Targeted Treatment & Soothing Relief
IAf you experience back pain, sore muscles or the everyday aches and tension that come with modern living, massage therapy can provide real relief. It is no longer just a luxury reserved for spas or health clubs. In an age of constant sitting, screens and repetitive movements, regular massage therapy has become an important part of maintaining physical and mental well being.
With so many massage options available, it can be hard to decide which type is right for you. When booking an appointment with a registered massage therapist in Ottawa, it helps to understand what you want to achieve. Two of the most common and effective forms of massage therapy are deep tissue massage and relaxation massage.
Knowing the differences between these two approaches will help you choose the massage that best supports your comfort, healing and overall health.
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What is a
Relaxation
Massage?
A relaxation massage is ideal if you are seeking a calming, soothing experience that releases tension and eases stress. The main goal is to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. During a relaxation massage, your registered massage therapist in Ottawa will typically use long, gentle strokes to create a smooth flow across your body, along with kneading or light tapping to ease specific areas of tightness.
This type of massage promotes a natural relaxation response in your body, slowing heart and breathing rates, lowering blood pressure, relaxing muscles and reducing the production of stress hormones. It also encourages the release of serotonin, which supports an improved sense of well being and happiness.
What To Expect From a Relaxation Massage?
A relaxation massage will leave you feeling loose, calm and refreshed, while also offering a range of health benefits. Massage therapy improves circulation, which supports increased flexibility, healthier skin and overall tissue health. It can also enhance concentration and productivity, lower blood pressure and give a small boost to your immune system.
Relaxation massage is best for relieving everyday stress and easing general muscle tension. It is not designed for treating specific conditions such as chronic neck or back pain, limited range of motion or sports injuries. Those issues often stem from tension buried deeper in the soft tissue and are
better addressed with a more targeted approach such as deep tissue massage.
What is a Deep Tissue Massage?
Also known as a therapeutic massage or sports massage, if you have a specific problem that needs attention it’s better to go with this option. With a deep tissue massage, your RMT takes a more targeted approach to treat things like:
- Inflammation
- Sports injuries
- Limited range of motion
- A lingering car accident injury
- A condition that causes chronic pain
- Soreness from frequent physical activity, including sports
- The effects of a job that involves sitting or standing all day, or repetitive motion
A deep tissue massage uses firm pressure strokes to reach deep into your muscles and other soft tissue, targeting specific muscle groups. It is also used to break up scar tissue, muscle knots or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt your blood circulation.
What Should I Expect During a Deep Tissue Massage?
A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focus on specific areas of the body. Your RMT will discuss your problem areas and work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your needs. They may recommend a single session or recurring appointments, depending on the severity of your problem.
Unlike a relaxation massage, you may experience some discomfort with a deep tissue massage. Your RMT will check in with you frequently during your massage to make sure they’re using only as much pressure as is needed. A therapeutic massage should never cause intolerable or excruciating pain.
Deep tissue massage (or any massage that involves heavy pressure) isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant. Instead, we can offer a prenatal massage which accommodates the pregnant body while helping promote muscle and ligament relaxation. It also eases the common symptoms of pregnancy like sore spots, back pain, mobility and even anxiety.
What Should I Expect After a Massage?
Drinking plenty of water before and after your massage can make the experience more comfortable and support your body’s natural recovery. It is common to feel some mild discomfort or tenderness following a massage, which usually resolves within 24 hours. If any pain lingers beyond that, contact your registered massage therapist, as it may indicate an area that needs further attention.
Feel free to ask questions before and during your appointment and be open about your comfort level, goals and expectations.
If you are looking for relaxation and relief from tense or tight muscles, a relaxation massage is likely the best fit. If you have a specific issue or injury, deep tissue massage may be more appropriate as part of your treatment plan.
Whatever route you decide to take, you’re sure to come out of it happier and stress-free. Contact us today to book a massage in Ottawa!
