General information about massage
I offer both classic massage and sports massage. But what is the difference between them? In addition, I also provide fascia treatment, that is, connective tissue massage. However, I do not offer relaxation massage. What is that?
A trained massage therapist is a protected professional title within healthcare. The vocational qualification for massage therapists includes the basic techniques of classic massage. In Finland, people other than trained massage therapists are also permitted to perform massage. Massage provided as a healthcare service is exempt from VAT. Other types of massage are subject to VAT.
Relaxation massage is not a healthcare service
Relaxation massage, or spa massage, is not a healthcare service but a VAT-liable service. It is also called Swedish massage. The service is not covered by patient insurance and is usually performed by cosmetologists, as it is included in their training.
There are various methods used in healthcare for relaxation. If you need help with these, you can book a one-hour appointment (Healthcare 60 min).
Sports massage as part of muscle care
Sports massage uses many of the same techniques as classic massage. However, sports massage also has its own techniques, some of which can also be applied in classic massage.
Sports massage differs in that it includes recovery, preparatory, and transformative massage. Preparatory massage is given before an athletic performance to prepare the body for the activity. Recovery massage is given after the performance and aims to speed up recovery. Transformative massage is usually provided during transition and basic training periods, with the goal of reducing muscle tension.
The biggest difference between classic and sports massage is that sports massage is part of an athlete’s muscle care. The focus is on improving performance and preventing injuries and overuse. Techniques and treatments are selected based on the sport, the season, and the athlete’s preferences, sensations, and experiences.
In recreational exercise, massage is part of muscle care and supports a healthy lifestyle. The goal is to prevent injuries and overuse conditions. For example, shin splints can be prevented with proper footwear and good muscle care. Good muscle care includes warming up before exercise, sufficiently long cool-downs afterwards, and mobility exercises. [1] Regular massage can be part of muscle care that supports training. [2, 3]
Classic massage as a form of treatment
Classic massage is recommended in healthcare guidelines as a treatment for pain and dysfunction in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) [4], and for lower back pain when combined with therapeutic exercises [5]. Massage is also mentioned in the care of patients with spinal cord injuries, but in those cases it is not classic massage.
As a complementary treatment, classic massage may be relevant, for example, for migraine as a support to medical treatment, if the patient finds it beneficial [6]. For tension headaches, massage may even be an alternative to medication as the first treatment option [7]. Tension headaches can also cause dizziness [8].
Classic massage can relieve stress if it is experienced as energizing, but this varies from person to person. Physical activity, however, has a scientifically proven stress-reducing effect [9].
Scar tissue is treated with massage [see 10], but not with classic massage techniques. One relatively rarely used technique is cross-friction, which increases mobility and reduces the formation of scar tissue.
In fascia treatment, that is, connective tissue massage, the fascia is treated manually in a way similar to massage but using a different technique and often with tools. Fascia treatment can be beneficial for the patient, but for conditions such as neck pain, more research is needed [11].
Contraindications and limitations for massage
You should not get a massage if you have an acute infectious illness. Alcohol and other intoxicants are also absolute contraindications. Hemophilia is another condition that makes massage unsuitable.
There may also be limitations even when there are no absolute contraindications. Examples of conditions that may involve limitations include:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatism
- Varicose veins or other venous thrombosis
- Other cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
Other illnesses and injuries can also limit the possibility of receiving a massage. In case of uncertainty, the matter should be clarified with a doctor.
Sources:
1. Säären lihasaitio-oireyhtymän (“penikkatauti”) ehkäisy ja omahoito. Terveyskijasto 2024. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/tju00066/saaren-lihasaitio-oireyhtyman-quotpenikkatautiquot-ehkaisy-ja-omahoito
2. Alaraajojen lihaskunnon harjoittaminen. Terveyskirjasto 2024. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/tju00014/alaraajojen-lihaskunnon-harjoittaminen
3. Alaraajojen liikkuvuuden harjoittaminen. Terveyskirjasto 2024. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/tju00015/alaraajojen-liikkuvuuden-harjoittaminen
4. Purentaelimistön kipu ja toimintahäiriöt (TMD). Käypä hoito -suositus 2021. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi50057
5. Alaselkäkipu. Käypä hoito -suositus 2017. https://www.kaypahoito.fi/hoi20001
6. Migreeni. Terveyskirjasto 2024. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00047
7. Päänsärky. Terveyskirjasto 2022. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00322
8. Huimaus. Terveyskirjasto 2022. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00221/
9. Stressi. Terveyskirjasto 2022. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00976/
10. Arpijuovat, raskausarvet. Terveyskirjasto 2023. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00808
11. Overmann, L., Schleip, R., Anheyer, D., & Michalak, J. (2024). Effectiveness of myofascial release for adults with chronic neck pain: a meta-analysis. Physiotherapy, 123, 56–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2023.12.002