Santa’s Favorite Massage

Do you like a deep massage or do you prefer the relaxing rhythms of Swedish massage at Spa Space of Chicago? Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to massage therapy – even Santa!

December is obviously a very stressful time for St. Nick. We’ve heard that he helps keep his jolly on with regular massage treatments and that his preference is for Swedish massage.

Massage Techniques Explained

There are many different types of massage, each of which offers unique benefits. Here are a few of the most popular:

• • Swedish Massage

As the folks at WebMD explain, Swedish massage is the most common form of massage. “It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with the movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.”

• • Deep Tissue Massage

If you have chronic problem areas, like tight shoulders or pain in your lower back, deep tissue massage might be for you. This method targets deep, underlying layers of muscle and the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. “Deep tissue massage techniques are used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle ‘knots’ or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation,” VeryWell Health says.

• • Neuromuscular Massage

“Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems,” the medical experts at WebMD say. “This medically-oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.”

• • Stretching Massage

Stretching doesn’t just feel good, it can enhance your overall health and fitness. “Assisted stretching uses specific techniques to increase mobility and flexibility of a muscle or group of muscles,” Massage Magazine says. “It requires advanced training in the way the body moves.”

Every massage at our Chicago day spa is a custom massage, so you don’t have to decide on just one. Talk to your massage therapist about your goals.