| Massage therapy is a broad term used to | | | | not accustomed to manual therapy. |
| describe various techniques of manual (hands on) | | | | Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is also know as |
| therapy which is used to promote tissue health, | | | | trigger point release. A myofascial trigger point is |
| relieve pain and increase functionality of a body, | | | | a hyperirritable area within a tight band of muscle. |
| be it human or animal. The type of massage | | | | The goal of this therapy is to reduce or remove |
| therapy which will benefit an individual varies | | | | the trigger point, thus alleviating pain. Referral pain |
| greatly according to his or her particular issue or | | | | often has a very specific pattern depending on |
| injury and state of health. There is something for | | | | the muscle in which it is found, and can often |
| everyone, and it is wise for clients to investigate | | | | present in a seemingly unrelated area. Trigger |
| their options to find what works for them. | | | | point therapy is integrated into Swedish massage |
| The most commonly recognized type of massage | | | | treatments which assists in warming up and |
| is Swedish Massage, developed by Per Henrik Ling | | | | stretching the tissue pre and post release |
| in the late 1700 and early 1800's. Swedish | | | | respectively. |
| massage techniques consists of long, smooth | | | | Frictions or Friction therapy is a very localized, |
| strokes (effleurage), tissue kneading (petrissage), | | | | specific technique used to break down adhesions |
| or tapping (tapotement), and can be used to | | | | and scar tissue which may cause pain and inhibit |
| either relax muscle or increase its tone depending | | | | movement. Friction therapy is not used alone, but |
| on the application and technique. Pressure can be | | | | is integrated into a routine where Swedish |
| very light or deep, depending on the therapist, | | | | techniques are used to warm up the tissue and to |
| your needs and your tolerance to pressure. During | | | | aid circulation to remove metabolic waste post |
| a massage therapy treatment that primarily | | | | friction. |
| consists of Swedish techniques, other modalities, | | | | Myofascial release therapy, also called fascial |
| which may require further or specialized training, | | | | release, consists of manipulation and stretching of |
| can be used. | | | | the fascia - connective tissue which encases |
| Relaxation, sports, pregnancy, infant and geriatric | | | | muscles, nerves, organs and bones in the body. |
| massage all contain elements of Swedish | | | | To properly anchor and engage the tissue, no oil |
| techniques. | | | | or other mediums are used, as "glide" over tissue |
| Relaxation massage tends to be slower and more | | | | is ineffective in most myofascial techniques. |
| rhythmic than a treatment oriented therapeutic | | | | Manual lymph drainage, also called lymphatic, lymph |
| massage and its primary goal is to increase | | | | or lymphedema massage, is a series of gentle |
| relaxation of the client. In infant massage, | | | | movements used to stimulate the flow of |
| therapists teach parents how to work on their | | | | lymphatic fluid in the body, thereby relieving pain |
| own infants, which is a great bonding experience | | | | and congestion. This type of therapy is perfect to |
| and may help parents relieve colic and help their | | | | assist in the reduction of swelling post injury, and |
| babies sleep better. For special populations or | | | | is also used to reduce swelling post surgery. MLD, |
| conditions, such as pregnancy or geriatric | | | | as it is commonly known, is also used with great |
| massage, the application of techniques needs to | | | | success for women who have a mastectomy, |
| be modified to suit the needs of the client. | | | | however, special training is required for therapists |
| Sports massage therapy consists not only of | | | | to treat when lymph nodes have been removed. |
| Swedish techniques, but also of stretching, | | | | In most massage therapy training, the focus is |
| including "active inhibition" techniques, and can be | | | | primarily on Swedish techniques, but the above |
| performed either pre or post-event. Sports | | | | modalities may be learned as an adjunct to |
| massage therapy that is performed pre-event | | | | Swedish massage, or as continuing education. |
| uses quick, rhythmic movements to warm up and | | | | Active release is a patented therapy which |
| stretch the muscles, preparing them for the | | | | encompasses various movements while tissue is |
| demand to be placed on them. Post-event sports | | | | being manipulated. The term "active" refers to the |
| massage is slower and is done to relieve pain, | | | | fact that the patient voluntarily contracts his or |
| swelling, assist in the removal of metabolic waste | | | | her muscles as techniques are applied. This |
| and to decrease recovery time. Massage therapy | | | | therapy requires specialized training and |
| for athletes and fitness enthusiasts is also a great | | | | certification. |
| maintenance tool which can address muscular | | | | Craniosacral Therapy - is a gentle manual therapy |
| imbalances and injuries and help them achieve | | | | developed by William Garner Sutherland, a student |
| optimal performance. | | | | of Osteopathy, in the early 1900's. Craniosacral |
| Deep Tissue Massage Therapy basically consists | | | | therapy, or CST, is believed to work by |
| of Swedish techniques which are used at a | | | | addressing soft tissue restrictions around the |
| deeper level of the tissue. To perform any type | | | | central nervous system, which in turn affect the |
| of massage effectively, but especially deep tissue, | | | | circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Craniosacral |
| the muscles must be warmed up at a superficial | | | | therapy often relieves pain, induces deep |
| level to allow the therapist to go into the deeper | | | | relaxation and may encourage a more restful |
| layers and address restrictions found there. It is | | | | sleep. |
| advisable for therapists who want to practice | | | | Shiatsu is a manual therapy originating in Japan, |
| "deep tissue" to have a hi-lo table and get | | | | and consists of finger pressure along various |
| specialized training to help hem maintain their own | | | | meridian or energy points throughout the body. |
| body, back and joint health. It is advisable for new | | | | Shiatsu is believed to work by removing any |
| massage therapy clients to work up to a deep | | | | blockages along the meridians so energy travels |
| tissue type of therapy as it is not suitable for | | | | more freely and the body can function normally. |
| everyone and may be painful for someone who is | | | | |