Types of Massages

[Amit_S]

I've never had a massage before and want start them. I came across this massage guy who gives these joint cracking/joint releasing massages. His clients say that they find his massages very relaxing.

Isnt joint cracking harmful or am I just being paranoid?
I do have a disc bulge which sometimes leads a sciatic pain.
What would be the best option for me?

[Lola]

It would be helpful if you could use the appropriate terms for the treatments you are considering as I don't really know what "joint cracking" and "joint releasing" refer to. Massage therapists manipulate soft tissue - not joints.

That said - generally the answer to your question is that yes, massage therapy would be greatly beneficial to you for general relaxation and stress relief as well as providing sciatic pain relief.

A basic Swedish massage will help some.

Deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and Rolfing are more advanced modalities and would provide longer lasting relief although these techniques are not as *comfortable* as a general relaxing massage.

Let me know what type of massage this guy does and I can give better information.

[Amit_S]

Thanks for this. About this guy- what he does really doesnt have a name. In India we have a lot of these massage guys- you could say there are something of a cross between chiropractors(they are called Haad Vaidya meaning bone doctors) and massage therapists.
I did a general search on the internet and came across words like swedish, deep tissue etc. I think I'll skip this guy and look for someone more qualified.