Therapeutic Massage | Abq

Sports Chiropractic & Massage | Placitas, NM

Dr. Smith provides Therapeutic Massage to help patients with soft tissue injuries heal more effectively.  This type of massage helps to integrate the damaged muscle fibers back into normal working patterns. If you are seeking Therapeutic Massage in Placitas or the surrounding areas of Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, Abq, or Santa Fe call or schedule online.

Therapeutic Massage | Abq

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic massage goes beyond the simple pleasure of a back rub. It’s a form of bodywork that uses a variety of techniques, such as kneading, stroking, and compression, to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. This manipulation aims to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including:

  • Pain relief: Therapeutic massage can effectively reduce pain from muscle tension, headaches, and chronic conditions like arthritis.
  • Stress reduction: The gentle touch and rhythmic movements of massage can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones.
  • Improved circulation: Massage helps to move blood and lymph fluids throughout the body, which can improve circulation and reduce swelling.

  • Increased range of motion: By loosening tight muscles and fascia, massage can improve your flexibility and range of motion.
  • Enhanced sense of well-being: A therapeutic massage can leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more in tune with your body.

There are many different types of therapeutic massage, each with its own unique benefits. Some of the most popular include:

  • Swedish massage: This classic technique uses gentle strokes and kneading to promote relaxation and improve circulation.
  • Deep tissue massage: This more targeted approach focuses on deeper layers of muscle and fascia to relieve tension and pain.
  • Sports massage: This type of massage is designed to help athletes prepare for and recover from physical activity.
  • Trigger point massage: This technique focuses on relieving pain by targeting specific trigger points, or knots, in the muscles.

Therapeutic massage is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. But did you know that it can also be effective in treating a variety of specific conditions?

Conditions that Respond Well to Therapeutic Massage:

  • Muscle pain and tension: Massage can help to loosen tight muscles, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation, all of which can lead to pain relief.
  • Headaches and migraines: Massage can help to release tension in the head and neck, which can trigger headaches and migraines.
  • Arthritis: Massage can help to improve joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness in people with arthritis.
  • Anxiety and depression: Massage can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for people with anxiety and depression.
  • Insomnia: Massage can help to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
  • Sports injuries: Massage can help to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing after sports injuries.

Risks of Theraeputic Massage

While massage offers undeniable benefits, it’s not without potential risks. Before hopping onto the table, let’s peek past the lavender haze and consider the downsides:

1. Injury and pain: Everyone has a different tolerance to pressure. Excessive pressure can strain muscles, pinch nerves, or even cause fractures if someone has low bone density. Be sure to communicate if something feels uncomfortable.

2. Allergic reactions: Essential oils, lotions, and even linens can trigger skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Discuss allergies beforehand.

3. Pre-existing conditions: Certain medical conditions like blood clots, high blood pressure, or recent surgery require extra caution or complete avoidance of massage. Make sure to disclose any significant medical history.

4. Emotional stress: While massage aims to de-stress, it can inadvertently stir up strong emotions, especially in cases of trauma. nts, and don’t hesitate to leave if anything feels off.