Massage Your Way to Better Muscle Health

A relaxing massage can be a great stress reliever, but it can also help improve your muscle health. By gently stimulating the muscles, massages can effectively treat a number of common musculoskeletal conditions. 

That’s why our team at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, includes two experienced massage therapists who can provide a range of massage therapy options.

What is massage therapy?

Massage refers to the pressing, manipulating, and rubbing of your skin and underlying musculature. There are different types of massage therapies, but they generally use similar movements, including frictions, effleurage, and kneading, to improve your muscle health. 

Frictions are a technique where the fingers and thumbs are used on knots that form deep in your muscles. By gently applying consistent pressure in small circular movements, the muscular knots increase in temperature and begin to soften and relax. 

Effleurage is a technique where a flat hand and fingers gently massage areas of the body and increase the blood flow and circulation to the area. Increased circulation allows for an influx of essential nutrients and increased oxygenation, which can relieve muscle fatigue and pain. 

Kneading involves repeatedly compressing, pushing, and releasing muscle tissues. Like effleurage, this helps to increase blood flow to problem areas, reduce inflammation, and reduce tightness by softening connective tissue. 

What conditions can massage therapy treat? 

Massages can benefit a broad range of conditions. Massage can help with psychological conditions including: 

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Insomnia

It can also help with a number of physiological conditions, including:

• Fibromyalgia 
• Digestive problems
• Sciatica 
• Migraines
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle strains
• Sports injuries 

While massages have shown to be especially beneficial for these conditions, many people choose to have massages to enjoy a state of relaxation or to keep their muscles in the best health possible. 

What types of massage therapy are there?

There are different types of massage therapy. Your massage therapist at Advantage Spinal Dynamics is trained in a variety of massage styles and techniques and tailors your treatment to meet your unique needs. These styles may include:

• Swedish massage: a gentle, relaxing massage style
• Sports massage: focused on preventing and treating sports injuries
• Deep tissue massage: targets knots deep in your muscles 
• Trigger point massage: releases knots that cause pain in other areas of the body

If you’re looking to keep your muscles in great shape for an upcoming activity or sports event, a sports massage might be best. Deep tissue massages can be incredibly helpful if you have chronic pain, and Swedish massage is a popular choice if you want full-body relaxation. 

Your massage therapist discusses with you what types of massage are best suited for your muscular concerns. 

What happens during a massage session? 

During your session at Advantage Spinal Dynamics, your massage therapist brings you to a private massage room and has you lie on a comfortable massage table. The therapist then begins the massage, focusing on the areas that are painful, uncomfortable, or tight. 

They also ensure that you feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable throughout the session, which lasts about an hour. You can return to your normal activities immediately and should see the physical and psychological benefits of the massage immediately. 

If you’re ready to improve your muscle health with regular massage sessions, contact Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine by calling us at 208-225-4358 or make an online appointment today.