A Licenced Massage Therapist. What’s in your LMT’s Toolkit?
By Katie Hosick, LMT Owner Vital Energy Wellness
Surprisingly there are still individuals who think of massage as only a luxury. There are numerous massage modalities and practitioner styles that make up an LMT’s tool kit. What makes a Therapeutic massage different from a Swedish massage? Why do some prefer one over the other?
Let’s break down the basics so that you are more aware of what to expect or what to ask for (and why), regardless if you have never had a massage, or get them frequently, but are never really quite satisfied.
Swedish Massage (Relaxing)
- Swedish Massage is long, connecting strokes with minimal muscle manipulation.
- Many clients find Swedish massage deeply relaxing when they feel frazzled or run down.
- The long strokes are often used to encourage circulation.
- Many clients say they sleep better and feel calmer afterwards.
Deep Tissue/Trigger Point Massage (Therapeutic)
- Therapeutic Massage combines deep tissue and trigger point therapy to work the muscle tissue and adhesions, which many clients find relieving.
- Therapeutic massage may help ease muscle tension and support recovery after activity.
- Working into tight tissue can help muscles lengthen and joints move more freely.
- Many clients find it helps with the tension that builds up with stress, and with how they sleep.
Most people have had either one type of massage OR the other. In my experience, not every LMT integrates both Swedish AND Therapeutic to offer a relaxing AND therapeutic massage. A great LMT will know where the typical muscle adhesions are, be able to work them with minimal pain, and integrate Swedish Massage so that the client receives the benefits of both a Relaxing and a Therapeutic Massage. A Therapeutic Massage does not have to be painful to be effective. Elbows are NOT an effective method for relief. If the client can not relax, breath, and enjoy the massage fully, the body will not receive the proper message. A seasoned LMT will use both skill and intuition to listen to what the body is saying, and deliver the best massage for each specific clients needs. The more you tell your LMT prior to starting, the better. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you like, what you don’t like, and what you don’t know! Massage can make a real difference to how you feel. Don’t give up until you find the right fit. Good luck!
This is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary. Book an exam for a diagnosis specific to you, and never stop a prescribed medication without speaking to the doctor who prescribed it.