March 26, 2007
We Got Your Back

Spring training can be a painful thing. Especially if you spent the winter on your couch.

But you can still make spring your breakthrough training season, as opposed your breakdown season if you take those aches and pains lying down.  On a massage table. 

And to help you figure out the right massage for you, here’s the low down on the different types of rub downs.

Swedish:  The most common popular type of massage.  Features long and flowing strokes combined with kneading, compression, and tapping.  Focuses on increasing circulation which is great to get that lactic acid moving.

Aromatherapy:  Take a Swedish massage, add in some essential oils and you get an aromatherapy massage.  Different oils get you different benefits.  Lavender is calming.  Orange is uplifting. Peppermint is balancing.  There are dozen of oils to choose from to get you to that desired state of mind.

Thai: Developed over 2500 years ago, by Lord Buddha’s personal doctor.  Focuses on relaxation and stretching.  It’s like passive yoga, but the therapist does all of the work to get you into position and you get all the benefits.  

Shiatsu: The Japanese finger pressure massage.  Only fingers and maybe a little palm action are used to apply pressure to strategic parts of your body to improve your energy and restore balance.  Great for shy types, no disrobing required.

Sports:  Designed to improve performance and reduce recovery time. Get one before exercising to stimulate your muscles and get warmed up.  And get one afterwards, to flush those toxins.  Post-race rub downs are often offered for free at marathons.  Get one if you can – you definitely earned it.

Deep Tissue:  Perhaps the most uncomfortable type of massage.  No oils.  No lotions.  This is all about getting down to the root of that sore muscle.  Used to treat chronically tight areas like calves, hamstrings, shoulders, etc.  And just like a tough workout, you may feel worse (i.e. sore) before you feel better.  But it works.  Really.

Talk to friends and family.  Get recommendations.  Make sure you find someone qualified and reasonable.  Helping to save you from breaking the bank.