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Types of Massage

Acupressure -Acupressure is a form of bodywork based in traditional Chinese meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of energy or chi.

Chair Massage – Chair massage refers to massage given with the recipient seated in an ordinary or special massage chair. Recipients remain clothed in chair massage. It has been called on-site massage when the chair is taken to a public place such as an office or commercial establishment.

Foot Reflexology -Reflexology helps relieve pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet. Controlled pressure is used to alleviate discomfort. The foot, ankle and lower calf are typically included.

Massage – Massage is the intentional and systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing. Joint movements and stretching are commonly performed as part of massage. The primary characteristics of massage are touch and movement.

Massage Therapy – Massage therapy is a general term for health and healing practices involving touch and movement, which are based in massage and related manual techniques.

Myofascial Release – Myo means muscle and fascia is the elastic connective tissue wrapped around muscles and other parts of the body. During myofascial release restrictions (stuck areas) are located and gentle sliding pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction to stretch the tissues. The stretching of tissues and the heat imparted by the practitioner’s hands are thought to help produce a softer consistency of fascial tissues.

Trigger Point Massage – Trigger point massage utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues and organs.

Sports Massage – Sports massage is applied to athletes to help them train and perform free of pain and injuries. Massage therapists blend classic Swedish strokes with such methods as compression, pressure-point therapy, cross-fiber friction, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy and cryotherapy (ice massage) to meet the special needs of high-level performers and fitness enthusiasts.

Swedish Massage – Swedish massage is also known as the Western or classic style of massage.  It is  manipulations on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation or health maintenance. Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration.

References:
Knaster, Mirka. Discovering the Body’s Wisdom. Bantam 1996
Tappan, Frances. Tappan’s Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques. Appleton and Lange. 1998
Stillerman, Elaine. The Encyclopedia of Bodywork from Acupressure to Zone Therapy. Facts on File. 1996.
Clay, James H. Pounds, David M. Basic Clinical Massage Therapy:  Integrating Anatomy and Treatment. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2003.