Types of Massage

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Massage therapy of all types are becoming increasingly popular. Research has found that massage therapy is helpful in improving lives and aiding with many medical conditions as well. The most popular form of massage therapy used in the USA is Swedish massage. With this type of massage, the therapist uses long strokes, squeezing and kneading muscle tissue to improve circulation and to reduce emotional tension in the individual. The strokes used tend to be in the direction of heart to further encourage circulation of the blood. Although different types of massage can are usually given as a full body massage, it may be limited to a particular part of the body. There are many different modalities of massage. I have listed a few examples of the forms of massage that may be practiced by a therapist.

Sports Massage

– This is usually included as part of an athlete’s program of training. Sports massage combines aspects of Swedish massage and various types of deep massage. Using slow, deep muscle strokes and sustained finger pressure to break up adhesions, increase circulation, and reduce swelling, sports massage can enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and encourage healing when injuries do occur.

Rolfing

– a modality of deep massage. Massage therapists apply pressure to the fascia, or connective tissues, that surround the major muscle groups. The fascia provide a covering for the muscles and form the tissues that connect muscle to bone and bone to bone. However, adhesions can develop when an injury occurs. Muscles can stick together, causing strain, stiffness, and reduced range of movement. Rolfing attempts to loosen these adhesions to restore movement and return the body to more efficient functioning.

Oriental

– including Thai, Chinese and other Asian modalities. Oriental Massage is a type of massage that involves the application of gentle hand and finger pressure to particular body locations. These body locations correspond to traditional acupuncture points. Through the targeted use of pressure, the therapist attempts to reduce muscle tension and pain. At the same time, the therapist is working to restore a more efficient flow of energy (qi or chi) through the body’s pathways of energy (meridians).

CranioSacral Massage

– Originating from the belief that plates in your skull shift and alter the body. Craniosacral massage involves the application of very gentle pressure to the head and spinal column to correct an abnormal pattern of circulation for the cerebrospinal fluid.

Manual Lymph Drainage Massage

– focuses on improving the flow of lymph. Lymph is a white to colorless fluid that circulates throughout the body. It contains lymphocytes that attack bacteria in the blood. MLD uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph. MLD may be most useful following surgery to reduce edema. Other massage types may include aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, the Alexander Technique and other methods.