Wonder how to get the most from a (legitimate) massage? Here’s what you should know

A HAPPY ENDING? Joe Andrews says all massage therapists in Texas have to learn Swedish, but most practice a variety of techniques to individualize their treatments.

“Swedish, shiatsu, deep tissue, sports, myofascial.” Flip through a list of massage ads, and you’ll see all those terms. But what exactly do they all mean and which one is best for what ails ya? Here’s what you need to know before you ask for a rubdown.

Chances are good that if you don’t specify a style of massage, you’ll find yourself on the receiving end of a Swedish. That’s because Swedish is required for licensing in Texas, according to Joe Andrews, a massage therapist. Swedish might be the way to go it usually features oils and lotions, is the best style for simple relaxation, and employs five basic strokes: kneading, gliding, friction, vibration and percussion.

But relaxation isn’t always the goal of a massage. Steve Reedy, who has been a masseur for more than four years, says Swedish provides little benefit to the muscular system. He describes his technique, “neuromuscular therapy,” as good for chronic pain, improved posture, recovery from surgery or car accidents or migraine headaches. His method is more rejuvenating than relaxing, Reedy says.

Deep tissue and sports massages also work the muscles. Deep tissue massage helps with chronic muscular pain and is often used for those recovering from injuries or suffering from inflammation caused by arthritis or tendonitis.

A sports massage is designed to enhance both athletic performance and recovery. This fast-paced technique has two components: A pre-workout massage compliments a warm-up by increasing blood flow to the muscles to prevent injury. A post-exercise massage helps cleanse tissues of toxins by releasing spent fluid to allow fresh, oxygenated blood to relieve muscle pain.

Andrews says that experienced therapists develop their own methods, incorporating a variety of techniques to suit specific needs. He will do a chair massage in an office, which he describes as “modest and quick, concentrates on upper body and is a good conversation piece.” He says it is effective in relaxing neck and shoulder muscles that tighten after hours sitting in front of a computer screen.

Jay Green specializes in myofascial and deep tissue massage, which he recommends for chronic pain, headaches and trauma caused by accidents. “It uses more pressure but shouldn’t hurt,” he says. As in a sports massage, the pressure increases blood flow. For headache relief, Green says he relieves tension in the neck by applying pressure to the place where muscles attach at the base of the skull.

Trained in a variety of methods, Jonathan Clements also adds features to his massages upon request that are usually available only at spas. Body wraps, sugar scrubs and facials compliment a deep tissue massage, he says.

Clements describes a body wrap using clay and aloe vera as a good detox treatment. After the paste goes on the skin, he wraps his client in Mylar for 20 to 40 minutes. As body temperature rises, sweat drains toxins from the lymph system.

With a mixture of brown sugar and lotions, his body scrub also removes the top layer of skin cells. A shower completes the exfoliation, which he follows with a massage. The skin is now prepared to absorb more of the cream and lotion used during the massage.

Most massages are done on a table. Swedish usually begins lying down with the body draped by a sheet. Myofascial is more participatory, with the client moving into a variety of positions. Shiatsu, done with knuckles, palms and the feet, is usually performed on a mat with no lotions or oils.

Therapists agree that clients get the best massage by talking about what they are looking for before beginning. Tell your masseur if you sit in front of a computer at the office all day or work out regularly; let them know were you have knots or aches; and share any medical conditions with them. A massage that increases blood flow might also change how the body metabolizes insulin, which diabetics should know. Taking an injectable medication? The therapist should avoid the injection site. Those in recent accident might want to obtain a medical exam from a doctor before getting a massage that could compound the injury.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with various techniques. What begins as a Swedish massage for relaxation may change into some deep tissue work to release toxins or myofascial technique to relieve knotted tissue. The benefits and uses are almost endless.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition February 16, 2007.