Massage therapy is a growing holistic treatment option, with one in nine American adults getting massage therapy every year. There are a variety of reasons why people take massage therapy, including rehabilitation, relief from soreness or pain, and relaxation. Another major evidence-based reason is because of massage therapy’s benefits for mental health. We will unpack the ample benefits of massage therapy, as well as its techniques and process.
Massage therapy is a holistic practice completed by a licensed massage therapist who uses therapy techniques to address the client’s issues. There are multiple emphases of massage therapy, including mental health improvement, pain relief, and trauma therapy. Notably, massage therapy uses different techniques (like motions and pressure) and deep breathing exercises to change the experience based on the person’s illness.
There are many kinds of massages, from sports massages to the classic Swedish relaxation massage. Each has its own advantages and areas of focus. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, massage helps individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and cravings often associated with addiction recovery. The release of endorphins during massage sessions can enhance mood, alleviate depression, and improve overall emotional stability. Massage therapy fosters body awareness and a sense of connection, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals recovering from trauma or struggling with self-esteem issues. Integrating massage into treatment plans can provide a nurturing and non-invasive way to support mental well-being, reduce relapse risks, and promote long-term recovery.
Massage therapy instructors are trained in the various types and techniques used in massage therapy to provide different results. For instance, therapists use different pressure levels and work the body’s pressure points to alleviate tension. Some of the motions massage therapists will employ during a session include:
Depending on the type of therapy, your massage therapist may use some or all of these techniques.
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As a client, you can receive many types of massage therapy. Some people have a massage type recommended for their specific concern, while others do their research and try their options. Notably, each type of massage therapy has different goals in treatment, as well as different backgrounds of origin. You may want to explore multiple options to see what feels the most effective for your concerns.
Swedish massage originated in Sweden in the 1800s and targets the whole body for relaxation and blood flow. It is one of the most common massage types and is typically a fairly gentle, feel-good experience. Swedish massage uses light-pressure strokes called effleurage and petrissage.
Deep tissue massage can be likened to a stronger form of Swedish massage that targets tension relief and chronic pain. The goal is to reach deeper down into the muscles and tissues to massage the roots of the pain. As with Swedish massage, it helps to stimulate blood flow around the whole body.
Shiatsu massage originates in Japan. The prime characteristic of Shiatsu massage is the use of the therapist’s fingers, thumbs, hands, feet, and elbows to deeply massage an area. In accordance, “shiatsu” translates to “finger pressure.” This therapy works as a form of acupressure to release tension.
Thai massage, also called Thai yoga massage, incorporates stretching, rocking, and pulling of the limbs. Two of the main benefits are tension relief and increased flexibility. Clients may choose Thai massage for specific concerns, like headaches, back pain, or anxiety. Also, Thai massage has been studied to show an improvement in limb muscle strength in clients with Parkinson’s disease.
Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the body’s lymph system to move waste and fluid to the lymph nodes for drainage. Individuals can perform gentle lymph massages on themselves (such as through dry brushing or gua sha tools), but professional techniques provide whole-body results. Notably, lymph drainage massage helps to reduce swelling, bloating, and lymph blockages and improve the immune system.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage uses actual hot (and cold) stones and pressure points. Massage therapists place hot stones on specific places on the body to promote relaxation and stress relief. Additionally, the stones promote blood flow to release tension and heal inflammation. The therapy also includes movement, often with the stones.
Cranial sacral massage is a technique that targets tension in the head, shoulders, neck, and back. This connective tissue is called the fascia. Blockage and tension can lead to chronic pain or headaches. Thus, cranial sacral massage technicians use gentle movements and pressure to relax the head and spine.
Chair massage uses massaging seats to knead, press, stretch, and warm different parts of the body, mainly the neck and spine. In one study focusing on the effect of chair massage on the brain, results found that it worked to increase relaxation and alertness at the same time. Additionally, they found it decreased anxiety and depression by reducing cortisol levels. Chair massage can easily be added to one’s routine because of the speed and ease it provides.
The body has many trigger points where tension and blockage can occur. Essentially, these are knots or spasms that may be felt or maybe too deep under the skin. Trigger point massage focuses on these areas of pain. Understandably, the benefits of trigger point therapy include tension relief, blood flow, and decreased stress. Also, research shows touch point massage can improve the health of the immune system by enhancing immune cell activity and reducing inflammation in the body.
Somatic massage is a somatic therapy practice that encourages holistic healing in the body through intuitive massage. To elaborate, somatic healing emphasizes the connection between the mind and body and believes trauma can be stored physically. Thus, somatic massage works to release tension as it connects to one’s circumstances. Techniques can include aromatherapy, massage, movement, and breathwork.
Myofascial release therapy focuses on alleviating tension and loosening tight muscles in the face. The fascia is connective tissue running throughout the whole body. Myofascial massage treats facial trigger points to have a restorative effect on the entire self. Massage therapists gently stretch and place pressure on tight areas to provide more facial movement.
Reflexology is a holistic massage practice. It’s also called zone therapy because it targets the body’s reflex areas (found in the feet, hands, and ears) to improve overall wellness. Different areas of the hands, feet, and ears correspond to tissues, organs, and nerves. Thus, applying pressure on each area triggers a widespread effect. People with all types of issues can benefit.
There are two main emphases of massage therapy that clients look for healing from. For one, massage therapy helps to reduce pain in the body, regardless of the area or root cause. Additionally, massage therapy can improve one’s mental health through its relaxing and stress-relieving benefits. Thus, everyone can find greater wellness through massage.
Pain is the most common reason individuals visit a medical professional, being responsible for over 80 percent of doctor visits. Thus, the best treatment for pain is to address the whole body through a holistic biopsychosocial model. Some of the main reasons why people begin massage therapy are headaches, back pain, and widespread pain conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Through the many forms of massage therapy, clients can find relief from both chronic conditions and temporary pain.
Mental illness is a widespread issue. In fact, one in four people will have a major psychiatric disorder in their lifetime. Research shows massage therapy for mental health is an effective and beneficial treatment. It is used with positive results for post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, anxiety, and depression. Essentially, massage therapy provides stress alleviation, anxiety and depression relief, mood enhancement, and better self-esteem by increasing positive brain messaging. Thus, massage therapy can be combined with traditional therapy for a well-rounded treatment approach.
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At Aliya Health Group, we combine massage therapy into comprehensive treatment that includes psychotherapy, holistic therapy, and medication management. If you receive massage therapy rehabilitation in one of our centers, this is what to expect from the process.
During the initial assessment, you will be able to elaborate on your health goals and the reasons you‘re beginning massage therapy. Be prepared to have a conversation about your physical health, mental health, and the effects on your spirit. Markedly, your assessment is a safe space to be honest about your needs and goals.
Before your session, your massage therapist will ensure you’re prepared by walking you through the treatment plan. This is another time to discuss specific health issues and your goals for the session. They will instruct you on how to position your body and ask questions to ensure you’re comfortable during the treatment.
During the session, your massage therapist will use many techniques specific to the type of massage treatment. For instance, they will use mind-body techniques during somatic therapy or hot stones during hot stone therapy.
Your massage therapist will communicate with you either before, during, or after the session. Often, they will address treatment goals before the session and recap afterward to avoid conversation. Many clients prefer silence so they can relax while they are being treated. However, rest assured you can tell your therapist if you need more or less pressure or feel any pain.
During your therapy session, expect to feel a deep sense of calm and peace. Massage therapy is highly relaxing to the point where clients may fall asleep during sessions. Additionally, massage therapy can promote greater sleep at night, which in turn can improve your mental health during the daytime. You might feel especially relaxed or mellow for the remainder of the day as your body continues to feel the benefits of your session.
After you finish treatment at Aliya, you remain a member of the family for life. As such, we can connect you to your next steps, including helping you find a massage therapist near your home.
As we’ve explored, there are many holistic benefits of massage therapy for your body, mind, and spirit. Your massage therapist will work with you to relieve your unique issues. This is true whether you need treatment for tension and pain or massage therapy for depression or mental illness. Once you take the next step of reaching out, you start down the road of recovery.
Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about massage therapy to help you move forward.
Therapeutic massage is a type of massage that falls under the heading of massage therapy. Therapeutic massage’s emphasis is on treating injuries and pain in the body.
Bodywork is a variety of holistic techniques and therapies to improve one’s bodily wellness. Thus, massage therapy is one form of bodywork that focuses on relieving pain and tension.
Medical massage is completed by a licensed massage therapist to treat medically-diagnosed conditions. Massage therapists who have the right training can also perform medical massage.
The cost of massage therapy depends on a variety of factors, including your treatment provider, type of massage, and frequency of sessions. In order to get an accurate idea of the cost based on what you’re looking for, please reach out to our intake team.
Many insurance plans include massage therapy and medical-massage. Often, it depends on your health situation. Sometimes, you need proof of a medical diagnosis or a doctor’s referral. We can help you understand what your coverage includes if you give us a call.
Yoga poses can provide a great opportunity for you to heal in an environment that is both therapeutic and flexible. Here are some tips that you can keep in mind to make sure your first yoga therapy session is a success:
At Aliya Health Group, our partner treatment centers use integrative yoga therapy alongside other evidence-based and holistic treatments to provide whole-health care. If you are interested in yoga for therapy, our admissions specialists can help you.
They will talk you through our yoga therapy programs and help you understand what levels of care will be best suited to your recovery needs and goals. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help.
We believe massage therapy is a valuable addition to mental health treatment. Each of our clients who enters rehabilitation for a mental disorder (or co-occurring diagnosis) participates in traditional and holistic therapy. Thus, your treatment plan for mental illness could include psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, along with a variety of holistic activities, including massage therapy. We encourage flexibility, and you can experiment with holistic therapies in treatment.
You don’t have to look far for professional pain relief through massage therapy because Aliya Health Group’s treatment facilities span the United States. We provide massage therapy as part of our holistic approach to healing. Regardless of whether you have a mental illness, substance addiction, trauma disorder, or chronic pain, we can help you find relief. Reach out today to explore massage therapy or other types of integrative medicine through our safe, comfortable, and certified treatment facilities.
We accept most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level. We currently work with the following insurance plans:
Before entering outpatient treatment for substance abuse, most people have a long list of questions and concerns. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect during outpatient programs, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Yes, our rehabilitation facilities have designated smoking areas available. However, kindly note that all cigarettes brought into the facility must be in unopened packs or cartons. The same rule applies to any cigarettes sent or brought by family or friends. Our staff will be more than happy to provide you with additional details regarding these guidelines during the admission process.
Yes, in most cases, we can offer repayment options tailored to your unique circumstances. For more details regarding personal repayment options, we recommend reaching out to our admissions team. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.
We accept all major insurance plans at our treatment locations. To learn more about insurance and treatment cost, contact our admissions team or fill out our secure insurance verification form.
Yes, we provide integrative dual diagnostics alongside a wide array of treatment modalities. Our core objective revolves around tackling addiction, while simultaneously addressing the underlying factors that contribute to substance use disorders. Our mission is to deliver effective and holistic care that encompasses both symptom management and the exploration of root causes of addiction.
In terms of cost, outpatient treatment is typically more affordable than inpatient options which require round-the-clock medical supervision. This makes it a viable solution for individuals who may be deterred from seeking help due to financial constraints.
“I highly recommend this facility for anyone needing treatment. The staff isn’t just nice and genuine there but instead one big family. Whether it’s the owner, housing manager, or a bht you get the best down to earth genuine care. The material they teach in group is very helpful also.”
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