What is compression massage/therapy?
Compression is a well-known and highly effective massage technique that is done by putting hands over a problem area and applying pressure into the muscle tissues.
After that, hands are transferred to another muscle group and the process is repeated. The exact pressure of these compressions can vary from feather-light to bone-deep.
In terms of massage movements, compression therapy is known as petrissage. What are these massage movements? There are 5 basic massage movements developed and codified by Mezger to build the massage modality itself.
In no particular order, they are as follows:
Effleurage – characterized by circular strokes on the body
Petrissage – composed of kneading movements on problem areas
Friction – done by applying rubbing, stroking movements on target areas
Vibration – characterized by giving the body some shakes that aims to loosen it up from muscle tension
Tapotement – primarily comprised of tapping movements on the body
For compression massage specifically, it makes use of petrissage, or kneading movements. Specifically, this includes skin rolling, wringing, rubbing with fingers or thumbs, and of course, kneading.
Petrissage movements use varying levels of pressure. The massage can also be done with either one or two hands, applying pressure smoothly and firmly on the target areas, then relaxed.
What are the different types of massages?
There are over 80 types of massages right now, each with their own set of unique traits. In this section, we’ll go over the 8 different types of massages that we offer here at Naipo Store, along with a glimpse into their promised benefits – ranging from injury recovery, pain management to stress relief.
It pays to know what kind of massage is right for you, so read ahead and see which type of massage technique would be perfect for soothing those tense muscles!
Compression massage relaxes muscles by applying proper pressure. Compression massage enhances the massage experience by adding additional pressure to the target muscle for further relaxation.
Kneading massage uses a circular motion on both sides of your spine simultaneously. This technique focuses on providing comfort by lifting, stretching, and loosening your tense muscles.
Kneading massage is great for loosening those highly tense, stubborn spots.
Massage products can vary with or without heat as it serves as an additional feature on our massagers. The added heat provides a distinct soothing sensation to your muscles, allowing you to further relax. Learn more about heated massage therapy.
Compression Massager Naipo
Traditionally, percussion massage is conducted in the form of rapid movements over specific areas of the body for relatively short but even sequences. Making use of the wrists, the body is struck with soft blows from each hand alternately.
Percussion massage is known to relax tense muscles by providing maximum comfort to your back, neck, and shoulders.
Rolling massage offers a technique that applies constant pressure, rolling gently up and down your back, near the spine. This massage type is intended to warm and loosen your muscles, better preparing them for a deeper massage experience.
Shiatsu massage is a type of Japanese massage that focuses on pressure points, but combines it with the rotation and stretching of joints to release energy and relax muscles in targeted areas.
Spot massage uses targeted massaging motions to effectively sooth and stimulate a particular part of the body to release unwanted tension when pressure is applied.
Vibration massage uses a stroke that encompasses vibration, jostling and shaking. This helps in relaxing muscles and can be effective in soothing or stimulating your body depending on the speed and amount of pressure applied. Vibration massage is also particular effective for releasing tension in the muscles on your abdomen or lower back.
What are the benefits of compression massage/therapy?
There are many benefits to getting a compression massage. These benefits, which are basically what you experience from having improved blood flow, include the following:
- Reduced swelling and inflammation
- Faster muscle recovery
- Prevents delayed-onset muscle soreness
- Muscle pain relief
- Improved performance in sports and athletic activities
- Increased range of motion and level of flexibility
- Removes wastes from workout and exercise-related activities (e.g. lactic acid)
- Reduced muscle fatigue
- Feeling of relaxation
- Faster healing
Compression Massager Naipo
Common body parts treated by compression therapy/massage
Compression can be used to treat many parts of the body, the most common of which are the upper and lower back, thighs, calves, and buttocks.
Other than these, compression massage techniques have also proven effective in soothing tension in muscles and providing pain relief.
When is compression used?
Broadly speaking, compression is used to provide physical and mental relaxation to one’s body. In this massage technique, professionals apply light pressure on the patient’s soft tissues. This aims to increase the body temperature and improve blood circulation. In turn, this allows the patient’s muscles to soften and lengthen, releasing tension.
Compression massages are also helpful in stimulating a person’s parasympathetic nervous system, which helps relax the patient.
Going a little bit technical, an active parasympathetic nervous system releases “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These three hormones are key ingredients in producing feelings of being happy, calm, and content. This, in turn, encourages increased relaxation and better digestion for the patient.
More than that, compression is also primarily applied on patients who wish to relieve tension and tightness in their muscles. This massage technique can help stimulate the stretch reflex of the muscles with some pressure, helping release knots in the patient’s body.
Compression massage techniques are also commonly used as treatment for acute pains. By applying pressure on the problem area, it reduces swelling in the tissues, improves blood flow, and stops the pain signals shooting off from the nerves. Combined, this helps relieve any inflammation in the patient’s muscles, which leads to a significant level of pain relief.
Discover our range of neck & shoulder massagers, foot massagers, massage guns & full-body massagers, and learn how they can assist you with your compression massage needs.
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