages, but the most popular are shiatsu, Swedish, and acupressure.

People with chronic back pain can benefit from deep tissue massage. This type massage focuses on the release of adhesions (or scar tissue) that have become stuck in muscle tissue. Adhesions are stiff connective tissue bands that keep muscles in place. Scar tissue develops as muscles lose flexibility, which can cause back pain.

Trigger point massage therapy targets TENS, which is the area of muscle knots. This can be very painful and often leads to chronic pain in the long run. Trigger point therapy is usually reserved for those who have a legitimate need for relief and not just as a means of pain management.

The only place where medical massage can be done is in a physician's office. This massage is intended to relieve pain. It usually includes an injection of anti-inflammatory medication. The most common medical massage techniques are kinesiopathology, myofascial relief (myofascial Release Technique), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS), orthopedic spine manipulation (ostomy/autograft), and patellar releases surgery. A licensed medical massage therapist should perform each of these techniques.

Therapeutic massage has the goal to improve one's quality of living by using techniques that enhance tissue integrity. When performing this type of massage, massage therapists must be closely monitored. It could be risky to give massages that have a direct causal or effected effect on the spine. This is especially true for people who receive decompression therapy like PTCM. Before you undergo any type of massage therapy, please consult your doctor. The massage therapist must be skilled in both the type of massage they offer and how to best suit your needs.

Relaxation massage is very popular. This massage uses light pressure and gentle strokes to loosen tension and relax tight muscle groups. Relaxation massages are a wonderful way to release emotional stress, reduce your level of stress, and relieve muscle spasms. You may want a massage therapist to use light touch and use slow, steady strokes with a long, loose, circular motion.

Some therapists offer both relaxation and medical massage. Medical massage is typically offered at a wellness center or massage spa. Medical massage uses diagnostic techniques that are designed to assess your individual medical condition. For example, if you have whiplash, the massage therapist will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms and the factors that may have contributed to your whiplash. They will discuss your whiplash history, duration, treatment options, and whether or not you require ongoing medical attention.

A clinical massage may include deep tissue massage. This massage focuses on muscle pain relief, increasing circulation, flexibility, stress relief, and preparing the body to perform physical activities. The therapist uses their elbows, fingers, and hands to get deeper into the muscle, apply pressure, stretch ligaments and tendons, pull muscles taut, stimulate the lymphatic system, and also use their fingers and elbows. This massage increases circulation, flexibility, and relieves sore joints and muscles. This massage may improve circulation, ease pain and swelling after injuries.

Many people enjoy a soothing massage when they have sore muscles and joints. Relaxing massages can be used to relieve stress and prepare the body before bed. Massage therapy is available in many forms and therapists can be trained in different movements and techniques. They are able to provide many massage therapy treatments to ease pain, relax muscles, improve circulation, restore function and prepare the body for sleeping.