Workplace Fitness: Massage is not just for stress anymore

As stressful and tense as work is for most of us, you'd think massages would be more common. I'm sure it doesn't help that there are so many different kinds available, or that it's a little intimidating to walk into a massage facility (usually a spa or healthcare setting) and try to figure out what exactly you want. And since they're not exactly cheap, it would really suck to end up with a style you didn't like.

But massages are getting more and more common, and these days massages aren't just for relaxing -- people are now seeking them out to treat health issues. Many people, including office workers and corporate leaders, are using massages as a treatment for repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain, and generalized discomfort related to too much time spent working at a desk and on the computer (not to mention stress). Patients are talking with their doctors about treatment options for these issues and doctors are actually recommending and prescribing massages. And as the pile of medical evidence grows in regard to conditions helped or relieved by massage, more and more insurance companies are stepping up to offer coverage. The proof? The number of people who reported having massages that were covered by insurance doubled (from 5% to 10%) between 2005 and 2006.But, of course, one massage style doesn't treat all ailments, and as they grow in popularity the selection only gets larger and more specialized. Here's a brief break-down of some of the most common massages with the biggest health benefits, some appropriate for work-related issues and some for other aspects of life:

• Trigger Point Massage This type of massage applies pressure directly to painful muscle knots, which sometimes develop from long-term strain or after an accident. Health benefits from this massage often include increased joint range of motion, less stiffness, and better overall circulation.
• Deep Connective Tissue Massage This massage focuses on the connective tissue that holds muscles, joints, and bones together. Most commonly used for athletes and individuals with joint problems.
• Thai massage Most known for relieving anxiety and boosting the immune system, this massage has you on a padded mat on the floor stretching. The therapist will slowly guide you through a series of poses and help you stretch and reach positions you couldn't do by yourself.
• Shiatsu Also called acupressure, shiatsu involves applying finger pressure (among other methods like rubbing, squeezing, tapping, and pinching) to different areas to eliminate disruptions in the body's natural energy flow. Many patients feel more relaxed, less anxious, and have lowered blood pressure. Watsu is a variation of shiatsu and is performed in the water.
• Swedish This is the most commonly known and used form of massage and uses a combination of kneading, stroking, tapping, and vibration to relax muscles, improve oxygen flow, relieve aches and pains, and improve flexibility. The Swedish massage is also being studied for its benefits to osteoarthritis patients.
• Infant massage Infant massage can not only help stimulate weight gain and resistance to disease, but it can also provide a means for fathers to bond with their new babies (if they're being breast fed, new dads often feel left out). The technique is taught at many hospitals and parenting groups.
• Orthopedic massage Often used to treat specific injuries orthopedic massages are personalized to the patient's particular needs. Therapists may use friction therapy on the affected area to help release the sprain or strain, and then massage surrounding tissues to stimulate blood and oxygen flow and reduce tension.
• Ayurvedic Just one component of Ayurvedic medicine, the ayurvedic massage is aimed to help restore a person's three main doshas, or energies. The therapist will assess your individual balance to customize your treatment. The treatment is known for calming the nervous system and using oils to help cleanse and detoxify the body.
• Lymphatic Designed to manipulate and control the body's lymphatic system, therapists use rhythmic pumping to help stimulate lymphatic drainage -- which has been shown to relieve aches and pains, heal injuries, and prevent injuries.
• Sports massage Individualized to people and athletes, the sports massage is often included as a regular part of training and conditioning. It includes a personalized combination of Shiatsu and Swedish massage techniques.
• Prenatal/Postpartum massage The weight a woman gains during pregnancy can strain the body, particularly the back. Massage can relieve some of this discomfort and associated fatigue. This massage is usually a specialized form of Swedish techniques.
• Thermal Stone massage Using smooth heated volcanic rock, the Thermal Stone massage penetrates muscles for a deeply relaxing experience. Cold marble may also be used in certain cases to reduce inflammation.