Types of Massage

Following is a list of the types of massage I am trained to do. They each have their benefits and I would be happy to discuss with you which would best suit your particular needs. Massage is not meant to be a 'cure-all' but a tool for the treatment of the symptoms of stress, tension, depression, insomnia, anxiety, as well as back pain, headache, muscle pain, and traumatically induced soft-tissue pain (such as whiplash or sports injuries). It is also used for general enhancement of health and has been attributed to the relief of such disorders as constipation. A word about the therapist/client relationship: the success of the treatment depends implicitly on the communication between the client and the therapist! If a technique is uncomfortable or painful, the client needs to express their discomfort to the therapist immediately, rather than after the treatment or it may not only be ineffective, but more damaging. One of the great frustrations of massage therapists is uncommunicative clients.

Swedish Massage

The basis of my massage is the collection of techniques referred to as 'Swedish Massage' (the word 'Swedish' here does not refer to Sweden, but is a proper name). These techniques are designed to relax muscles by pressing them against the underlying muscles and bones. The strokes and manipulations encourage venous blood flow and lymphatic drainage back to the heart, encouraging not only physical relaxation but also mental relaxation and a general sense of wellness in the client. The goal of this collection of techniques is to speed venous return from the extremities, thereby flushing the tissues of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load and it stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. It stimulates the nervous system while relaxing the nerves themselves. It is often recommended as a tool in stress management and has clinical uses in medical or remedial therapy.

Effleurage (Stroking): This technique uses long, gliding strokes to increase circulation and relaxation. This is, typically, one of the more soothing techniques, whether it be superficial or a deeper stroke.
Petrissage (Kneading): This firmer technique involves rolling, squeezing or wringing the skin and surface muscles and releasing them. This stimulates the muscles and circulation of the deeper tissues.
Friction : This movement of the skin and superficial tissue against underlying tissue breaks down adhesions and helps clear out the build up of toxins accumulated in the muscles.
Tapotement (Percussion): This energetic technique can involve tapping, slapping, pounding, and chopping with the hands to invigorate muscles and stimulate or calm nerves (believe it or not).
Vibration : This technique incorporates rapid shaking or trembling movements to invigorate the nervous system. It can also be calming if done gently.

Deep Tissue Massage

This technique is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure (or friction) applied across the grain of the muscles. This invigorating, and sometimes uncomfortable, experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature and slowly working into the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Various techniques and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. They may involve manipulating and moving of limbs, and use of the therapists elbow, forearm, thumbs and ball of the hand to penetrate deeply to the underlying tissues.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point technique is a pain relief treatment used to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. Trigger Points are tender areas in a muscle that have acquired a recurring spasm. The therapist locates and deactivates 'trigger points' by applying pressure for a short time (approximately 6 seconds) which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving. It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session. Often ice or another cooling agent is used to reduce nervous system response. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process.

Myotherapy

This technique is also a pain relief treatment used to alleviate pain and soothe very tightened muscles. This technique involves the application of gentle pressure on the surface of the muscle to manipulate the fascia covering the muscle (myofascial release). People with acute and chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment.

Lymphatic Drainage

This technique is a very gentle technique similar to the stroke 'effleurage' from Swedish Massage. It incorporates the very light stroke with elevation of the limb being treated to encourage drainage of the lymphatic system. Clients who are feeling sluggish or who have circulation problems may benefit from this technique.

Reflexology

This therapy is a popular choice for its non-invasive approach to healing. Reflexology involves applying pressure to 'zones', most commonly on the feet but also on the hands, face, scalp and ears, that correspond to specific organs of the body. Why it seems to work for so many people is speculated upon but unproven.

2005 Catherine Saunders