Professional Massage Vs. Self Massage: Which Provides More Relief?
Muscle knots are a major trigger point for pain and can often lead to prolonged stress and chronic discomfort. It’s important to take the right precautions to prevent you from becoming someone who suffers from this debilitating condition. Long-term problems may occur if we aren’t weary of this. Pains can occur in the lower back or neck, but can be fixed with professional-massage or self-massage.
Self-massage can be considered the most cost-effective choice, but finding a favorite massage therapist that works with you to target your most painful muscle knots can give you the relief you deserve!.
Here are some pros and cons of both professional massages and self-massages, so you can decide which is best fit for you.
Professional Massage and its Perks
Professional massages have an element of relaxation that is difficult to find with self-massage. Considering that you just get to sit back and relax, it is much more enjoyable to be massaged by a professional. The ambiance that you experience when you enter a spa is one of a kind. Massage therapists have the professional background and high standards that can soften even the toughest pains the body and release troublesome areas that can cause stress, aches and pains.
Your first time at a Spa, you may have concern about how your body will react to different products being used, but the professionals are more than happy to help pick out products that match your unique needs and preferences. . Be sure to head into your appointment with a relaxed state of mind and enjoy all of the benefits that a professional massage has to offer you!
Massages to Try: Tips From the Professionals
The Swedish massage is many people’s favorite because of its ability to relax the entire body by facilitating oxygen in the blood, leading directly to the heart. This relieves muscle tension by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes. In result, lactic acid flushes from the muscles and will improve the lymphatic system. The Swedish massage is one of many massages that professionals practice and one of the fan favorites!
Reflexology is another unique massage technique, known for being the ‘right touch’ on the body. Reflexology entails manipulating certain areas of the body with a point of pressure made to the feet, hands or ears. Reflexology is an effective technique because of its impact on the nerve endings in which it results in a sense of healing.
Self Massages to Experiment with at Home
For people who don’t feel comfortable going into a spa, or don’t like the idea of being touched by a stranger, practicing a few techniques at home may be a better option for you. When at home, you can target your own sensitive areas in the comfort of your own home. When you are able to focus on the spots that need attention, you can create your experience. Trigger points can be described as tight spots confined in one area, and they are easier to manage by applying gentle pressure.
This is why self-massages can be effective. Depending on how extreme the case is, a few moments of gentle rubbing can make all of the difference!
There are many different types of easy massages you can try out at home that can give you a boost and relieve pain without having to set up an in-spa appointment. A basic back massage as simple as using your fists, thumbs and elbows to press gently on those tougher trigger points can give you relief almost immediately!
Susan Harmsworth, founder of a spa company called ESPA, suggests relieving a sore neck and shoulders with a reflexology technique that involves massaging the base of your big toes then leading to the tip of your toes, resulting in a soothing feeling to the entire head area. To relieve sore muscles after a workout, you can try a deep tissue massage at home by using slow strokes and applying deep finger pressure to feel immediate relief.
What You’ll Need
To get the most out of your self –massage, gather together olive oil and your favorite essential oils. Make sure to keep the room warm and it will make your experience much more soothing! Lavender oil is said to have a relaxing effect, but you can also try almond or rosemary oil.
Both of these choices of massages have their benefits, but in the end it really depends on your preference of environment and comfort level. Whether you chose a professional or an in-home massage, make sure you go in relaxed in order to get the most out of the massage. Since enjoying the experience is key for you to receive all of the benefits, make sure you relax and enjoy the pain relief and lower stress levels that massage has to offer!
