The difference between massage therapy and a wellness massage all comes down to what each therapy can achieve for your health and body.

The first type of therapy, massage therapy, refers to forms of healing delivered by trained, licensed, massage therapists. They’re experts in dealing with specific issue your body may be facing that are more of a clinical condition. It’s the preferred bodywork treatment for things such as chronic muscle tension, repairing an injured muscle, or even just a form of therapeutic relaxation. Professionals apply special techniques that they were trained in to understand how to cater to these conditions.

Massage therapy is often recommended as a part of a larger healthcare regime and is often prescribed when a patient is referred to a massage therapist by his or her medical professional for repairing injured or damaged muscle. They can often be beneficial when tight muscles are keeping a chiropractor from successfully adjusting you.

On the other hand, A wellness massage is a type of massage therapy that is designed to promote overall health and well-being. It can be used to address a variety of physical and emotional concerns, including stress, anxiety, pain, and fatigue. 

Wellness massages are typically performed by a licensed massage therapist, who will use a variety of techniques to apply pressure to the muscles and soft tissues of the body. These techniques may include effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction and percussion.

The goal of a wellness massage is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve circulation. That doesn't mean it's just all fluff. It can also help to improve flexibility, range of motion, lower blood pressure, calm anxiety and benefit your overall well-being.

Generally, the most notable difference between massage therapy and wellness massage is the objective and technique. Massage therapy is more inclined to fully deal with a physical problem affecting you, while wellness massages are all about helping you unwind and feel great. But whether you go for one or the other, they both should be a little escape from the everyday craziness and stresses.

Regardless of your choice, communication with your massage therapist is essential to ensure your appointment aligns with your personal objectives and healthcare needs. That way they can tailor the session to fit your needs and goals to make sure you get the most benefits out of it.

If you're in the Tampa Bay area or just visiting Largo, give us a call to see which massage type would be best for you.