Massage Techniques
It is estimated that there are over 250 named massage techniques and styles used throughout the world. Most use similar basic physical movements/strokes and only differ in their application and the intent for which they are used.
Basic physical movements/strokes of massage are holding, compression, direct pressure, kneading, gliding, friction, vibration, percussion and stretching. Each has its own specific physical and systemic effect on the body and muscle tissues.
Massage techniques and session types
- Cancer Massage
- Clinical Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Deep Pressure Massage
- Fibromyalgia Massage
- Hydrotherapy
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Medical Massage
- MET (Muscle Energy Technique)
- Myofascial Release
- Neurouscular Therapy (Trigger Point Therapy)
- Orthopedic Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Relaxation Massage
- Remedial Exercise & Stretching
- Sports Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Therapeutic Massage
Cancer Massage
Is for clients who are in current treatment for cancer or have a history of cancer. Massage is adapted according to the type of cancer and type of treatments received.
Clinical Massage
A type of therapeutic massage that uses scientific and evidence based methods to perform outcome based massage treatment of muscular problems caused by stress, tension, overuse, injury and medical conditions. Various techniques are used in accordance the type of soft tissue problem.
Deep Tissue Massage
Is a generic term to describe various techniques that address chronic patterns of tension, injury and pain within the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. Commonly used techniques are: Neurouscular Therapy (Trigger Point Therapy), Myofascial Release and Swedish Massage. The technique used depends on the type of soft tissue problem. Often a combination of techniques will be used during a session. The amount of pressure is determined by the type of soft tissue problem and how the soft tissue responds. Pressure can range anywhere from light to firm. Firm pressure can be slightly uncomfortable, but should never be painful.
Deep Pressure Massage
Sustained deep pressure is used throughout the massage in accordance with the clients comfort level and pain tolerance. The primary focus of this type of session is to accommodate the clients wishes as to how much pressure they want applied. A competent massage therapist will advise the client of the risks associated with too much pressure such as injuries to the vascular system, soft tissues and the nervous system, and will reserve the right to refuse Deep Pressure massage to anyone with known contra-indications. For a list of conditions that are contra-indicated or have a caution, click here.
Fibromyalgia Massage
Specifically designed protocols are used to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce the body's fight or flight response and break the pain cycle.
Hydrotherapy
Referring to the therapeutic use of water in any of its various forms, such as hot or cold packs.
Lymphatic Drainage
A hands-on method for lymphatic drainage involving flat hands, utilizing all of the fingers to stimulate wave-like movements. This enables the practitioner to feel the rhythm of the body fluids to determine the exact pressure, direction and rhythm needed. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle method of promoting movement of lymph into and through the lymphatic vessels. It reduces edema, a condition in which the tissues of the body contain an excessive amount of fluid.
Medical Massage
Refers most often to medically necessary massage treatment prescribed by an authorized physician for a specific physician diagnosed injury or medical condition. Uses outcome and scientific and evidence based massage techniques and methods.
MET (Muscle Energy Technique)
Muscle energy techniques are applied to a patient in order to lengthen shortened or spastic muscles, to improve weakened ligament and muscle strength, and to improve range of motion. This procedure is performed when a patient is asked to contract a muscle for approximately 5-seconds against an anti-force applied by the therapist. The muscle contraction is performed by the client 2 or 3 times in a row in the hopes to stretch the muscle further each time.
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. Uses long, stretching strokes to release muscular tension.
Neuromuscular Therapy
A method that applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pain. 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. Janet Travell, M.D., pioneered trigger point therapy in the United States a method that applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pain.
Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic massage involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of locomotor soft tissue to reduce pain and dysfunction. Restoring structural balance throughout the body allows us to focus on both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is the massage of pregnant women (prenatal) and women after giving birth (postpartum). It address the special needs of pregnant women such as discomforts in the low back, feet and legs. Special positioning is utilized to provide a comfortable and safe massage throughout the various stages of pregnancy. Precautions
Relaxation Massage
Soft, gentle pressure is used in a soothing rhythm to help calm the nervous system and reduce the body's stress response.
Remedial Exercise & Stretching
Uses a combination of active, resistive and passive exercises & stretches to restore and improve the client's musculo-skeletal health. Stretching and range of motion exercises in controlled and safe environment limit risk of injury. Improves muscle flexibility and range of motion. We use a variety of techniques: passive, active and resistive ROM (range of motion); AIS (active isolated stretching), PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) or MET (Muscle energy technique); Myofascial stretching.
Sports Massage
Is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are four contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, maintenance and injury treatment. Sports massage is applied to the 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
Also known as the western or classic style of massage. It is credited to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics instructor, Per Henrik Ling. It is a scientific system of 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 (smooth gliding stroke), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration.
Therapeutic Massage
Uses a combination of various techniques to relieve pain and restore muscle function caused by stress, tension, overuse, injury and medical conditions. This type of massage is often used for non-prescribed massage treatment for specific soft tissues issues.
Sources:
1.American Massage Therapy Association, http://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/research_glossery-of-massage-terms.html#hl
2.National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, http://www.ncbtmb.org/consumers_glossary.php
3.James Waslaski, http://www.orthomassage.net/published_articles
4. Knaster, Mirka. Discovering the Body's Wisdom. Bantam 1996
5. Tappan, Frances. Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques. Appleton and Lange. 1998
6. Stillerman, Elaine. The Encyclopedia of Bodywork from Acupressure to Zone Therapy. Facts on File. 1996.
7. Massage Therapy 101, http://www.massagetherapy101.com/massage-techniques/muscle-energy-technique.aspx
8. Rattray, 2000
Is for clients who are in current treatment for cancer or have a history of cancer. Massage is adapted according to the type of cancer and type of treatments received.
Clinical Massage
A type of therapeutic massage that uses scientific and evidence based methods to perform outcome based massage treatment of muscular problems caused by stress, tension, overuse, injury and medical conditions. Various techniques are used in accordance the type of soft tissue problem.
Deep Tissue Massage
Is a generic term to describe various techniques that address chronic patterns of tension, injury and pain within the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. Commonly used techniques are: Neurouscular Therapy (Trigger Point Therapy), Myofascial Release and Swedish Massage. The technique used depends on the type of soft tissue problem. Often a combination of techniques will be used during a session. The amount of pressure is determined by the type of soft tissue problem and how the soft tissue responds. Pressure can range anywhere from light to firm. Firm pressure can be slightly uncomfortable, but should never be painful.
Deep Pressure Massage
Sustained deep pressure is used throughout the massage in accordance with the clients comfort level and pain tolerance. The primary focus of this type of session is to accommodate the clients wishes as to how much pressure they want applied. A competent massage therapist will advise the client of the risks associated with too much pressure such as injuries to the vascular system, soft tissues and the nervous system, and will reserve the right to refuse Deep Pressure massage to anyone with known contra-indications. For a list of conditions that are contra-indicated or have a caution, click here.
Fibromyalgia Massage
Specifically designed protocols are used to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce the body's fight or flight response and break the pain cycle.
Hydrotherapy
Referring to the therapeutic use of water in any of its various forms, such as hot or cold packs.
Lymphatic Drainage
A hands-on method for lymphatic drainage involving flat hands, utilizing all of the fingers to stimulate wave-like movements. This enables the practitioner to feel the rhythm of the body fluids to determine the exact pressure, direction and rhythm needed. Manual lymph drainage is a gentle method of promoting movement of lymph into and through the lymphatic vessels. It reduces edema, a condition in which the tissues of the body contain an excessive amount of fluid.
Medical Massage
Refers most often to medically necessary massage treatment prescribed by an authorized physician for a specific physician diagnosed injury or medical condition. Uses outcome and scientific and evidence based massage techniques and methods.
MET (Muscle Energy Technique)
Muscle energy techniques are applied to a patient in order to lengthen shortened or spastic muscles, to improve weakened ligament and muscle strength, and to improve range of motion. This procedure is performed when a patient is asked to contract a muscle for approximately 5-seconds against an anti-force applied by the therapist. The muscle contraction is performed by the client 2 or 3 times in a row in the hopes to stretch the muscle further each time.
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. Uses long, stretching strokes to release muscular tension.
Neuromuscular Therapy
A method that applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pain. 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. Janet Travell, M.D., pioneered trigger point therapy in the United States a method that applies concentrated finger pressure to trigger points to break cycles of spasm and pain.
Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic massage involves therapeutic assessment, manipulation and movement of locomotor soft tissue to reduce pain and dysfunction. Restoring structural balance throughout the body allows us to focus on both prevention and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is the massage of pregnant women (prenatal) and women after giving birth (postpartum). It address the special needs of pregnant women such as discomforts in the low back, feet and legs. Special positioning is utilized to provide a comfortable and safe massage throughout the various stages of pregnancy. Precautions
Relaxation Massage
Soft, gentle pressure is used in a soothing rhythm to help calm the nervous system and reduce the body's stress response.
Remedial Exercise & Stretching
Uses a combination of active, resistive and passive exercises & stretches to restore and improve the client's musculo-skeletal health. Stretching and range of motion exercises in controlled and safe environment limit risk of injury. Improves muscle flexibility and range of motion. We use a variety of techniques: passive, active and resistive ROM (range of motion); AIS (active isolated stretching), PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) or MET (Muscle energy technique); Myofascial stretching.
Sports Massage
Is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are four contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, maintenance and injury treatment. Sports massage is applied to the 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
Also known as the western or classic style of massage. It is credited to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics instructor, Per Henrik Ling. It is a scientific system of 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 (smooth gliding stroke), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration.
Therapeutic Massage
Uses a combination of various techniques to relieve pain and restore muscle function caused by stress, tension, overuse, injury and medical conditions. This type of massage is often used for non-prescribed massage treatment for specific soft tissues issues.
Sources:
1.American Massage Therapy Association, http://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/research_glossery-of-massage-terms.html#hl
2.National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, http://www.ncbtmb.org/consumers_glossary.php
3.James Waslaski, http://www.orthomassage.net/published_articles
4. Knaster, Mirka. Discovering the Body's Wisdom. Bantam 1996
5. Tappan, Frances. Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques. Appleton and Lange. 1998
6. Stillerman, Elaine. The Encyclopedia of Bodywork from Acupressure to Zone Therapy. Facts on File. 1996.
7. Massage Therapy 101, http://www.massagetherapy101.com/massage-techniques/muscle-energy-technique.aspx
8. Rattray, 2000