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.