Definitions of the Five Leading Massage Therapy Techniques

Massage techniques have evolved over the centuries into specialized techniques developed to address specific symptoms such as breast massage for cancer. In addition to physical therapy massage also works to improve the spiritual and emotional state of the patient. This article gives a background on each of the 5 major massage therapy techniques available as gleaned from various sources and explanations of the differences among them.

Schools of massage techniques are numerous and often obscure, with names like Rolfing, Bowen Technique, BART (Bonding and Relaxation Techniques), Bindegewebsmassage, and so on. Some have been resurrected from the 19th century and others are ultra-modern in philosophy, but the most common massage practices have emerged as the most popular and widely performed commercially. This article will list the top 5 massage techniques.

SWEDISH MASSAGE is the simplest to understand and perform; it's based on five basic strokes that are easy to learn, in fact many people can do a good job on others without necessarily being a professional therapist. They are: basic stroking, known as 'effleurage', stroking across the muscle. The next is called 'petrissage' where the muscles are lightly grabbed and lifted. Third is 'friction' that uses the thumbs and fingertips to work in deep circles into the thickest part of the muscles. The fourth stroke is 'tapotement' using chopping, beating, and tapping. The fifth is 'vibration' that works by using the fingers to flatten or press firmly on a muscle, then the area is shaken quickly for a few seconds.

A technique that does require a schooled massage therapist is DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE that uses slow, deep strokes with direct pressure or friction across the grain of primarily the back muscles. There are five layers of muscle in the back where chronic tension builds over the years. This tension causes the posture to deteriorate and can be the source of migraine headaches. Straightening the spine can be done gradually with massage therapy, and for those who have more serious hunching of the back, a chiropractor might be considered as well. Another method of straightening the spine would work for people with self-discipline who could take up Tai Chi or Yoga. The straighter the spine, the healthier the person will become due to the freer passage of energy throughout the body.

The third most common massage technique is SPORTS MASSAGE that can help treat injured muscles and connective tissue. It also improves the circulation to warm up and energize the athlete before a competition. After the match a sports massage session would work to flush waste products out of the body to help the muscles heal faster as nutrients go back into the bloodstream. Sports Massage is similar to Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage but the technique also uses timing to get maximum performance, so the sessions are scheduled in relation to when the muscles will be needed.

NEUROMUSCULAR MASSAGE is a variation of Deep Tissue Massage that focuses on individual injured muscles and soft tissue to relieve pressure on nerves that is causing pain or discomfort. Tension knots around nerves can cause pain in other parts of the body since some unrelated areas receive signals from nerves that are on the same energy line. We are an electro-chemical wiring system, and in this case the massage therapist is the electrician. Releasing the tension knot straightens out the energy flow so that no pain should be referred to other areas of the body.

These are generally accepted non-invasive techniques performed around the world for therapeutic purposes. Although the relief of pain and discomfort is beneficial emotionally and spiritually, these techniques are primarily focused on the physical aspect. Other more specialized, trendy, or esoteric schools of massage have come into being that put more emphasis on the mental state of the patient. Some techniques are semi-religious and aim to improve the strength of a person's spirit or soul, for those that believe in deeper existence.

Scientifically, there is evidence of an energy field within and around the body that can be detected. In eastern philosophy this force is known as 'chi' in China and 'ki' in Japan. For those of us who have practiced martial arts for many years, the energy can be increased over the years; you become more aware of it as training proceeds to the higher level.

Deep Tissue Massage and other recognized systems stimulate health by making the muscles more relaxed, and thus more efficient. Once your energy meridians are flowing smoothly, free of tension knots, your overall health will improve; you will function with greater zest physically, better concentration mentally, and improved peace of mind as you become more relaxed.

SEO Consultant Pat Boardman presents these facts and opinions in regards to the Myocare Massage Therapists Toronto clinic where RMTs perform deep tissue massage, swedish massage, myofascial release, sports massage, pre and post-natal massage in the Annex district of Toronto.