Know the Difference Between Massage Therapy and Therapeutic Massage

 Massage Calgary therapy and therapeutic massage are typically the same thing, just two different ways of saying it. There is, however, a big difference between therapeutic massage or massage therapy and relaxation massage. This is where the most common misconceptions and distinctions are. 

Therapeutic massage in Calgary is aimed at relieving chronic disorders and muscular pains while relaxation massages act as more of a treat to the body. Both have their place and usefulness, but massage therapy in SW Calgary is the type that will most likely be covered under your healthcare plan and prescribed by medical professionals.

THE DIFFERENCE

Therapeutic massages are generally conducted at clinics or a specialized practitioner’s residence. The environment is completely different from a spa or beauty salon.

The first time you go to receive a therapeutic massage therapy session in SW Calgary, you might have to fill up a lot of forms specifying your medical history and providing details of ailments for which you wish to undergo treatment.

Although the session will be relaxing like a normal massage at a spa, some advanced instruments will be used to provide pain relief and treat chronic health issues.

Improvement of overall health and wellbeing of the client is the goal of any good therapeutic massage versus relaxation massage generally has more cosmetic purposes. Moreover, your massage therapist will conduct sessions frequently in order to gauge the depth of your health issue and set the pace for further sessions.

BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

People suffering from medical conditions like chronic body aches, postural imbalances, weight issues, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, Down’s syndrome and autism greatly benefit from a professional therapeutic massage session in Calgary.

Scientists say that such massages are used as a complementary treatment in dental, chiropractic and even cancer care. Neuromuscular therapy, trigger therapy and myofascial release are some of the techniques used in massage therapy. Patients suffering from chronic depression also benefit from massage treatments.

For example, women who have suffered from recent miscarriages were found to be less depressed after undergoing therapeutic massage treatment.

Relaxation massages on the other hand will help your skin glow and rejuvenate your body. A wide range of massages are available using a variety of ingredients ranging from herbal and fruit AHA massages to seaweed, rock salt and chocolate.

A visit to a relaxing spa is a way to pamper yourself from head to toe. A good relaxation massage relieves stress and muscle tension and will leave you oozing with a sense of wellbeing. It achieves this because of the general benefits of massage: it improves your circulation and blood flow so your organs and skin get more oxygen aiding with lymphatic drainage.

While both massage options have their benefits, it’s important to know the difference so you can source the right type of session and practitioner for your current needs. If your reason for seeking a massage is to help with a physical ailment or to aid in the recovery or an injury or chronic disease, you will likely be looking for massage therapy. When you need a pick me up for your spirits or to nourish your skin, a relaxation massage will likely be right up your alley!