Massage Techniques

Massage Techniques

Massage is a natural healer. Touch is very important to our well-being which is learned from birth. Studies have shown that a comforting or loving touch enhances relaxation, boosts the immune system, your self esteem, reduces pain & stress, improve skin tone, and much more. Over the years, massage professionals have observed and developed many techniques to benefit the client.

Massage Therapist Technique image

There are over 200 types of massage techniques, but here you will find a list of the most popular ones:

Swedish Massage - Dr. Per Henrik Ling developed swedish massage which is now known as "traditional" massage. This type includes long gliding strokes, kneading, tapping, shaking motions, and friction.

Deep Tissue Massage - When giving this type of massage you want to start superficially and ease into the depth of the muscle very slow. The therapists uses fingers, thumbs, and sometimes elbows.

Rolfing - Dr. Ida Rolf , developed by an American biochemist believed by manipulating the myofascial tissue in a ten session you will rebalance and align the body through lengthening and integrating into wholeness.

Neuromuscular Massage - is a form of deep tissue massage which helps release trigger points to reduce pain. This type improves the function of joints, muscles, and releases endorphins in the body.

Hellerwork - developed by Joseph Heller who believed that in order to maintain alignment and mobility movement exercises are necessary. Learning how to stand, walk, sit and move will increase more freedom and flexibility.

Sports Massage - this form of massage is to prepare an athlete for performance. This involves swedish strokes, deep tissue, cross-fiber friction and joint mobilization.

Craniosacral Therapy - developed in the early 1900's by an osteopath William G. Sutherland which involves a gentle touch on the skull and spinal column. This therapy has been proven to help those with nervous disorders, ADD, insomnia, headaches, and many other conditions.

Feldenkrais - created by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, an Israeli-born physicist and judo practitioner believes teaching patterns of movement through a slow session and to expand your range of motion. This technique is helpful with people who have had strokes or other accidents.

Aston Patterning - developed in the mid-1970s by dancer Judith Aston focusing on reeducation of the body through movement and awareness.

Aromatherapy - is the use of essential oils that are inhaled affecting the limbic area of the brain which triggers an emotional response leaving a feeling of either relaxation, stimulation, happiness, or some other emotion.

Trager - developed by Milton Trager, MD includes hands-on work, gentle, rocking movements, with the use of Mentastics. This type increases deep relaxation with more flexibility and mental awareness.

Hot Stone - stones that have been heated positioned on the body. The stones release toxins, relieves pain & stress, and gives the client an overall feeling of relaxation.

Shiatsu - a form of acupressure meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese using rhythmic pressure to stimulate the flow of energy including stretching and range of motion.

Pregnancy Massage - women may lie on their sides or bellies with pillows that are specially designed for expantant moms. This massage reduces aches & swelling and to soothe and relax nervous tension for the soon to be mom.

Thia - focusing with use of passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines of the body which results in relaxation and stimulating the organs.

Reflexology - enhanced by physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s which is a type of acupressure used on the hands and feet which have reflexes that correspond to the organs and glands in the body improving circulation and relieving tension.

Massage Therapy: