The Best Type of Massage

What is the best type of massage to get? I hear that question a lot in my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice from people who are new to receiving massage therapy and bodywork. Many have heard that they "are supposed to get" a deep tissue massage to truly relax while others have heard that one technique will solve everything permanently in one hour. They don't know how to choose and Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers haven't made answering the "best massage" question any easier. There are dozens if not hundreds of massage and bodywork techniques and some therapists enthusiastically claim that their favorite technique is the one best treatment. So, which is best type of massage? How do you choose?

The best massage treatment is the one that helps you achieve your goals and feels good to you. The answer truly is that simple but seems like a way for me to side-step the question doesn't it? I have to stand by that answer though because the best massage is often quite subjective even if the results can be objectively measured.

For example, Bob goes to his doctor because he just feels run down and things are getting to him. Bob's doctor runs some tests, thoroughly examines him and concludes that Bob suffers from stress due to 16 hour days and family concerns. Since Bob's doctor enjoys getting massage for his stress he recommends that Bob receive massage too. What kind of massage is best for Bob? Since Bob isn't experiencing any pain it might be that Bob will benefit from a soothing type of massage like Swedish massage, or he might do well with Hot Stone Massage. These relaxing treatments may be just the thing to help Bob with his stress. After interviewing Bob, his Massage Therapist recommends that Swedish massage with a little bit of Deep Tissue Massage for trouble spots.

How about another example? Jill runs marathons and is currently training for one but has developed a hip pain issue. She sees her doctor who concludes that running on canted surfaces has caused some hip muscles to spasm. The doctor recommends she see a massage therapist to treat the hip. In this case Jill might feel good by getting a relaxation massage like Swedish massage, but it's not as likely to address the hip issue as other techniques. Jill may prefer a Sports Massage to address the hip muscles, or she may do well with Trigger Point Therapy or Neuromuscular Therapy as they would target the appropriate muscles. Jill thinks the targeted treatment is the best for her because she can continue her training.

Milicent works in an office eight hours a day with few breaks and a short lunch. By day she sits in an uncomfortable chair that the manager swears is ergonomic, by night she sits on her less ergonomic couch. She has low back pain. The low back pain lessens when she's up and moving around and isn't so severe that she wants to see her doctor. Milicent is unsure about receiving massage. She has a skin condition that she finds embarassing and doesn't like the feel of oils or lotions, but her pain cries out for treatment. When Milicent explains her situation to her new Massage Therapist he recommends she try a treatment technique called Ortho-Bionomy. The Ortho-Bionomy, he explains, is relaxing and excellent for relieving pain while remaining fully clothed.

As you can see from the examples, the best massage treatment is the one that's tailored to you. Customizing your massage therapy and bodywork treatment should be a cooperative effort between you and your Massage Therapist. Choosing the type of treatment is as easy as explaining to your Massage Therapist what your goals are and letting them know what feels best to you.

If you need assistance in choosing the best type of massage for you and you live in the San Antonio, Texas area please call me at 210-269-3314. You might also want to see the website for my San Antonio Massage Therapy practice Massage By Ben