Orange CA Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is sometimes called massage therapy. Its approach is more than simply relaxing, and a typical treatment involves manipulations of muscles and other soft tissue. Massage therapy can be used in several conditions including injuries (such as sports injuries or accident-related whiplash), chronic pain, repetitive strain injury, arthritis and postural problems.

Massage is certainly one of the most natural and oldest methods used to heal the mind and body. The benefit of having a regular massage is immeasurable, however it can include relieving tension, reducing stress, improving circulation and even helping with lymphatic flow as well as relaxing muscles that are sore and tense. Many masseurs will use oil when they perform massage therapy and the oil they typically use will be a cold-pressed oil that is vegetable based, such as sweet almond oil which can easily be absorbed into the skin making it soft and smooth.


The main massage techniques used are based on those found in Swedish massage which is the original style and the source of almost every other type of modern massage therapy: petrissage, friction, vibration, effleurage and tapotement (or tapping). Petrissage means kneading and in this method the muscles are kneaded to get deep into areas that are tense while the effleurage method includes stroking movements that are long and smooth and designed to warm up and relax the muscles. Friction and tapping are techniques that are more localized and are used to increase the flow of blood to the areas that are tense.

If you suffer from neck and shoulder pain or back problems, therapeutic massage is an easy way to get relief. A massage therapist can focus on the areas of most tension in the body, and even in a full body massage special attention can be paid to the back and the neck. Neck tension can also lead to headaches, and releasing stiffness in this area is an excellent natural remedy for tension headaches.

Typically a session with a massage therapist will begin with the consultation. It is during the consultation that the therapist will be able to question the client regarding various aspects of their health, including the details of any illnesses or injuries, both past and present, as well as lifestyle issues, particularly those dealing with diet or exercise. A consultation with the professional massage therapist is a crucial part of the treatment process, especially when it is a client's first visit with that particular therapist. While just one massage will often be enough to provide relief for many health issues as well as provide necessary relaxation, oftentimes a course of massage treatments will be recommended for treating health problems. After having the initial consultation and treatment session, the therapist will be better able to explain to their client a course of treatment and the number of sessions that will probably be necessary.


Many massage therapists have been trained in a variety of different styles, so they may combine techniques from various traditional massage methods such as Swedish massage, aromatherapy, shiatsu, deep tissue or sports massage, acupressure or Thai massage. If the masseuse or masseur has been trained in numerous methods they may use just one style, or a combination of different methods during a single treatment according to what the particular client needs.


Everyone can derive benefit from a therapeutic massage, even when they are not suffering from a specific health problem. It can help relax and loosen tight muscles, increase body awareness, relieve tension and stress throughout the body as well as mentally, and it can provide a more relaxed state. Regular massage treatments even if they are only once a month, will help prevent stress and maintain an overall feeling of wellness.

Therapeutic Massage Relieve Aches More Effectively

In my many life experiences, my first massage was not all it could have been. Having had more massages than my first one, I realize, it actually is great. I was the subject of a lady who was learning. I worked at a health club and she needed volunteers. I, as the low person on the totem pole, was elected to be the it. I had no idea what a therapeutic massage involved. Well, this was no therapeutic massage. I had to put up with the noise of two rowdy little boys while their mother practiced on me! I opted for the clothes-on option! Yes, there is a no-clothes option which involves the subject being nude, but covered by towels and blankets.

The more I learn about massage in general, the more differences I find between regular spa and therapeutic massage. A day massage (with a professional rather than an intern is just to feel good, relaxed, even peaceful. In my learning, I have realized that there are so many massages available, so many techniques, even a pregnancy massage! If only I had known. It is all a very civilized affair.

Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. This became popular in the US in the 1800's and grew in popularity until the 1930's and 40's. The development of modern medicine discounted the benefits of therapeutic massage. It made a re-appearance in the 1960's and 1970's when nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service.



A therapeutic massage goes deeper into a person's current and past medical complaints. These are performed in a clinic, hospital or private office, and there is a lot more paperwork involved than there is with a spa massage. The masseuse will ask many questions and interviews involved. This is not your massage as only luxury. It is one that will help relieve problems. It may be performed up to 3 times a week, which is very frequent for massage.

Therapeutic massage can treat an immense number of complaints. It can be performed on both adults and children. It can be used to treat fibromyalgia, aches and pains, cancer, pediatric issues such as autism and Downs syndrome. It can also be used to help sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, TMJ and posture problems as well as weight issues.

If you are in pain and seeking relief, you may want to consult your doctor. He/she can refer you to a massage therapist. My sister even seeks acupuncture (a form of massage) as a treatment for her eczema. She lives in Australia, and had many, many issues when she moved there with her husband. She now has a little daughter, her eczema has cleared up, even the scars on her face have diminished. I couldn't believe it. She looks great and is crediting that to her massage therapy.

As a mother of three dancing girls, I hope their muscles and bones hold up to the impact it may have on their bodies. I know that therapeutic massage will help keep them in condition to dance. Therapeutic massage sure beats some of the other options, shots of hormones and antibiotics!