What Type of Massage Is Right for Me?
The right type of massage depends on why you’re seeking massage in the first place. If you primarily want to relax and reduce stress, relaxation massage may be a good choice. If you’re dealing with tight or overworked muscles, stiffness or limited mobility, therapeutic or deep tissue massage may be more appropriate. Manual Lymphatic Drainage serves a different purpose, while prenatal massage is adapted specifically for pregnancy.
But you don’t necessarily have to figure all of that out before making an appointment.
At Selah Massage & Healing Center in Hudson, Florida, Sheila Shynski, LMT, starts with something much simpler:
“Every session at Selah begins by listening to what you are experiencing, how your body is feeling, and what you need that day.”
That’s because the name of the massage isn’t nearly as important as understanding what you want your massage to accomplish.
Start With the Reason You’re Considering Massage
Think about what prompted you to search for a massage therapist.
Are you exhausted and simply need an hour to slow down?
Do your neck and shoulders always seem tight?
Are you physically active and finding that certain muscles don’t recover as easily as they once did?
Are stiffness or tired muscles making it harder to enjoy golf, gardening, boating or other activities?
Are you pregnant and looking for massage adapted to the changes occurring in your body?
Or has your healthcare provider suggested that you investigate Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Those are very different reasons for scheduling a massage—and they may call for different approaches.
Relaxation Massage – When You Need to Slow Down
If your primary goal is relaxation, stress reduction and simply giving your body and mind an opportunity to rest, Relaxation Massage may be the place to start.
The pressure is generally comfortable rather than aggressive, with flowing massage techniques designed to help muscles relax and create an overall feeling of calm.
This type of massage fits particularly well with Sheila’s vision for Selah:
“A place where an exhausted body can rest. Where tense muscles can soften. Where a busy mind can become quiet. And where you can leave feeling a little more like yourself again.”
Therapeutic Massage: When Something Is Bothering You
Therapeutic Massage is more goal-oriented.
Perhaps your shoulder feels tight. Your back has been bothering you after working in the yard. Your legs feel overworked after being on your feet all day. Or stiffness is beginning to interfere with activities you enjoy.
Rather than simply providing the same full-body routine each time, Sheila can concentrate on what you’re experiencing.
She may combine techniques including Swedish massage, deeper tissue work, neuromuscular techniques, stretching and trigger-point work depending on your needs.
Deep Tissue Massage: When Muscles Need More Focused Work
People sometimes assume deep tissue massage simply means “massage, but harder.”
That’s not really the goal.
Deep tissue techniques use slower, more focused work intended to address deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It may be appropriate for certain areas of persistent muscular tension or overworked muscles.
And deeper isn’t automatically better.
The appropriate amount of pressure depends on your body, your comfort and what Sheila is trying to accomplish.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A Very Different Kind of Massage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) shouldn’t be confused with deep tissue massage.
In fact, MLD uses very gentle, rhythmic movements intended to encourage the body’s natural movement of lymphatic fluid.
Someone might investigate MLD because of swelling, a healthcare provider’s recommendation or circumstances related to recovery from certain procedures.
Because swelling can have many causes and MLD isn’t appropriate for everyone, medical considerations are particularly important. Unexplained swelling, recent surgery or an existing medical condition should be discussed with the appropriate healthcare professional.
Prenatal Massage: Massage Adapted for Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes the body considerably, so massage during pregnancy needs to take those changes into consideration.
Prenatal Massage adapts positioning, pressure and massage techniques for the comfort and circumstances of an expectant mother.
It’s another good example of why Selah doesn’t approach every massage the same way.
Sometimes the Best Massage Is a Combination
This may be the most important answer on this page:
You don’t necessarily have to choose only one technique.
A person may benefit from relaxation techniques throughout much of the massage but need more focused therapeutic attention on the shoulders.
Another person may want therapeutic massage with stretching or trigger-point work incorporated into the session.
Sheila describes her approach as creating an individualized massage experience based upon what the person needs that day.
That’s very different from choosing a massage from a menu and receiving exactly the same routine every time.
What Does Medical Research Say About Massage?
Massage isn’t simply something offered by spas.
Mayo Clinic describes massage therapy as part of integrative medicine and explains that massage therapists vary pressure and movement while working with the body’s soft tissues. Mayo reports that studies have found massage may help reduce stress, lessen pain and muscle tightness, and increase relaxation. (Mayo Clinic)
Mayo’s own integrative medicine program also describes its massage therapists as selecting techniques based upon an individual’s needs and goals—an approach remarkably similar to Sheila’s philosophy at Selah. (Mayo Clinic)
Learn more about Massage Therapy from Mayo Clinic
What If I Still Don’t Know Which Massage to Choose?
That’s okay.
You don’t need to diagnose yourself before scheduling a massage.
Tell Sheila:
Where do you feel discomfort or tension? What activities are becoming more difficult? Are you primarily looking for relaxation? Is there something specific you want to be able to do more comfortably?
Then let the conversation begin.
If you have an injury, significant medical condition, recent surgery, unexplained pain or swelling, or take medications that could affect whether massage is appropriate, talk with your healthcare provider and make sure Sheila knows about it before your massage.
Massage should complement appropriate medical care, not replace it.
Finding the Right Massage in Hudson, FL
If you’ve been searching for massage near me, massage therapist near me, therapeutic massage in Hudson FL, relaxation massage near me, or simply trying to determine what kind of massage you need, you don’t have to know all the terminology before walking through the door.
At Selah, the first question isn’t:
“Which massage did you order?”
It’s:
“How are you feeling, and what do you need today?”
That’s the difference an individualized approach can make.
As Sheila says:
“My goal is not simply to help you feel better for an hour. I want to help you understand and care for your body so you can move better, function better, experience less pain and stress, and continue doing the things—and loving the people—that make your life meaningful.”
At Selah Massage & Healing Center in Hudson, Florida, finding the right massage begins with finding the right massage for you.