Massage therapy helps relieve tension and pain in your body caused by everyday stress and anxiety. The soothing movements of a relaxation massage can help you unwind from work and leave you feeling more energised. If you are wondering what is a relaxation massage perfect for, anyone who’s looking to improve their overall wellbeing needs stress relief or just wants to be pampered can benefit from this complementary therapy.
What is a Relaxation Massage?
Relaxation massage is a type of full-body massage therapy where a therapist uses their hands to apply pressure, rub, and use massage strokes over your entire body. The goal of this massage therapy treatment is to help your body and mind relax completely so you can feel a sense of wellbeing.
Your massage therapist can help you get into this deep state of relaxation by using long strokes along the grain of your muscle and applying gentle kneading to loosen any knots. They may also rub or roll your skin and perform a side-to-side movement to reduce muscle tension.
The room where you receive your relaxation massage will be quiet and inviting. Your massage therapist may choose to play soft and soothing music to help you relax and will always keep the lights low. Your relaxation massage may also include essential oils or aromatherapy to help you feel calm and relaxed.
What is a Relaxation Massage Good For?
There are several health benefits of getting a relaxation massage. This type of massage therapy is great for relieving stress and reducing your anxiety. The relaxation massage techniques loosen the tension in your body and help quiet your mind. You may find yourself sleeping better and feeling more rested after receiving a relaxation massage.
Massage increases your body’s circulation and blood flow, increasing the rate at which oxygen and other nutrients enter your organs. Increased circulation can help lower levels of inflammation and pain and make you feel less fatigued.
Massage therapy also helps your lymphatic system work more efficiently to keep your cells healthy, improving your immune system.
Relaxation massage is also great if you have stiff joints or sore muscles. Stress causes tension and soreness in your muscles and connective tissues like tendons and ligaments. Your massage therapist helps work out tension and stiffness so your muscles and joints can move more freely.
Difference Between Massages Types
Massage therapy comes in many styles, including relaxation massages and remedial massages. Understanding what is a relaxation massage compared to a remedial massage can help you determine which is the right type of massage therapy for your needs.
Remedial massage aims to remedy a physical problem such as pain from an injury or a structural imbalance. The massage techniques used in remedial massages are for function and not relaxation.
Remedial massages include all forms of massage therapy used to treat specific ailments, like how deep tissue massages treat sports injuries. Remedial massages use more intense strokes and massage techniques and can be uncomfortable at times.
Remedial massage focuses solely on your physical health, while relaxation massage helps heal your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as your body. Stress relief and nervous system realignment are the goals of a relaxation massage.
Your therapist uses massage techniques to loosen your muscle tension and settle your nervous system, allowing your mind to calm down as your muscles relax.
Relaxation massages are great for clients looking for a gentle and pain-free massage to help them unwind and improve their state of mind.
Who Should Avoid a Relaxation Massage?
People with certain health conditions may experience adverse reactions from a relaxation massage and should consult their doctor before scheduling any massage therapy sessions.
This includes massage clients suffering from conditions such as:
- Kidney or liver conditions
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Cancer
- Blood clotting disorders or being on blood thinners
- Skin conditions like psoriasis, burns, or open cuts and wounds
- Pregnancy
- Broken bones
- Fever or a contagious infection
What to Know Before Your Massage?
Knowing what to expect and how to prepare before your massage helps you get the most out of your treatment. Every massage therapist is unique and may use different calming techniques during your relaxation massage. Talk with your therapist about what to expect and let them know your preferences.
Clients with any allergies or sensitivities to certain scents, essential oils, or massage lotions should inform their massage therapist ahead of time. You can always make requests based on your preferences. Let your massage therapist know about any medical conditions or injuries so they can plan your treatment and avoid causing you discomfort.
Before your appointment, you may want to avoid eating large or heavy meals, as you’ll be lying on your stomach for your massage session. Drink extra water before and after your relaxation massage to aid with your body’s lymphatic drainage and to help flush unwanted toxins out of your body.
Finally, make sure you schedule enough time for your massage. Leave yourself enough time to arrive at your appointment early; you don’t need the added stress of being rushed. Be aware that massages can take one to two hours from start to finish, depending on the type of massage and treatment you requested. Try planning out a quiet, stress-free day following your relaxation massage.
Massage Therapy With Wayne Massage
Modern life is hectic and stressful. You may find yourself struggling with chronic muscle tension from stress or unable to relax after a busy work week. Relaxation massages are great to help you unplug, destress, and feel rejuvenated.
Wayne Massage offers relaxation massages and Chinese medicinal therapies to clients throughout Sydney. Our fully qualified massage therapists understand the right massage techniques to help you feel your best.
- Hunter Branch: (02) 8073 9376
- Town Hall Branch: (02) 8073 9382
- Kings Cross Branch: (02) 8073 9281