Types of Massage

Today, the most popular form of massage therapy practiced in the United States is Swedish massage. Swedish massage was first practiced in the United States in the 1850’s.  In Swedish massage, the therapist uses long strokes, squeezing and kneading muscle tissue to improve circulation and to reduce physical and emotional tension in the individual.  The strokes used tend to be in the direction of heart to further encourage circulation of the blood.  Although Swedish massage is usually given as a full body massage, it may be limited to a particular part of the body.

There are dozens of approaches to massage.  Below are a few examples of the many other forms of massage that may be practiced by a massage therapist.

• Rolfing. – a kind of deep massage.  The therapist applies pressure to the fascia, or connective tissues, that surround and penetrate muscle groups. The fascia provide a covering for the muscles and form the tissues that connect muscle to bone and bone to bone.  The fascia normally allow muscles to glide and move past one another.  When an injury occurs, however, adhesions can develop.  One muscle can get stuck to another, causing strain, stiffness, and reduced range of movement.  Rolfing attempts to loosen these adhesions to restore movement and return the body to more efficient functioning.

• Sports Massage – may be included as part of an athlete’s program of training. Sports massage combines aspects of Swedish massage and various types of deep massage.  Therapists use slow, deep muscle strokes and sustained finger pressure to break up adhesions, increase circulation, and reduce swelling.  Sports massage is used to enhance athletic performance, to prevent injuries, and to encourage healing when injuries do occur.

• Shiatsu. – part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Shiatsu involves the application of gentle hand and finger pressure to particular body locations.  These body locations correspond to traditional acupuncture points. Through the targeted use of pressure, the therapist attempts to reduce muscle tension and pain.  At the same time, the therapist is working to restore a more efficient flow of energy (qi or chi) through the body’s pathways of energy (meridians).

• CranioSacral Massage – limited to the craniosacral system.  Craniosacral massage involves the application of very gentle pressure to the head and spinal column to correct an abnormal pattern of circulation for the cerebrospinal fluid.

• Manual Lymph Drainage Massage (MLD) – focuses on improving the flow of lymph.  Lymph is a white to colorless fluid that circulates throughout the body.  It contains lymphocytes that attack bacteria in the blood.  MLD uses gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph.  MLD may be most useful following surgery to reduce edema.  

In addition to various forms of massage, other holistic therapies are often incorporated into a massage therapist's practice.  It is not uncommon for massage therapists to seek out training in aromatherapy, reflexology, or reiki.

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