There are many different types of massage, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage. It uses oil or lotion to achieve long, flowing strokes and the therapist can apply light to hard pressure to affect muscle tissue.
People like Swedish massage because it's relaxing and creates a sense of full body cohesion and connection.
But what if you're looking for something more therapeutic?
What if you're looking for massage for back pain or tightness?
In that case, consider Myofascial Release massage.
This type of massage therapy focuses on improving the functionality of the body's "fascia," or connective tissue. Where Swedish massage only affects muscle, Myofascial Release affects muscles, connective tissue, organs, and joints. Like pulling on the threads of a sweater, we can pull on your connective tissue to easily affect deep tissue and have far-reaching benefits.
As far as the experience goes...
Swedish massage uses oil to glide over the skin, which means you're mostly affecting the surface layers. It starts light and the strokes become deeper with each repetition.
Myofascial Release is done without lubrication, so the pressure is slow and sustained. There's less movement and more stretch, which means it has a stronger neuromuscular effect. With Myofascial Release, we immediately sink into deep tissue and meet the body where the dysfunction is. There's no need to skate around it.
To go deep with Swedish massage, you have to use force.
To go deep with Myofascial Release, it's all about patience.
Our clients love how attentive Myofascial Release is to their trouble spots and yet the pressure is never too hard or painful. The best part is after the massage, when you get up and feel taller, longer, and more aligned. Clients are often surprised by how much better they feel in the days and weeks after their massage, especially if they're used to getting beat up with Swedish/Deep Tissue and feeling sore and bruised.
If you are considering trying Myofascial Release, it's important to choose a qualified therapist. Most massage therapists aren't trained in Myofascial Release or have very little training, so you'll want to look for a specialist.
We offer Myofascial Release at our Seattle massage practice, where we call it a "Slo Mo Melt" massage. It's our most popular service and how we've helped so many people with back pain, Sciatica, Whiplash injuries, neck/shoulder tightness, headaches and migraines, Fibromyalgia, strains, sprains, repetitive stress injuries and much more.
Ready to feel so much better? Book your Myofascial Release massage at our Seattle clinic below: