Types of massage

Chair massage: A short (15-20 minute) massage of a client sitting in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. On-Site is popular at some offices as an employee benefit and for some conferences, workshops and certain social events. 
                            



Deep Tissue: Deep Tissue Massage is a type of massage that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic tension and muscle spasms, stiff neck, low back tightness and sore shoulders. Deep Tissue strokes are slower, deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.
          When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions or bands of painful rigid tissues in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. Deep Tissue massgae works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and return normal movement. To achieve this a therapist might use direct deep pressure or friction across the fibers of the muscles.

          Unlike the Classic Massage which is used for relaxation Deep Tissue focuses on specific problems such as

• Chronic Pain
• Limited Mobility
• Recovery from injury
• Repetitive strain injury
• Postural problems
• Osteoarthritis Pain
• FibroMyalgia
• Muscle Spasm
• Muscle Tension

Effleurage: This stroke is generally used in a Swedish massage treatment. This smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Muscle Energy Technique (MET): Muscle energy technique (or MET) is based on the principle of reciprocal inhibition, a theory that explains that muscles on one side of a joint will always relax to accommodate the contraction of muscles on the other side of that joint when indirect pressure is applied. MET is often applied to patients who suffer from muscle spasms.

Myofascial Release: Release is used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) by the application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body affecting all components of the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. It surrounds groups of muscle fibres, and entire muscle groups and organs. While it is not contractile, it can be passively elastically deformed. That is how it retains tensions from physical and emotional traumas. It is also involved when a person suffers chronic pain or physical dysfunction. Chronically tense muscles restrict blood flow and fatigue the body. Both fascia and muscle tissues can become shortened if they are improperly used. As well, layers of fascia can stick together. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles in spasm to relax, and break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures.

Neuromuscular therapy: Uses advanced concepts in pressure therapy to break the stress-tension-pain cycle. It aims to relax muscle so that circulation can increase and the body will return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance. The St. John Method is a type of NMT.

Petrissage: Involves squeezing, rhythmic rolling, lifting, squeezing, wringing and kneading the muscles usually following effleurage during Swedish massage.

                                      
                                                           

Rolfing: A technique designed by Dr. Ida Rolf, aligns the major body segments through deep manipulation of the fascia or connective tissue.

Scalp massage: Scalp massage is a great way to promote scalp circulation and boost healthy hair growth.

Shiatsu: The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces symptoms. Your Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution and general energy levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches. As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being - not just the physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level. For more information read Rediscovering SHIATSU by Yehuda J. Lev. Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives. 


   Common conditions helped by Shiatsu include: 

      -Back pain 
      -Menstrual problems 
      -Headaches, migraines 
      -Digestive problems 
      -Whiplash injuries 
      -Asthmatic symptoms 
      -Neck stiffness 
      -Sports injuries 
      -Joint pain and reduced mobility 
      -Depression

Sports Massage : The technique used primarily for the serious athlete who trains continuously. It focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity. It also an include pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.
      
                                                      

Stone massage: Stone Massage is a Swedish Relaxation style of massage that uses smooth, heated Basalt stones. The therapist glides the stones over the skin smoothly, sometimes using the stones to apply pressure in large muscle areas. Often the stones are just laid out on the body - along the spine, in or on the hands, etc. This massage is quite gentle in comparison with Therapeutic or deep tissue massage, but it has many similar benefits. This massage may be more suitable for those individuals that prefer a lighter massage, but need depth. The heat from the stones relaxes muscles and often increases an individual's tolerance of pressure. 

                                                                   

Swedish massage: Which is a proper name, (not a reference to Sweden) refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe it is safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. Friction is reduced by oil, or lacking that baby powder. Some practitioners claim benefits from vegetable rather than mineral oil while others disagree. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed venous return from the extremities. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy. 

                                    
                                      

Thai massage: Also known as Nuad Bo-Rarn, the traditional massage of Thailand, has been practiced for at least 2,500 years. It came to Thailand along with Buddhism and was originally practiced by Buddhist monks in their temples. The work consists primarily of pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements. The stretching movements of Thai massage often resemble passive yoga asanas. One receives all the benefits of Yoga without having to perform any of the work! These stretches affect the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body's natural energy to flow more freely.

Trigger point therapy: Pain-relief techniques to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points', which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occuring spasm or `kink' that worsens painfully when aggravated. The major goals are to reduce spasm inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle. Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points, for a short time (between about 7 to 10 seconds per point), which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving. It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session, but you won't be leaning into a sore spot for several minutes. Often ice or another cooling agent is used to reduce nervous system response, making the area easier and more comfortable to work. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process, hence the name `spray and stretch'. Myotherapy aims to erase pain and soothe tightened muscles. People with acute or chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment.