Types

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage in the United States. It involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage. The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation, mental and physical relaxation , decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of motion.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. This technique uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or “knots” (also known as “adhesions.”)

Tuina (Chinese Bodywork)

Tuina (pronounced ‘twee-nah’) is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage. ‘Tui’ meaning to push and ‘Na’ to grasp. Tui Na treats chronic pain, especially that caused by muscle-skeletal conditions and injuries. Neck, shoulder and back pain and immobility, sciatica and ‘tennis elbow’ all respond very well. The massage is usually done using gentle to quite firm pressure using palms, thumbs, fingers, and elbows, added to this are various stretches. It can be more vigorous than other forms of massage.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is therapeutic bodywork that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. It enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue. The gentle, non-invasive approach of massage can ease discomfort associated with pregnancy, help the mother-to-be prepare for labor and give her nurturing emotional support.

Foot Reflexology

The application of pressure to the feet with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands.

Acupressure

A form of alternative therapy in which manual pressure is used to stimulate specific points on the body along lines of energy.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is a form of bodywork geared toward participants in athletics. It is used to help prevent injuries, to prepare the body for athletic activity and maintain it in optimal condition, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries. Sports massage has three basic forms: pre-event massage, post-event massage, and maintenance massage.

Cranio-Sacral Massage

Cranio-sacral Massage is a form of bodywork using gentle touch to palpate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. A practitioner of cranial-sacral therapy may also apply light touches to a patient’s spine and pelvic bones. Practitioners believe that this palpation regulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and aids in “primary respiration”.

Lymphatic Drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of massage that encourages the natural drainage of the lymph, which carries waste products away from the tissues. This technique uses a specific amount of pressure and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate lymph flow.