Unlocking the Secrets of Applying the Perfect Massage Pressure
Every wondered how trained therapists gauge and apply the perfect pressure for you as an individual during your massage? As professional massage therapists, we know that one of the key factors in providing a satisfying and effective massage is applying the right amount of pressure. In this article I look at light, medium and then deeper pressures and how to apply these perfectly for you. I discuss why mastering this art means you get pressures applied that are not too much, not too little but, just perfect for you. Correct massage pressure is not only crucial for achieving optimal results, but it also plays a significant role in ensuring that clients like you return for future treatments. I then conclude with some evidence that using different pressures makes a massage better but, it’s still up to you what pressures I will use. So read on as I delve into the secrets of finding and applying the perfect pressure strokes. We always aim to provide you with an unforgettable experience every time here at Relaxing Massage York. Call 07979 814388 to book your treatment today!
Understanding the Importance of Perfect Pressure Massage Treatment
Perfect massage pressure is the key to unlocking the ultimate relaxation and healing experience for you as a client. Understanding the importance of finding the perfect balance between light, medium and deeper pressure massages is essential for providing a truly satisfying and effective session. Let’s face it, if your therapist goes way to light hardly touching you, or if they apply too much pressure and end up hurting you, you are not going to rush back for more are you? So, it really is in everyone’s interest to get things just right. It will mean you are a happy client after the prefect pressure massage and your therapist will be happy they have satisfied you. It is always our aim here to make your experience as perfect as possible.
Looking at the Lighter Side
Light pressure massages are meant to be the ultimate in gentle and soothing treatments. This is generally known as Swedish massage and if a favourite treatment style for many people. Through the use of gentle strokes, with warm oiled hands, we aim to ease muscle tension and promote relaxation all over your body, head to foot. It can involve using very gentle effleurage strokes over the surface of the skin without going much deeper. This type of massage is just right for clients who favour a softer touch or have sensitive areas that need extra care. An example of the latter might be if you enjoy your stomach being massaged but, feel that anything more than light pressure might hurt. In this case we would go very light as requested to make sure you really enjoy the experience. Call 07979 814388 today to book yourself the perfect Swedish massage.
Enjoy the Perfect Medium Pressures With Good Communication
Medium pressure strokes can be used to relax your muscles more. These type of strokes are called either deep (2 handed) effleurage or petrissage and involve strokes like wringing, kneading, lifting, pulling, picking up, rolling and frictions. The idea of medium pressure is to get to underlying tissues but, in an acceptable and relaxing way.
Communication is a key when using medium and deeper pressures. To get things just right your therapist will ask you if you want more or less pressure often to begin with. Then, as they get to understand what you mean by medium pressure as an individual, they will continue using exactly what you are requesting so it will be the perfect level of medium pressure for you.
Using a numeric scale (1 to 10) is another good way of allowing your therapist to understand what you require better. It is a little more complicated but, once you know it, it makes things easier for everyone. It is us using a scale from 1 to 10 to measure the intensity of the pressure used. Your therapist can ask you, “If you were to gauge the level of pressure you want out of 10 (1 being just touching, 10 being very deep pressure) how would you score the perfect pressure for you?”. This will mean you have to think about it. Once you have and let’s say you replied “6 out of 10 please. I like medium pressure.”, your therapist can ask you about it in these terms throughout your treatment and react accordingly. “Is that a perfect 6 out of 10 pressure or do you want more or less?”
Understanding Deeper Pressures
On the other hand, deep pressure massage, also known as deep tissue massage, offers something different which can also be very enjoyable and therapeutic. This style provides a more intense and targeted approach to solving muscle tension issues perhaps using an elbow as pictured. The application of more pressure (per square inch) during strokes allows your therapist to access deeper layers of muscle tissue. This in turn can help to release chronic, persistent muscle tension. This sort of tension can be caused by stress which the body holds onto in your muscles. Have you ever sat down only to notice you are wearing your shoulders like earrings because of all the tension across your back? This type of massage is ideal for you if you have recurring muscular pain or tightness in specific areas of your body. Just tell your therapist where it hurts, or where you feel tight and that area can get some extra special treatment. You may come in tense but, you could be floating home after you have a relaxing massage here.
Perfect Pressure for You - Not Too Little - Not Too Much
The true magic of massage happens when the perfect pressure is applied for you as an individual. This involves assessing your individual needs and preferences from the beginning. We do this by asking the right questions in your intake interview. Then by using a combination of techniques and adapting the pressure throughout the session. Good communication throughout your treatment is the key here. So, we will be asking you, “Would you like more or less pressure there?”. By finding that sweet spot just for you, your therapist can create an experience that is ultimately enjoyable, pleasantly therapeutic and completely relaxing too. Every person is different. That means you will enjoy different pressure strokes to anyone else. We want your treatment here to be your prefect massage, every time you come. We are always aiming to leave you feeling rejuvenated, fulfilled and deeply satisfied with your treatment as an individual.
So, what evidence is there to go some way to prove all this? According to Field T et al (2004) the importance of perfect massage pressure extends beyond just immediate relaxation. It also plays a crucial role in promoting long-term benefits such as improved circulation and enhanced flexibility. Not only that but Hernandez-Reif m et al (2010) shows us evidence of reduced stress levels by different massage pressures. Also, we are told by Diego M et al (2009) that medium pressures can affect unconscious body functioning positively. So, whether it’s a light, deep, or perfect pressure massage, understanding and mastering the art of applying the right pressure is the secret to providing clients with an unforgettable experience every time.
References:
DIEGO M et al (2004) Moderate Pressure Massage Elicits a Parasympathetic Nervous System Response [online] available from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207450802329605?src=recsys last access 18/12/2023
Field T et al (2010) Moderate Pressure is Essential for Massage Therapy Effects [online] available from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/00207450903579475?src=recsys last access 12/12/2023
SCHANBERG S et al (2009) CORTISOL DECREASES AND SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE INCREASE FOLLOWING MASSAGE THERAPY [online] available from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207450590956459?src=recsys last access 01/12/2023
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