Massage: Definition

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Swedish Massage-Sports Massage

Swedish Massage 

Definition

Swedish Massage is a relaxing form of body work that utilizes a variety of techniques specifically designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation.

Treatment

Treatment includes the following techniques that all flow toward the heart:

• Effleurage-Gliding strokes
• Petrissage-Kneading movements
• Friction-Circular pressure
• Vibration-Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
• Percussion-Brisk hacking or tapping

Benefits

• Relaxation
• Improve circulation
• Flush tissue of metabolic waste
• Increase circulation without increasing heart load
• Calm the nervous system
• Reduce stress; both emotional and physical

Sports Massage 

Definition

Sports Massage Therapy is a form of body work that focuses on muscles relevant to a particular sport and is used before, during and after athletic events.

Treatment

• Treatment is focused on the muscles relevant to a particular sport
• The techniques used are variable and are determined on a client by client basis

Benefits

• Prepare the athlete for peak performance
• Drain away fatigue
• Relieve swelling
• Relieve pain
• Reduce muscle tension
• Promote flexibility
• Prevent injuries
• Reduce the heart rate and blood pressue
• Increase blood circulation and lymph flow