Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years and for most of us it is part of our regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly schedule, either for relaxation purposes, to assist with injury or simply as a way to reduce stress.
Today, there are many styles of massage available, each with its own pressure, movement, technique and benefits. Some of the most popular are deep-tissue, relaxation, Thai, shiatsu, hot stone, sports massage and pregnancy therapy.
Here in the UAE, massage has become something of a pastime for many of us, especially during the summer months when it is too hot to be outside, but our sedentary lifestyles and busy schedules also make it necessary for us to seek out the health benefits offered by a regular therapy session.
Some of the benefits of massage treatment, beyond simple relaxation, can include relief from back pain, headache and osteoarthritis. Massage can be used to complement traditional treatment of cancers by promoting relaxation and reducing the symptoms caused by chemotherapy. It can help reduce pain, swelling, fatigue and nausea, increase blood circulation and can assist in relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“Every body is unique and reacts in its own way and timing,” says Joana Picciochi Fortio, a therapist who practises at the Canadian Medical Center in Abu Dhabi. “The massage frequency depends on the type of treatment and also if it is meant for prevention, maintenance or actual treatment.”
So, how do you choose the most appropriate type of massage for your needs? Usually it is best to ask yourself what you want to get out of it – is it relaxation you’re after, or do you have a specific symptom or injury that requires relief or attention?
While many therapists are capable of more than one style, it is important to discuss what you’re looking for and ensure you know what to expect from the therapy you choose. For example, if you have a low pain threshold, a deep-tissue or remedial massage will likely not be an enjoyable experience because the pressure, as the name suggests, is “deep” and more targeted.
One of the most common types of massage is the Swedish variety, which involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light strokes on the topmost of the muscles. The benefits of this style of massage is that it can be both relaxing and energising. Like most massages, the Swedish massage experience helps to get your body back in balance and assists in restoring a sense of harmony.
At the other end of the scale, deep-tissue massage is known for its more therapeutic outcomes. This style of massage is less rhythmic but can help to relieve chronic patterns of tension and help with muscle injuries.
Not too dissimilar to the deep-tissue method is the sports massage, which was developed to help with muscle systems used for particular sports, and uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training. It can also be used to promote flexibility and help prevent injury.
According to Claire Wyness, a UK-certified sports and remedial massage therapist, sports massage can consist of deep-tissue techniques, assisted stretching and/or remedial exercise.
“It is suitable for anyone with niggling sports injuries, repetitive stress injuries or postural problems,” the Abu Dhabi-based therapist says. “It also helps to prevent injuries and keep muscles in peak condition.”
Wyness says those who have sports massages usually vary from elite athletes to weekend warriors and sedentary people who appreciate a deeper massage and need help with correcting their posture.
“It is also invaluable for anyone training or recovering from a big sporting event,” she says, adding that some people find this type of massage deeply relaxing, while others feel more benefits after the treatment rather than during it.
According to Wyness, who is a member of the Sports Massage Association, how often you should have a massage varies, but she usually advises initial treatment once a week for three sessions and then once a fortnight for the best results.
In addition to the therapies listed earlier, another that is popular is targeted towards pregnant women.
Pregnancy massage services aim to provide relief from many of the everyday discomforts experienced during pregnancy. These often include muscle tension, backaches, leg swelling, joint pain and leg cramps, and can extend to reducing stress the soon-to-be mum may be experiencing, both physically and mentally.
Susan Young Beauty Clinic in Abu Dhabi offers massage services for pregnant women and Susan Young herself says it’s a nice pampering experience for mums-to-be.
“It’s nice to do and gives clients a sense of well-being,” she says. “Sometimes mothers-to-be feel just like a baby carrier, so it’s nice for them to have a massage to chill and relax.”
During the massages offered by Young’s beauty business, the women lie on two big bags of water, which give way to their body, enabling the therapist to massage them without any discomfort. Other therapists who provide this type of massage bring a bed to you, or offer specially designed pillows to help the patient relax and get the most out of the session.
Shiatsu, Thai and hot stone massage are another three styles worthy of mention. Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese, and traditionally when giving this form of massage, the therapist uses varied, rhythmic pressure on certain parts of the body – acupressure points – which are believed to be important for the flow of the body’s vital energy, called chi. Advocates often say that shiatsu massage can help relieve blockages at these points.
Thai massage, on the other hand, sees the therapist use his or her body to move the client into a variety of positions. This type of massage generally includes compression of muscles and mobilisation of joints.
And if you undergo a hot stone massage, your therapist will place warm stones on certain acupressure points on your body, and along with other techniques it can be quite soothing and relaxing as heat is transmitted deep into the body.
While these are just a selection of the styles of massage available, whatever your preference, the outcome is sure to be a positive one, and an hour or two well spent.
