Massage for the Gluteus Maximus

Massage for the gluteus maximus is a great way to relax the entire body and improve circulation. Sport massage is based in the Swedish method dating back 1000’s of years. Since this muscle is such a powerhouse and the base of the center of our bodies, its benefits radiate to the rest of our frame.

It is important to remember that massage is best when there is no injury. Under no circumstances should a massage be performed on an injured gluteus maximus, unless it is an extremely gentle one executed by a licensed physical therapist or masseur.

Long strokes following the diagonal shape of the gluteus maximus muscle is the preferred massage mode. Many muscles will tighten up during workouts or games, massage will help lengthen those muscles again. The release of the stress in those fibers will stimulate the circulation. In turn, increasing the circulation causes the blood to flow freely healing any injuries that may have been sustained.

Deep tissue massage is an accepted technique, but it is important again to only take this route with a licensed professional who has learned how to treat muscle tissue without damaging it. Devices used for massage by a professional may be alright, but again any objects pushing or protruding into our muscle tissue will tear the fibers possibly causing damage.

Massage chairs are acceptable as long as they do not push or protrude into the body to much. If you are feeling discomfort during the use of the massage chair or the next day, it is a good idea to rethink its benefits.

Self massage is possible if you do not have the time or live in an area limited in physical therapists. For any limb or joint you can reach including the gluteus maximus, self massage is an approach that can provide relief to the muscle injured or not.

Since the gluteus maximus is the center or base of our frame, it is a pleasure center too. Much like our belly or back responds to a light touch, so will the gluteus maximus. The buttocks will quickly trigger a pleasure response when massaged lightly and in long firm strokes following the length of the muscle. This muscle can also be ticklish so it is important to confer with the client to be sure the pressure of the stroke is not too light or too strong. Use of oils, creams or gels during a pleasure massage will increase sensitivity and are likely to stimulate this pleasure center even more.

The use of stones in massage is an unexpected pleasure sensation. Cold or hot, the massage stones are either rested on the pressure points of the body or using oils, rubbed against the skin. The texture of stones offers a very different experience than your typical massage with the hands or lower arms.

Massage for physical therapy and healing muscle is often associated with Rolfing techniques in the many massage schools and clinics. Rolfing or deep tissue work is an old European technique and not frequently used in American physical therapy units. A physical therapist will focus on gentle simple massage strokes to help relax muscle tissue while a deep tissue process will target specific underlying connective tissues or adhesions.

Deep tissue massage usually goes against the grain of the muscle fiber in attempt to create heat and stimulate a deeper reaction than normal. Sometimes the masseur will put pressure on the area they think needs repair. This will be a long steady often painful push into that one spot of that muscle.

For example, sciatica can take the form of a burning hole in the center of the gluteus maximus; a deep tissue masseur will use their thumbs or knuckles directly on that spot pushing into the body for a sustained period of time usually one minute. Most patients will walk away with discomfort that lasts for a day or two.

Communication with your massage therapist about the level of discomfort during or after your sessions a good approach to be sure this massage technique is right for you. A healthy injury free gluteus maximus will respond well to a professional touch provided by a licensed physical therapist or masseuse, but an injured gluteus maximus may require extra dialogue to achieve the desired results.

With thorough training, a professional should be able to create happier, relaxed glutes stressed from daily training or other strenuous activity. A maintenance routine can help the professional athlete avoid injury during performance. In turn, a daily professional massage will also help anyone repair tired or stressed muscles in the buttocks, back or legs.