What is in a name? Styles of therapeutic massage therapy
CHAIR MASSAGE
Also known as seated massage or on-site massage. Includes massage and stretching techniques. Patient is fully clothed . Is done in variety of settings e.g. businesses and airports. May involve the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the patient sits comfortably (A pillow can also be used).
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Techniques that utilise deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the therapist from reaching deeper musculature.
ORTHOPAEDIC MASSAGE
It aims to induce a change in structure and function of the neuromusculoskeletal soft tissue to promote healing of the whole person. Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria. Three basic elements are adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment: assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment.
HOLISTIC MASSAGE
Emphasises psychological benefits such as stress reduction, relaxation and promotion of general well-being as much as physical benefits. It treats the whole person and often incorporates energy medicine into its practice
RUSSIAN MASSAGE / RUSSIAN SPORTS MASSAGE
It is a system of massage developed in the former Soviet Union that alters the basic strokes of classical massage so each stroke provides the patient with the least invasive and most comfortable treatment. Each stroke has a known physiological effect on a healthy or dysfunctional body. Therapists don’t use their wrists or single digit pressure, rather shoulders or elbows as the primary sources of strength for deep work.
MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE
The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The most widely taught version of this technique was created by Dr. Vodder of .
SPORTS MASSAGE
Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.
RELAXATION MASSAGE
This method is applied primarily by massage therapists working in resorts, spas, and health clubs. Students learn a one-hour, full-body massage that provides patients with the relaxation and enjoyment of a Swedish massage with the deeper release of deep-tissue wor.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
It was developed by Per Henrik Ling in early 1800s is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energise the body by stimulating circulation. Six basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. – effluerage pettrisage, kneading, hacking, cupping and tapotement. It focuses on physical benefits of massage.
The styles of massages listed here, should not be considered complete.