Various types of massage are appropriate for improving posture. The most common types of massage used include:
The most common types of massage used to improve posture include deep tissue massage, sports massage and Swedish massage.
A deep tissue massage can be used to improve posture. A deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of connective tissues and muscle fibers. Varied pressure is applied along the areas containing soft tissues, depending on the person’s preference or the type of condition the therapist is treating. A deep tissue massage aims to reduce muscle tightness and restriction to help increase mobility and range of movement. Increasing mobility and range of movement allows posture to return to normal due to a decrease in restriction and a reduction in pain.
Posture is improved through sports massage. A sports massage is focused on areas containing soft tissues. Much like deep tissue massage, pressure used throughout a sports massage is varied depending on personal preference. A sports massage stimulates an improvement in blood flow to help increase muscle temperature. An increase in muscle temperature improves flexibility a joint and elasticity of a muscle. An improvement in muscle and joint flexibility and elasticity increases range of movement and decreases pain and restriction. A decrease in pain and restriction enables posture to return to normal and increases relaxation.
A Swedish massage helps to improve posture. A Swedish massage can have a therapeutic effect on a person. A Swedish massage helps to relax a person both physically and mentally. A gentle or firm pressure can be used during a Swedish massage depending on person preference. A Swedish massage aims to relieve stress and tension within both muscles and joints. A build-up of stress and tension around the spinal area can cause stiffness and pain resulting in poor posture. Relieving stress and tension through Swedish massage help to reduce stiffness and decrease pain therefore improving posture as well as increasing relaxation.
The most common techniques used to improve posture include deep strokes, mobilizations and myofascial release.
Deep strokes can help improve posture. Deep strokes are used on areas containing soft tissues and involve applying a deep pressure with flattened hands and fingers. The aim of deep strokes is to get deep within muscle fibers aiming to increase their temperature resulting in improved tissue elasticity and flexibility. Improved tissue elasticity and flexibility reduces muscle tightness due to an increase in range of movement. Muscle tightness is a common cause of poor posture. By reducing muscle tightness, posture is able to be improved and return to normal. Returning posture to normal helps to decrease pain and prevents muscle tightness from occurring again.
Mobilizations are often used to improve posture. Mobilizations are used along the spine and are where the joints are manipulated past their range of movement. A common cause of poor posture is stiffness around the spinal area which gives the hunched over effect on a person, bringing their shoulders forward and often tilting the head backwards. This kind of posture can cause an increase in pain and is most often work or exercise related. Mobilizations increase the range of movement at each joint in the spine by pushing and pulling the joints away from each other. Mobilizations can often be therapeutic as it relieves a lot of stress and tension around the spinal area. Stiffness at the joints is reduced when mobilizations are used, allowing a person to return their posture to normal without a feeling of pain.
Myofascial release is a technique regularly used to improve posture. Myofascial release is applied on areas containing soft tissues and fascia. Fascia surrounds structures in the body providing protection and support. Without fascia, movement would always be restricted and often painful. When an injury occurs, fascia tissue hardens as it becomes scarred. Hardened fascia tissue increases restriction and pain which often leads to poor posture. Poor posture can further increase fascia tissue restriction, worsening the effects of injury. Myofascial release aims to stretch and loosen fascia tissues. Fascia tissues increase in temperature during a massage, allowing the stretching and loosening to occur. Stretched and loosened fascia tissue reduces restriction and decreases pain. A reduction in restriction allows a person to return to their original posture.
How can I arrange a massage to improve posture?
The easiest way to arrange a massage to improve posture at Best Choice Massage is call at 720 299-2607…or book an appointment on our website.