Are you having troubling pain in your back, or maybe your legs? Have you tried everything short of surgery, but still can’t seem to get rid of the pain? Maybe you need to try getting a massage. In the following article, you’ll find more information about how you can use massages to treat your pain.
Always be gentle when giving someone else a message. Even if the person you are massaging complains, you should avoid applying too much pressure to their muscles and joints. Unless you have been trained in message therapy, you are more likely to hurt them than to relieve their pain by being more forceful.
If you suffer from back pain, especially in your lower back, having regular massages could be very beneficial. Having a professional relax your muscles can really work wonders and prevent you from further back injuries. It can also help with back spasms, which can be very painful and sometimes debilitating.
If you experience recurring pain in your muscles, buy a book that explains trigger points, or visit a masseuse who can teach you neuromuscular therapy. When muscles are tight, knots form; they are known as trigger points. Trigger points may relay pain and other problems to their surrounding area. A book on the subject or a trained massage therapist can educate you about how to use massage to rid yourself of these points.
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all massage. Everyone is different, and it pays to give attention to each person’s preferences. If you notice a positive response to a particular area, stay in that specific area longer. Feedback is important to look for when you’re giving someone a massage.
You should try different techniques when giving a massage. Use your hands and fingers to rub, apply pressure or even give gentle taps. Use the tip of your fingers if you need precision, for instance to relax a tense muscle. You could also try covering as much surface as possible by using the palm of your hands to apply pressure.
Try giving yourself or someone a foot massage. Focusing on the soles first can really relax a person. Start stroking the soles of the foot going back and forth in straight lines. Do these motions starting from the heel to the bases of the toes. After the soles have been properly massaged, you can move on to the toes and the top and middle of the foot.
Discuss your needs with your therapist. Some people may feel a little uncomfortable at the prospect of getting a massage because they feel out of control. Tell the massage therapist about any sore areas, such as your back, knees or neck, so that they can avoid them or treat them accordingly. And don’t forget to let them know of your preferences for things like background music, room lighting and temperature. The whole point is for you to be able to relax, so make sure the conditions suit you.
Don’t preoccupy yourself with worries about what a massage therapist will see at a massage appointment. Wear as little clothing as possible so the therapist can do their job. A massage therapist is a professional and should always treat you with dignity and not make you feel uncomfortable. Just relax and trust them.
When you are finished giving or getting a massage, try to give your body at least 10 minutes to recuperate. Since this is not something that you do everyday, you will not want to walk right out after you are done. It is important to maintain regular blood flow before you engage in normal activities again through a short rest period.
If you feel as though your complexion is looking a little dull, or you are noticing little wrinkles forming in places around your face, you do not have to run to the plastic surgeon! Giving yourself a daily face massage will promote blood flow to your skin, brightening it up and making those wrinkles virtually disappear.
When you plan to book an appointment for a massage, call up a few local spas and ask them what they have to offer. You may find that they provide a massage style which you’d like to try out, or that they don’t offer the old standby you’d prefer to use.
Before beginning a massage, be sure your hands are warm. The point of massage is relaxation, and cold hands can be upsetting to the recipient, which isn’t relaxing. Rubbing your hands, using massage oil or lotion before you start, is all that is needed to begin with pleasantly warm hands.
When you begin a massage, always warm the lotion or oil with your hands prior to applying. Gently spread the oil or lotion over the skin and let it set for a minute or two before beginning the massage. Make sure that you use enough so that once the massage starts, you are not having to reapply constantly.
Set the mood for a nice massage. The hands working on the back are wonderful, but you can go even further and create an environment that is made for relaxation and peace. Put on some soft music and light some candles. This can be a wonderful way to treat the rest of your body to relaxation as well as the parts being massaged.
Got an aching back? Then get a quick massage. The appointment can be conveniently fit into your schedule and you won’t believe the benefits! Visiting a professional masseuse once a week or bi-weekly can really alleviate back pain and get you back to your old self again. Try it at least once and see!
If your massage therapist moves your arms, legs, hands, feet or neck, try your best not to resist or assist. This is a part of the massage, and it can help to release tension in certain parts of your body. If you put effort into helping, you might make the tension worse, and you are also taking away from the relaxation you should be experiencing.
As you can see from this article, massage can be a viable solution for treating pain. Many people will attest to the benefits of a good massage, so why not get the benefits for yourself? Remember what you’ve read in the article and try a massage for yourself. You’ll be surprised at the results.
