Do you feel like your body could use a little bit of extra care? Whether you’re dealing with a lot of stress or you’re losing flexibility because your muscles are too tight, seeing a professional for bodywork or massage services can go a long way toward helping you feel better. But what is the difference between bodywork and massage? How can you choose the right type of service for your current needs?
Though both bodywork and massage are helpful for restoring calmness and comfort in your mind and body, they are different and can provide you with unique benefits. Here are a few things you should know about these two services so you have an easier time deciding which one is the best fit for you.
Bodywork Benefits
Bodywork is usually used to treat chronic pain (which is the type of pain that lasts longer than three months). It’s highly targeted to help treat the underlying cause of the pain instead of dealing with the superficial symptoms. Bodywork is also known as therapeutic massage and it is usually done in longer sessions (typically 60 minutes or longer).
Bodywork can be done in comfortable clothing, though it’s usually recommended that it be done with draping. Draping is when the bodywork therapist covers the patient’s body with some type of sheet, then exposes only the parts of the body that are currently being worked on. It is OK for the patient to undress to his or her specific level of comfort.
The various muscles of the body can become strained, over-lengthened or over-tightened as a normal result of daily use. Stress can also contribute to chronic muscle pain and tightness. Bodywork aims to relieve the problems caused by these common muscle issues by targeting specific trigger points and tender spots. These spots frequently refer pain to other areas of the body.
Bodywork can be intense or gentle, depending on each patient’s needs and pain tolerance levels. A qualified bodyworker knows how to provide optimal benefits while responding to your body’s needs. Myofascial work can be effective for chronic pain reduction and it involves primarily light and gentle touches.
Massage Benefits
Relaxation massage is typically what comes to mind when people think of getting a massage. Relaxation massage combines very soothing motions (such as kneading strokes and long, gliding strokes) to help relax the muscles and the mind. Relaxation massage is also known as the Swedish style of massage and it is almost always performed with lotion or oil. Typically, massage therapists also play soothing music in the background to encourage a deep state of relaxation and calmness.
Relaxation massage can help minimize feelings of anxiety and stress. It can also help reduce headaches associated with muscle tension. Relaxation massage is a good type of therapy for acute muscle tension and headaches.
Whether you want a relaxing Swedish massage or a more therapeutic bodywork session, you can schedule the right type of appointment for your needs at Newport Medical and Wellness Center. If you aren’t sure which type of therapy is the best fit for your current needs, simply reach out to Newport Medical and Wellness Center and ask to consult with a massage therapist.
