Massage Therapy is a very general term that we use describe any type of physical, hands on therapy. There are many types of massage and body work. The list will define some of the most commonly known forms of massage. It is important to note that because massage is both an art as well as a science, and has loosely regulated certifications and licensing that varies from state to state, the standard and efficacy of massage varies dramatically from practitioner to practitioner. The following list is almost in alphabetical order.
AMMA
Amma (sometimes spelled anma) is the traditional word for massage in the
Japanese language. It comes from the Chinese tradition of massage, anmo. This
form of bodywork is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and is more
than 5,000 years old. When anmo was brought to Japan, the technique was further
refined into its own therapeutic art form, amma. The amma techniques encompass
a myriad of pressing, stroking, stretching, and percussive manipulations with
the thumbs, fingers, arms, elbows, knees, and feet on acupressure points along
the bodys 14 major meridians. Amma brings to Western culture the ancient art
and wisdom of traditional Japanese massage. Through the structure of kata
(choreographed movement), amma teaches the importance of rhythm, pacing,
precision, and form in massage. Shiatsu a style of bodywork popularized after
World War II was developed from the amma tradition. Unlike Western massage,
amma utilizes no oils and can be done through clothing with the client either
sitting or lying. This makes amma an extremely flexible style of massage
suitable to a wide variety of client needs and environments.
Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils (which are extracted from herbs, flowers, resin,
woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments is known as aromatherapy.
Used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks,
and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the
healing of wounds. Aromatherapy diffusers are utilized to fill the massage room
with the scent of the oils. Specific essential oils are blended by the
aromatherapist and added to a carrier oil, such as almond oil, to be used
during the massage. Each of the oils has its own unique characteristics and benefits.
Use of this technique declined as the modern pharmaceutical industry developed.
However, the French chemist Gattefossé revived the art by coining the term
aromatherapy and by publishing a book on the subject in 1928.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback utilizes a system of sensitive instruments that relay information
about the physical condition of the body. Used as a primary therapy, or in
conjunction with other methods, biofeedback provides deep relaxation and stress
management skills to prevent stress-related disorders and illness. These
skills, including deep breathing and guided imagery, offer self-regulation and
control over mental, emotional, and physical processes. The principles of
biofeedback can be traced back to the 18th century.
Connetive tissue massage
Also known as bindegewebsmassage, these techniques are designed to specifically
affect the connective tissue of the body. CTM was developed in Germany by
Elizabeth Dicke. After diagnosis of a serious medical problem, she experimented
with different types of massage on herself. She found when she applied light
pressure through the skin and connective tissue in one area of the body, there
was a related effect at a distant site. From Alternative Healing, by Hugh
Burroughs and Mark Kastner: The technique consists of the massage therapist
subtly hooking her fingers into the skin and superficial connective tissue
while performing a dragging or pulling stroke that somewhat stretches the skin.
CTM leaves a visible mark that looks somewhat like an abrasion or burn, but
which goes away without leaving a scar. In Germany,
it is considered a physical therapy technique; in many parts of Europe, it is considered a medical technique. In the United States,
connective tissue massage is taught in many massage schools.
Deep Tissue Massage
Often thought to be a strong massage, however, deep tissue/deep muscle massage are administered to
affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require more
advanced training and a more thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.
The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue
massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching
deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury
rehabilitation, and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and
tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Holistic medicine
Holistic medicine recognizes that the mind, spirit, lifestyle, environment, and
other aspects of a persons existence significantly affect the functioning of
the physical body. Thus, in evaluating and treating illness and prescribing preventative
intervention, this approach treats the whole person, addressing more than just
the symptoms or disease. Holistic practitioners may utilize a combination of
conventional treatments along with alternative therapies.
Infant Massage/Instruction
Intergrative/ Eclectic Massage
Combines various massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy
techniques utilized by a practitioner in the course of a session.
INTEGRATIVE MANUAL
THERAPY
This therapy recognizes that each person is more than the total components of
anatomy, physics, and chemistry, and is instead affected by emotions, thoughts,
social interactions, mind, spirit, consciousness, soul, and more. Integrative
Manual Therapy (IMT) combines multiple therapies to locate and alleviate health
challenges through individual body systems. Utilizing a combination of
structural rehabilitation (a manual therapy process of normalization) and
functional rehabilitation (a therapy to restore functional outcome according to
the optimal potential of the client), IMT utilizes the expertise of
professionals in many fields physical therapy, osteopathic medicine,
homeopathy, audiology, massage therapy, etc.
Intergrative medicine
Alternative and conventional (allopathic) methodologies are combined to
stimulate healing or the resolution of the disease.
Isometrics and muscle balancing
Developed by Charlotte Vandergrift, Isometric Muscle Balancing is based on the
muscle testing positions used in kinesiology. Balancing and strengthening the
42 major muscles are accomplished by isometric action, producing a feeling of
lightness and an increase in energy. A 45-minute to one hour session also
includes instruction in creating and maintaining balance and proper postural
habits, as well as attention to diet and attitude.
LomiLomi
This is a system of massage that utilizes very large, broad movements.
Two-handed, forearm, and elbow application of strokes, which cover a broad
area, is characteristic of lomilomi.These strokes are very similar to Swedish massage. Traditionally LomiLomi uses prayer and guidance from a "Higher Powers" This is the aspect of LomiLomi that we do not encorporate into our treatments.
MAGNET THERAPY
The therapeutic use of magnets may be older than acupuncture, originally
involving a material called magnetite applied in a poultice. Todays magnet
therapy is still applied to the skin, but employs steady or pulsed magnetic
fields from either electromagnets or less powerful permanent magnets. Fixed
magnets may also be taped to the body for a period of time. Magnet therapy is
used to relieve pain and discomfort and to aid in healing with a variety of
physical and emotional disorders, such as arthritis and stress. Treatment may
be administered by the therapist or, as in the case of taped magnets, by the client.
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE
The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to stimulate the
movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This
is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the connective tissue of
inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system,
reduces pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The
most widely taught and generally accepted form of this technique was created by
Dr. Vodder of Austria
and requires advanced training and precise movements. A more advanced technique is called Lymphatic drainage technique, and is preformed by a more advanced specialist.
Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies
Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies is the application of various
techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. The
application of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy techniques may include,
but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration,
rocking, friction, pressure, and those techniques based on manipulation or the
application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human
body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or
application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body.
The use of oils, lotions, powders, or other lubricants may also be included.
Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis,
prescription, manipulation, or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or
any other service, procedure, or therapy that requires a license to practice
orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy,
psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
Medical Massage
Performing medical massage requires a firm background in pathology and utilizes
specific treatments appropriate to working with disease, pain, and recovery
from injury. The therapist may work from a physicians prescription or as an
adjunct healer within a hospital or physical therapy setting.
Myofascial release Based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons in which they
found the causal relationship between chronic pain and its source, myofascial
trigger point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through
applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain and through stretching
exercises. These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and
connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed. Pressure on
these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body.
Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure
and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions
and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no
longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made by
visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue
texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension,
gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial
release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain,
back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of
motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
Oriental BodyWork
Monitoring the flow of the vital life energy (known as chi, ki, or prana) is at
the heart of Oriental bodywork. Using physical pressure and manipulation, the
healer evaluates and modulates this energy flow to attain a state of balance.
Popular modalities include shiatsu, based on Chinese medicine; amma, a
combination of East and West healing traditions; Jin Shin Do, utilizing
oriental acupuncture and acupressure along with Taoist principles; Thai
massage, blending Hindu and Chinese energy systems theory with techniques
similar to shiatsu; and tui na, based on Chinese medicine and the traditional
Japanese massage of amma (as distinct from the more recently developed amma
therapy).
Orthopedic Massage
Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage
integrates 10 modalities to treat soft tissue pain and injury. Emphasis is
placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria. Three
basic elements adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are
assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of
treatment.
Pregnancy Massage/Prenatal Massage
Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and
somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally, and during labor and
postpartum periods of womens pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can
reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and
emotional well-being of both mother and fetus. Skilled, appropriate touch
facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety. In the
postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and
emotions of the new mother, and may help her to bond with and care for her
infant. Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology,
complications, precautions, and contraindications is highly recommended, and
many practitioners require referrals from physicians prior to therapy. (Click Here see research on Pregnancy) massage
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of
specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other
parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork
involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs
and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology
works with the bodys energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain
balance in physical function. Developed in the United States in the early 1900s,
this technique is used today to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate
circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in
stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient
in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent
that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
Soft tissue release (STR) is a powerful injury treatment technique developed in
Europe with the worlds fastest sprinters. Due
to the amazing amounts of prize money and endorsement contracts available to these
athletes, faster and more permanent results were warranted. STR was developed
to meet this need. Recovery rates once considered impossible by traditional
therapists and sports medicine doctors were achieved. These are not new
concepts, but are based on European osteopathy techniques, along with insights
from quantum physics. In recent years, STR has been given clinical application
for chronic low back pain and whiplash injuries. STR deals directly with the
reasons for soft tissue dysfunctions and subsequent referred pain and nerve
entrapment. In acute conditions, STR affects the insidious way scar tissue is
formed, and in chronic conditions STR breaks up the fibrotic and adhered mass
of scar tissue to quickly allow the muscle to return to its natural resting
length. Once the muscle or muscle group has returned to the original resting
length, there is an immediate release from the pain induced by the inflammation
response. With STR, the client is placed in a particular position so that the
muscle begins to stretch in a very specific direction or plane. The exact
location of the injury has been defined and a determined pressure is applied
directly into the affected tissue or along a specific line of injury. At the
same time, depending whether passive or active techniques are being used, the
client is given a set of instructions that now engage the antagonist of the
muscles involved. The muscle is extended from a fixed position in a determined
direction under a pinpoint of pressure. Decrease in pain and increase in range
of motion are often immediate, offsetting any minor discomfort experienced. STR
can be modified so there is no client discomfort at all. The flowing motions of
STR and total client control afford new levels of deep tissue work and
subsequent pain relief.
Sports massage
Sports massage consists of specific components designed to reduce injuries,
alleviate inflammation, provide warm-up, etc. for amateur and professional
athletes before, during, after, and within their training regimens.
Strain/Counterstrain
Developed by osteopath Lawrence Jones, this noninvasive treatment helps
decrease protective muscle spasms and alleviate somatic dysfunction in the
musculoskeletal system. By using palpation and passive positional procedures,
the therapist practicing strain/counterstrain therapy can help restore
pain-free movement. The position that relieves the referred pain is held for 90
seconds. After resuming the original position and pressing the trigger point,
the referred pain is gone. Although the client is often asked to bend or twist
like a contortionist to secure a comfortable position, for the most part
clients report effectiveness of the procedure.
Swedish/European Massage
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish
massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by
stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are
used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered
by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a
combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping
movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The
many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation,
dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed
healing and reduce swelling from injury.
Trigger point myotherapy
Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the relief
and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The goal of treatment is the
clients recovery from or a significant reduction in myofascial pain. The treatment
goal is achieved through a systematized approach. Treatment consists of trigger
point compression, myomassage, passive stretching, and a regime of corrective
exercises. Success may be measured subjectively by the level of pain reduction
experienced by the client and objectively through increased range of motion,
strength, endurance, and other measures of improved function. Trigger point
myotherapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including verbal and
nonverbal elements. The myotherapist encourages the client to be personally
responsible for their improvement, with attention to such factors as
nutritional intake, stress, proper exercises, mechanical abnormalities, and
other physical components. These elements protect the client from delayed
diagnosis, delayed treatment, or contraindicated treatment, which are the
concerns of first order. Trigger point myotherapy is an integrating approach to
myofascial pain and dysfunction.
Tui na
Tui na is an ancient Chinese system of manual therapeutics with a wide range of
techniques and indications. While Traditional Chinese Medical precepts form its
theoretical basis, clinical experience governs its application. Tui na
techniques are applied by various parts of the practitioner to the client and
range from those that are light and soothing to those that are strong and
invigorating. Refined over the centuries, tui na facilitates healing by
regulating the circulation of Blood and Qi (vital energy), which controls body
function and enhances resistance to disease. The term tui na (pronounced
t-weigh na) combines the names of two of the hand techniques, tui meaning to
push and na meaning to lift and squeeze, which are used to represent the system.
Practitioners of tui na claim there are more than 365 hand techniques, although
they can be generally placed in the category of pressing, rubbing, waving,
shaking, percussion, or manipulating. The term tui na first appeared in the
Ming Dynasty text Pediatric Tui Na Classic in 1601.
Visceral manipulation
Visceral manipulation enhances the normal mobility and tissue motion of the
organs of the visceral system. Hypertonicity, displacement, and adhesions can
all cause organs to work against each other, creating chronic irritation and
fixed, abnormal points of tension. The visceral organs are dependent on their
ability to move freely in the visceral cavity to then work correctly and
efficiently. When they are pulled out of their effective positions, they cease
to function properly. By freeing each organ to work compatibly with the others,
a therapist can potentially alter and improve the structure and functioning of
the entire body.
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