Different Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the physical action of relaxing and manipulating tissue. This action allows manipulation of the soft tissue and surrounding structures. Massage therapy can be classified into two main categories, manual or mechanical. Manual massage refers to massage using hands, fingers and palms. Mechanical massage is the application of pressure using a device such as rolling brushes or heated oils, heated water, and vacuum devices.

Massage therapy is based upon the principle that relaxing a muscle can lead to a decrease of muscular tension and an increase of range of motion. Applying pressure to a specific area of the body is a great way to massage. The application of pressure causes increased blood flow to the muscle and enhances its flexibility. Myofascial relaxation is an alternative treatment that may help with chronic pain and muscle immobility. This treatment relaxes tight contractions, increases blood and lymphatic flow, as well as increasing the stretch response of tight muscles.

Trigger Point Massage Therapists are professionals who use specific massage techniques to treat particular areas of the body. Get more information They work to improve range of motion, reduce chronic pain, and reduce muscle stiffness and spasm. A trigger point is a location in which a nerve or muscle experiences a painful "knot", or "taut band" around a specific area.

Myofascial Massage therapists use myofascial massage techniques to release knots, reduce chronic tension, decrease soreness, increase range and flexibility, and reduce soreness. Myofascial taps and triggers can be used to release knots in the myofascial system by applying pressure to specific points along the myofascial line. These triggers could be manual, electronic, hydraulic or any combination thereof. Trigger point therapy can not only relieve pain but also help to repair muscles and strengthen the immune system.

Deep Tissue Massage This type of massage technique treats deeper layers of tissue below the superficial layers of muscle and joint tissue. This technique does NOT require the use trigger points, myofascial relaxation, or deep tissues stretching. In this technique, a massage therapist uses her hands to pull tight, compressed, and stressed muscles. This releases tension, which can help to ease the stress that has built up over time. Many people who have used this method describe it as feeling the urge for a bowel movement, but it also helps release long-standing tension.

Trigger Point Therapy uses mechanical devices to stimulate points along the myofascia, or connective tissue, to increase flexibility and relieve tension. The mechanical device activates certain trigger points. These triggers can be found in the muscles, tendons or ligaments as well as other tissues. The pressure applied to the trigger point causes the muscles contraction by depressing the trigger point. This technique does not use massage therapy techniques such as myofascial release or deep tissue stretching. Continuous pressure can be delivered when the muscles contract.

Soft tissue release The massage therapist uses soft, steady pressure combined with the hands-on technique for soft tissue release. The soft tissue release technique uses gentle strokes to eliminate adhesions from joints or other areas. The skin can develop adhesions in the soft tissue if it is stretched excessively, as happens after intense exercise. Adhesions or scar tissue can cause soreness and pain.

Manual Pressure and Acupressure Massage therapists can also use manual pressure to relieve pain and treat painful conditions. This is called acupressure and has been practiced for hundreds of years in China, India, Europe, and the United States. You can use your thumbs and fingers, palms, elbows or forearms to apply gentle pressure on specific Acupoints. Acupressure is a method that relieves pain by increasing blood circulation, relaxing muscles, relieving stress, increasing circulation, and providing relief for many ailments. Many people who use this form of massage have stated that it is the most effective way to relieve pain.