You might have heard of integrative massage, but once you get one, you’ll quickly get hooked. Apart from being an excellent way to relax and reduce stress, integrative massage also has numerous health benefits. But first, you need to understand what it entails and what you can expect for a session. In layman’s terms, this form of massage is an integration of different therapy techniques originating from different massage modalities.
What Is Integrative Massage?
Integrative Massage (a.k.a. integrated massage) is the culmination of a wide range of bodywork techniques that help alleviate secondary symptoms of chronic pain (e.g., anxiety, depression, insomnia, and low energy). It also helps with improving quality of life, creating a sense of well-being, relaxing the body, mind, and spirit, and bringing stress relief.
These advanced methods applied in integrative medical massage usually work in synergy to create effective and long-lasting results.
How Does Integrative Massage Work?
Like other somatic disciplines, integrative massage work incorporates emotional, physical, and spiritual elements. Simply put, it promotes a holistic mind-body approach to health wellness instead of drawing on solely an environmental or physiological viewpoint.
Various hands-on techniques (such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, Rolfing, Cranial Sacral techniques, hot stone massage, Swedish massage, stretches, clinical aromatherapy, etc.) can all be applied in integrated massage to support physiological changes.
That’s achieved by primarily paying more attention to your fascial system or your body’s connective tissue. Since it is a somatic therapy, this form of massage usually coincides with guided movement and various other bodywork techniques to release compressed soft tissue and aid in activating atrophied muscles.
Primary Benefits of Integrative Massage Therapy
As you already know, most people experience different kinds of body aches. Because of this, one specific form of massage can’t fix everything. But, the good news is that integrative massage therapy is one of the best techniques available to encourage pain relief and healing. Because this usually consists of numerous different techniques, a licensed professional will target different spots of the body using the right massage method.
Integrative massage therapy offers multiple benefits since it is a combination of different techniques. Nonetheless, the main focus is on pain reduction. Regardless of whether you suffer from joint pain, lower back pain, migraine headaches, or another type of body ache, integrated massage can make a huge difference. It’s no surprise to find that, in rare cases, some of the people who undergo this treatment get results so significant that their medical doctors suggest taking them off pain medicine. And this is a true testament to the advantages of integrative massage therapy.
We are all unique and have different physical body types. And this is why reliable therapists work to build a trusting relationship with their clients. Together, they’ll discuss goals, concerns, and treatment options. Ultimately, a good massage therapist can tailor a treatment plan on a client-by-client basis.
Here’s a summary of the benefits you can expect from this massage:
- Relaxed muscles and connective tissue
- Movement and manipulation of soft tissues can ease pain and dysfunction
- Restoration of function and overall structural balance
- Speeds recuperation
- Activates the body’s natural healing powers
- Prevention and rehabilitation of neurofascial, musculoskeletal, lymphatic, and visceromeningeal dysfunctions
- Alleviated pain and inflammation
- Loosen adhesions and scar tissue
Ongoing Self-care
In general, continued self-care is vital in extending the relieving effects of these treatments. As such, it improves the healing process. Incorporating an integrated massage into your regular self-care routine is an ideal method of actively managing your own health, which instills positivity, increased control over emotions, inner tranquility, and deeper relaxation.
Do your body a favor and consider getting an integrative therapeutic massage. You won’t regret it!