Types of Massage

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is designed to reach the deep portions of thick muscles, specifically the individual muscle fibers. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the muscle, its purpose is to unstick the fibers of the muscles and release both toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.

Deep tissue techniques are designed for more focused massage work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement. Very little lubricant is used as the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin.

Myofascial release

Myofascial Release Therapy All muscles, arteries, bones, organs, etc. are held together by a Saran wrap kind of tissue called fascia. Developed in the late 1960's by John Barnes, Myofascial Release works by the manipulation of the fascia that connects and surrounds muscles. Because the fascia is body-wide, a tension or trauma in one part of the body can affect another part. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tension, trauma overuse and poor posture. This is usually done by applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

Positional Release Therapy (PRT)

PRT is a technique of decreasing and eliminating trigger points in the affected muscle by placing the client in a position where pressure on the trigger point is no longer painful, and then holding that position for approximately 90 to 120 seconds. This technique is very useful in clients with Fibromyalgia and neck and shoulder pain.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

PNF or CRAC (Contract Relax Antagonist Contract) as I learned it, is advanced flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted. PNF stretching was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation, and to that effect it is very effective. It also targets specific muscle groups. Not only does PNF increase range of movement, it also helps to improve the strength of the targeted muscle group.

Reflexology

Popularized in the United States by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, this is an acupressure type technique performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the body. Because each zone or part of the body has a corresponding reflex point on the feet, stimulating that reflex point causes stimulation in the natural energy of the related organ. Crystalline-type deposits and/or tenderness indicate a dysfunction, and pressure is applied to clear out congestion and restore normal functioning and health.

Reiki

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) in Japanese means "universal life energy." It is a healing technique of transmitting life energy by placing the hands gently in specific positions either on or above the body. This laying-on of hands is designed to relieve pain, restore vitality, heal illnesses, and aid spiritual growth. It was developed by  Dr. Mikao Usui, in Japan, who came upon ancient manuscripts revealing the healing system in the 19th century. It was introduced to the United States in the 1930's by Hawayo Takata.

Sports Massage

This special form of massage is typically used before, during, and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Depending on the needs of the athlete, a variety of techniques are used including classic Swedish strokes, cross-fiber friction, pressure-point work, and joint mobilization.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage, the cornerstone of western massage, was founded by the Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling in the 1820's. Ling developed the first modern method of massage through his study of physiology, gymnastics, and the compilation of massage techniques from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Swedish massage includes long gliding strokes (effleurage) , kneading (petrissage), friction, tapping (tapotement), and shaking motions. It is effective for most ailments, because massaging the skin, the body' s largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and wellbeing.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a technique that involves the application of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Trigger point therapy was developed by Dr. Janet Travell in the 1940s.

Trigger points are areas of tenderness in a muscle. There are two basic types of trigger points. Active cause muscular pain and will refer pain and tenderness to another area of the body when pressure is applied and latent, thought to be one of the causes of stiff joints and the restricted range of motion of old age.

Trigger points are very common. They are also referred to as muscle knots and are caused by: birth trauma, an injury, poor posture, or overexertion. Trigger points may be associated with myofascial pain syndromes or Fibromyalgia.