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Types of Massage: Special Forms
Today, the
most popular form of
massage therapy practiced in the United States
is Swedish massage. However, there
are dozens of approaches to massage. Below are a few examples of the
many specialized 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.
-
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).
-
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.
Read More About Massage
Therapy
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