Massage Therapies
Glossary of Massage Therapies
Swedish
There are four strokes in Swedish massage: effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement. Effleurage is the long flowing strokes, petrissage is the kneading strokes, friction is used to generate heat and bring blood to the surface, and tapotement is the hitting type strokes. The aim of a Swedish massage is to relax the tissues of the body, relieve stress and improve circulation.
Deep Tissue
Uses a combination of pressure and leverage to release chronic patterns of tension in the body, to loosen the fibers of the muscles and to release toxins.
Lomi Lomi
Lomi Lomi means rub rub and originated in Hawaii. The therapists use their forearms to glide over the body with long flowing, quick strokes.
Lymphatic Drainage
Focused on making the lymph system of the body more efficient, and relieves blockages.
Muscle Release Technique (MRT)
Developed specifically to treat chronic, hard to treat muscle pain problems. During treatment sessions, clients learn how to monitor their own body posture and practices they can use daily to keep themselves out of pain.
Myofascial
Involves turning or pressing the fascia (connective tissue that covers muscle) in a direction that causes the therapist to feel either increases or decreases resistance. The fascia responds to the trained touch to release the adverse effects of inflammation, tensions and trauma.
Neuromuscular
Involves the therapist using postural assessment, muscle testing, exercise and stretching to balance the nervous system. It enhances the function of joints, muscles, and movement, and it releases endorphins, the body's own natural pain killers.
Sports Massage
Typically used before, during and after athletic events to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.
Soft Tissue Assessment
Soft tissue therapy is designed to help people who have sustained injury to their muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
Sotai
Designed to help you realign your body and regain your internal balance. Sotai is for finding and relieving the tensions and kinks in your joints.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu means finger pressure and is a Japanese form of acupressure. Involves balancing the meridians of the body by pressing and holding certain points for 2 to 3 minutes each.
Thai
Involves rhythmic compressions and progressive stretches to relax the sympathetic nervous system, soften muscles, re-establish flexibility and increase range of motion.
Trigger Point Therapy
A Trigger point is an area of muscle tissue that is hypercontracted (a knot). The therapist pushes on this point to relax the entire muscle.
