There are many types and techniques of massage. Here is a brief run down on the descriptions of massage modalities and techniques that I have studied and use...
Swedish Massage: Swedish Massage is specifically designed to relax and invigorate muscles involving a combination of six basic techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression and vibration. Swedish Massage focuses on promoting oxygen and blood flow to the muscles, also assisting to clear toxins from the body tissues like lactic and uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. Swedish Massage also works to extend ligaments and tendons enhancing flexibility, in addition to increasing circulation to the heart. It can also stimulate the nervous system reducing emotional and physical distress.
Myofascial Release Therapy: Fascia, or connective tissue of the body, forms a web which supports the body’s structure. During an injury or under emotional stress the fascia can become tense and tight causing pain and physical restriction. Through working on the soft tissue practitioners aim to release discomfort and bring the fascia back to a position of balance and good functionality.
Sports Massage: Sports massage offers benefits to all kinds of athletes both preventative and therapeutic. Sports massage is a deeper type of massage that works specifically with sporting injuries and ailments. Used during preparation warm ups, training and competition, or to provide relief from discomfort and aid rehabilitation. It helps with flexibility, enhanced performance and mental agility.
Deep Tissue/Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger Point Therapy is a touch based therapy which works by first locating areas of sensitivity, tenderness and tension built up in areas of the soft tissue, then applying focused pressure to those points to ‘release’ it. In doing so, circulation is increased to the area and healing takes place. Additional massage can be administered to the general area bringing further relief. Trigger point therapy has been adopted by a wide range of practitioners including osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists.
Prenatal Massage: During the major changes the body undergoes during pregnancy, a massage can be helpful to assist with the discomfort associated to it. Offering relief from lower back pain, shoulder tension, joint aches and even stretch marks. Prenatal massage is useful during the 9 months of a low risk pregnancy and can include specific light/deep tissue massage, acupressure, reflexology, myofascial release and others. Practitioners need to be properly trained in prenatal massage and patients should check in with their doctors before seeking treatments.
Stone Massage: The art of massage has taken on many shapes and forms over the decades. One of the more unusual, but definitely one of the most nurturing is Stone Massage, a technique in which large stones, of usually marble or basalt are placed on the body. Smaller pebble sized stones can be placed on the face. The stones can either be heated and left on certain parts of the body to heat the skin and muscles below bringing deep release and relaxation, or used cold cooling the body down.
Lymphatic Drainage: The lymphatic system drains toxins and fluid from our bodies, essentially ensuring a healthy immune system. If this process of lymph circulation gets interrupted or blocked, fluid can build up and stagnate. Lymphatic drainage uses a series of techniques and gentle strokes to assist our lymph flow remain fluid and moving.
Craniosacral Therapy: CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams – about the weight of a nickel – practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
