Bodywork 101: All the Basics You Need to Know

Bodywork is a broad term that can refer to many different types of therapeutic massage. It’s important to know the basics about what kind of bodywork you’re interested in so that you can find a therapist who specializes in it! In this blog post, we’ll discuss all the different types of bodywork and their benefits.

Bodywork is an important part of working out, but it’s also one that people tend to forget about or avoid. Even if you’re not a professional athlete, there are some simple ways to improve your understanding and use of bodywork so that you can get the most out of your workouts.

Here are five tips for getting started:

1) Make sure you stretch before and after every workout

2) Don’t overdo it in any single area

3) Keep hydrated at all times when stretching

4) If something hurts, stop doing it right away

5) Be patient with yourself-it take time to learn new techniques

The Different Massage Therapies and Their Health Benefits

Basic massage is the most common, and relatively least expensive of all bodywork modalities. Basic massages are often given in spas or salons by unlicensed therapists who do not have any formal training beyond their certificate program.

Basic Massage can also be referred to as Swedish Massage which includes various techniques such as stroking, kneading, tapping, compression and friction. Basic Massage is a great way to introduce the body to massage therapy as it has been shown to produce results such as reduced muscle tension and pain relief. Basic massages can also help increase blood flow which in turn helps muscles release toxins faster.

Here are some things to think about while deciding what sort of massage would work best for you.

Which Massage Styles Are Best?

• Shiatsu Massage: the therapist applies varying, rhythmic pressure on particular areas of the body during shiatsu massage. These points are known as acupressure points, and they’re said to be essential for the circulation of the body’s vital energy, chi. Shiatsu massage is claimed to aid in the removal of obstructions at these acupressure spots.
• Thai Massage: is a traditional form of bodywork that originated in India over 2500 years ago. Today, it is known for its use as both an alternative medicine and medical therapy to treat several ailments, one example being carpal tunnel syndrome which can be caused by repetitive stress or activity on the wrist. Basic massage techniques are often combined with other health treatments such as yoga, acupressure, aromatherapy, and other forms of bodywork. Basic Thai Massage techniques are applied to the feet, legs, back, neck, and shoulders.
• Hot Stone Massage: is a massage therapy style that involves the use of smooth, flat stones. The stones can be used as massage equipment or temporarily kept in place. Hot stones may be quite soothing and relaxing when used in conjunction with other massage techniques since they distribute warmth deep into the body.
• Reflexology: is the most common type of bodywork. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the foot to influence other parts of the body. The treatment of reflexology employs hand, thumb, and finger methods to stimulate the feet’s numerous points. These regions are considered to be linked to various parts of the body. As a result, it is expected that the massage will improve one’s health and well-being.
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage: is a type of massage that works to stimulate your lymphatic system, which is the body’s drainage network for removing toxins. A lymphatic drainage massage is a mild tissue manipulation that aims to enhance the circulation of lymph fluids in your body. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that circulates throughout your body in lymphatic vessels. It picks up germs, viruses, and trash and carries them to your lymph nodes.
• Swedish Massage: is the most common, basic type of massage that you’ll come across. It’s a full-body treatment that might include other styles to target specific areas; it’s not exclusive to rubbing up and down your back. As well as increasing circulation and flexibility, Swedish massage has been known to reduce stress levels by releasing chemicals called endorphins. It’s a good idea to try Swedish massage if you suffer from common ailments such as arthritis or chronic back pain, but not everyone believes it can treat more serious conditions like cancer and high blood pressure. It can also be used for prenatal massages during pregnancy.
  

Massages are great for relaxation, stress relief, and pain management. Depending on your needs or preferences you can select from a variety of different massage styles. When considering which style is best for you, it’s important to think about what type of pressure feels good in that area and how often the muscle tension occurs. For instance, if we use an example of someone who has chronic upper back pain then they may need deep tissue work where there is more focus on applying enough pressure to release knots in muscles rather than just providing gentle strokes. In this case, a traditional Swedish massage would not be as effective because there is no focused application of any specific treatment needed to address the issue at hand. If you have been struggling with finding one we have knowledgeable team members standing by ready to help!