Getting a body massage is one of the most popular ways people choose to relax and relieve stress. The soothing effect of massage is also known for being beneficial to health, as massages can help alleviate muscle pain, release tension, and improve blood circulation. Because of this, many clients add massage sessions to their self-care routine. In other cases, people decide to book a session with their therapist to revive their energy after a tiring day.
Many kinds of massage therapy are offered in aesthetic hubs or wellness clinics, including restorative massage therapy. Specialists usually recommend this therapy for those who want to experience the physical and mental health benefits of a combination massage. A person can experience balance and clarity through restoration while relieving pain, stiffness, or tension.
If you’d like to know more about restorative massage therapy, here’s a definitive guide you may find helpful:
Defining Restorative Massage Therapy
Massages help the body achieve relaxation through slow, flowing hand motions applied to the skin and muscles. These strokes have a soothing effect on the body because the touch increases the temperature of the tissues and triggers the release of dopamine, or the feel-good hormone. On the other hand, massages can also help decrease cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, improve skin health, and reduce bloating.
The goal of relaxation massages is to promote calmness in the nervous system through these hand strokes. Moreover, this massage helps release muscle tension and increase joint mobility, allowing the body to move freely and comfortably.
Because of the gentle hand movements and their effects on the body, relaxation massage is often recommended for first-timers. It’s a great option for people as well who aren’t experiencing pain in any part of their body. This type of massage is designed to alleviate stress and invigorate the body, but you might need something more to deal with acute pain or heightened stress levels effectively.
Meanwhile, restorative massage therapy is considered a customized massage experience. Many wellness centers offering this type of massage therapy use deep-tissue and therapeutic massage techniques in a session. The goal of combining techniques is to provide the client with a relaxing experience while addressing issues specific to what they’re experiencing.
Since restorative massages can be tailored to the client’s needs, you can also add on other services to get the rejuvenating experience you’ll enjoy. For instance, you can consider specialized services such as aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, or cupping benefits, as shown on modernmindbodymassage.com.
Restorative therapy massage helps alleviate the following conditions:
- Lower back pain
- Pain or pressure around the hips
- Shoulder pain
- Neck Pain
- Leg or foot numbness or discomfort
- Chronic headaches
Aside from regular clients, restorative massage specialists can also help athletes or sports enthusiasts who want to recover more effectively after a vigorous game or workout session. Furthermore, people who engage in competitive sports can also benefit from this type of massage if they want to enhance their performance or optimize their sports training. Because of improved joint flexibility and decreased muscle stiffness, those active in sports and exercise can enjoy a shorter recovery period and reduced risk of injury.
The Benefits Of Restorative Massage Therapy
Restorative massage therapy offers numerous health benefits that can boost a person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Moreover, this type of massage provides combined health benefits depending on the techniques used per session.
Here are some examples of how restorative massage therapy can be beneficial to your overall health and well-being:
- Alleviates and prevents chronic pain
- Enhances blood flow
- Boosts the immune system
- Promotes lymphatic circulation
- It helps break up scar tissue, improving its appearance by encouraging collagen production.
- Supports healing of an injury
- Decreases stress levels
- Promotes quality sleep
- Supports faster, more effective recovery from sickness or injuries
- Improves posture, reducing ongoing issues
- It helps regulate blood pressure.
- It helps control heart rate.
- Supports red blood-cell production
- Alleviate chronic headaches
- Promotes calmness in the nervous system, helpful for those experiencing anxiety and depression
- Reduces muscle fatigue and prevents cramps
- Enhances flexibility and endurance for athletes
Restorative massage can also help you care for your mental and emotional well-being. The connection between physical and mental health is well-known, which is why caring for your body affects your mental state. For instance, if you frequently feel fatigued, restless, and have difficulty staying focused on tasks, it might be helpful to get a restorative massage. Doing so can help you release mental stress caused by exhaustion, overstimulation, and other things that prevent you from feeling relaxed or at peace.
Aside from the procedure, the time you spend on relaxation and addressing physical health issues can also benefit your well-being. To maximize your massage sessions, you can inform your therapist if you want the room to be quiet or to play relaxing music in the background to create an atmosphere that will help you achieve relaxation.
Massage’s soothing, relaxing effects can be felt immediately after each session, though it’s best to book appointments consecutively to get the most out of this type of therapy. For this purpose, many athletes or sports enthusiasts consider getting restorative massages essential to their training plan. They also schedule regular appointments to condition their muscles for upcoming sporting events or workout sessions.
On the other hand, restorative massage therapy at least once every month might be ideal for you if you’re looking for ways to enhance your self-care routine, improve your posture, or boost your health and wellness overall. Many beauty enthusiasts believe that a person’s health significantly influences outer appearance. Hence, if you want to effectively enhance your beauty while also caring for your health, this therapy may be right for you.
What To Expect In A Restorative Massage Session
For your first time getting a restorative massage, it may be useful to know what to expect during your arrival at the massage center, during the massage therapy, and after the procedure. Doing so will help you prepare for it and think of questions you’d like to ask the therapist or the customer service personnel regarding the massage therapy.
Before a session, you may be asked to fill out a form in which you can inform your therapist of any allergies or physical conditions that they should be aware of. It’s essential to give this information to avoid untoward incidents that may harm you or your health. Moreover, informing your therapist of any health issues can help them make adjustments to ensure that you’ll have a safe and satisfying massage session.
Aside from this, you can also make some preparations to help you maximize your experience and enjoy your restorative massage therapy:
- Consume enough water or herbal tea to keep your body sufficiently hydrated. This step will help your body release toxins as the therapy boosts circulation.
- Have a small meal an hour before the session to avoid feeling too full or bloated when it’s time for your massage. A heavy feeling on your stomach may get in the way of relaxation and cause discomfort.
- Cleanse your skin using hot water and mild soap. Using hot water can help release muscle tension and amplify restorative massage’s effects on your body. Meanwhile, a gentle skin cleanser with a mild scent will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth without having an overpowering fragrance.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear to help you feel relaxed before and after getting a massage.
Your therapist may also offer you a drink or ask if you need to use the restroom before you start. The therapist then will leave the room and allow you a few minutes to remove your clothing to make it more convenient to do the procedure. It’s common for those receiving treatment to leave their underwear on for comfort, and you may do so when needed. When ready, you can lay on top of the massage table and cover your body with the blanket provided. The therapist will ask your permission before reentering the room to start the therapy.
During the procedure, you can inform the therapist if you feel pain or discomfort or want to adjust the pressure level. As a client, it’s important to note that your pleasure and comfort are your therapist’s priority. Therefore, it’s best to communicate any requests or concerns to them to ensure you’ll have an enjoyable massage experience. You can also opt to remain silent and stay relaxed throughout the session. Also, many clients fall asleep as they receive a massage, so you don’t have to worry if you feel sleepy during the procedure.
Conclusion
Getting restorative massage therapy might be the stress-relieving solution you’re looking for if you’re feeling tired, restless, or just looking for a great way to relax. It’s also perfect for you if you want relief from muscle tension, aches, and pains caused by physical activity. Finally, you can create a tailored self-care and pampering experience that you’ll enjoy by adding other therapeutic services to your massage session. By doing so, you can make the most out of your me-time and reap the health benefits of restorative massage therapy.
