Massage Therapy in Edmonton: How to Choose the Right Type of Massage for You
You decide to book a massage, open the booking page, and suddenly there are choices.
Do you need therapeutic massage? Deep tissue? Relaxation? Should you choose based on how much pressure you like or what is bothering you?
If you aren’t sure, you’re not alone.
Massage therapy can be used for different reasons, and the right approach isn’t necessarily the same for every person or every appointment. At Active Health Collective in Edmonton, our massage therapists consider what you are experiencing, what you hope to get from your appointment, and the type of treatment that is appropriate for you.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the right type of massage.
Start With Why You Are Booking a Massage
Before choosing a type of massage, think about what is bringing you in.
Are you dealing with muscle tension or soreness? Has an area been bothering you after work, exercise, or another activity? Are you hoping to address restricted movement? Or do you simply feel physically tense and want an opportunity to relax?
There doesn’t have to be something “wrong” before you book a massage.
Some people seek massage therapy because they have a particular musculoskeletal concern. Others incorporate massage into their regular wellness routine.
Knowing what you want from the appointment gives your massage therapist a useful starting point.
What Is Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic massage is generally more focused on a particular concern or treatment goal.
For example, you may have muscle tension in your neck and shoulders after long days at a desk, soreness associated with physical activity, or an area that feels particularly tight or uncomfortable.
Your massage therapist can assess the areas involved and select techniques based on what they find and what you have discussed.
That doesn’t mean therapeutic massage needs to be uncomfortable.
Effective treatment isn’t measured by how much discomfort you can tolerate. Pressure and technique can be adjusted throughout the appointment, and communication with your therapist is important.
What About Deep Tissue Massage?
“Deep tissue” is one of the most common terms people use when searching for massage therapy.
It is also sometimes misunderstood.
Deep tissue massage generally involves techniques intended to work with deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Some people prefer firmer pressure and find this type of treatment helpful for areas of persistent tension.
But deeper isn’t automatically better.
The amount of pressure that is appropriate depends on the person, the area being treated, and the purpose of the treatment. A massage doesn’t need to be extremely painful to be worthwhile.
If you usually tell your massage therapist to “go as hard as you can,” it may be worth having a conversation about what you are actually hoping to accomplish instead.
Is Relaxation Massage Still Therapeutic?
It certainly can be valuable, even when addressing a specific injury isn’t the goal.
Relaxation massage typically uses gentler techniques and flowing movements, with an emphasis on reducing muscular tension and creating a calmer treatment experience.
Some people book this type of massage because they feel generally tight or physically tired. Others simply prefer lighter pressure.
You don’t need to justify wanting a massage that feels good.
And choosing a relaxation-focused appointment doesn’t mean your therapist ignores your comfort, health history, or areas of tension. Your treatment can still be adapted to you.
How Do I Know Which Type of Massage to Book?
You don’t necessarily need to know before you arrive.
This is where talking with your registered massage therapist becomes important.
At the beginning of your appointment, your therapist will typically ask questions about why you are there, whether you have any areas of concern, relevant health information, and what you would like from the session.
This is also your opportunity to talk about pressure.
If you know you prefer lighter or firmer pressure, say so. If you aren’t sure, your therapist can adjust during treatment based on your feedback.
Massage therapy should not feel like something that is simply being done to you while you endure it.
Communication is part of good care.
Should I Choose a Massage Therapist Based on Their Treatment Style?
It can help.
Massage therapists have professional training, but individual therapists may have different areas of interest, experience, and treatment styles.
One therapist may be a particularly good fit for someone who prefers focused therapeutic work. Another may be well suited to someone seeking a different treatment style or pressure level.
That’s one advantage of having several massage therapists at Active Health Collective.
Rather than trying to make every patient fit one approach, we can help you learn more about our therapists and choose someone whose areas of care and treatment style align with what you’re looking for.
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What Should I Expect at My First Massage Appointment?
Your first appointment should begin with a conversation.
Your therapist will review relevant health information and talk with you about what brought you in. If there is a particular area you would like addressed, you can explain what you have been experiencing and how it is affecting you.
- Your therapist should also explain the proposed treatment and give you an opportunity to ask questions.
- During the massage, you can provide feedback at any time.
- If the pressure is too much, say something.
- If something feels uncomfortable, let your therapist know.
- If you’re cold, need to reposition yourself, or simply need a moment, that’s okay too.
You are an active participant in your care, even when you’re lying on the massage table.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
There isn’t one schedule that is right for everyone.
How often you book massage therapy may depend on why you’re coming, how you’re responding, your personal preferences, and practical considerations such as time and budget.
Someone seeking treatment for a particular concern may initially have different needs than someone who books massage periodically for general wellness.
Your massage therapist can discuss recommendations with you, but massage therapy doesn’t need to follow an identical schedule for every patient.
Massage Therapy as Part of a Broader Approach
Because Active Health Collective includes chiropractic, massage therapy, kinesiology, and rehabilitation services, patients sometimes ask whether they should be seeing more than one practitioner.
Maybe.
But not automatically.
Massage therapy can be a stand-alone service. You do not need to be receiving chiropractic care or rehabilitation to book a massage.
In some circumstances, however, different types of care may complement one another. Someone working on a movement or rehabilitation goal, for example, may also choose massage therapy to address muscle tension or soreness.
When more than one service is appropriate, having those practitioners within the same clinic can also make communication easier.
Finding the Right Massage Therapy in Edmonton
Choosing a massage therapist isn’t simply about selecting the strongest pressure or picking the first available appointment.
Think about what you want from the treatment.
Then talk to your therapist.
At Active Health Collective, our massage therapy team works with Edmonton patients with different needs, preferences, and reasons for booking. Whether you are looking for more focused therapeutic treatment or simply want some help with muscular tension and relaxation, we can help you find an appropriate place to start.
Explore our massage therapy services and meet our massage therapists, or book an appointment with Active Health Collective in Edmonton.
FAQs
What type of massage is best for muscle tension?
The appropriate approach depends on where the tension is occurring, what may be contributing to it, your health history, and your personal preferences. A registered massage therapist can discuss your concerns and recommend an appropriate treatment approach.
Is deep tissue massage supposed to hurt?
Deep tissue massage may involve firmer pressure, but treatment does not need to be extremely painful to be effective. Tell your massage therapist if the pressure or technique is uncomfortable so it can be adjusted.
What’s the difference between therapeutic and relaxation massage?
Therapeutic massage is generally more focused on particular areas of concern or treatment goals. Relaxation massage usually uses gentler techniques and may have a greater emphasis on general muscular tension and relaxation. There can be overlap between the two.
Do I need a referral for massage therapy in Alberta?
Generally, you can book massage therapy directly without a referral. However, some extended health benefit plans may have their own requirements for reimbursement, so patients should check the terms of their individual plan.
Can I book massage without seeing a chiropractor?
Yes. Massage therapy is available as its own service at Active Health Collective. You do not need to be receiving chiropractic care to book a massage appointment.