Sue Turner, MS, LMT
Swedish Massage
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:
Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand
Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This medically-oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are defined as “a focus of hyperirritability in a tissue that, when compressed, is locally tender and, if sufficiently hypersensitive, gives rise to referred pain and tenderness.” In other words: a trigger point is believed to be a localized spasm or knot in the muscle fiber that may cause pain to be referred to other, more distant parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy includes specific manipulations to the muscles, fascia and connective tissues and can help release these painful and tense points in a muscle and assist in achieving long-term results.
*https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-and-trigger-points/
Firm Massage*
Firm massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deeper under your skin as the muscles start to soften. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, firm massage can be quite therapeutic -- relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.
*I refer to this definition as Firm Massage, not Deep Tissue Massage. The term, Firm, better describes the approach I use to sink into the muscles as they soften.
Sports Massage
Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during, or after sports events. It promotes flexibility and helps prevent injuries. Or, it may help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.
Foot Massage
Foot massage uses hand, thumb, and finger techniques to stimulate certain areas of the feet. These areas are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. The massage, then, is expected to promote health and well-being.
Comfort Touch
Comfort Touch is a nurturing style of massage designed to be safe, appropriate and effective for the elderly and the ill. Its primary intention is to provide comfort through techniques that promote deep relaxation and relief from pain. It is adaptable to the needs of the client, and may be practiced on the person who is seated in a wheelchair, a regular chair, a recliner, a hospital bed, or a bed in the home. The technique does not require the use of lotions or oils, and the client may remain fully clothed. *From Comfort Touch, Mary Kathleen Rose
Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage
During pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. Using pillows, the massage therapist will help get you into a comfortable position for this type of massage. This is not offered and is contraindicated the first trimester.
*Except where noted, all Massage Style descriptions from www.webmd.com
