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Different types of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the physical action of relaxing and manipulating tissue. This action allows manipulation of the soft tissue and surrounding structures. Massage therapy can be classified into two main categories, manual or mechanical. Manual massage can be applied using fingers, hands, palms, elbows and feet. Mechanical massage, however, is applied pressure with a device like rolling brushes, heated oils or heated water.

Massage therapy works on the principle of relaxation. This relaxes muscles and increases range of motion. An effective massage technique involves applying pressure to a specific point on the body. Applying pressure to a specific point on the body increases blood flow and improves flexibility. Myofascial relaxation is an alternative treatment that may help with chronic pain and muscle immobility. This treatment relaxes tight contractions, increases blood and lymphatic flow, as well as increasing the stretch response of tight muscles.

Trigger Point Massage Therapists are professionals who use specific massage techniques to treat particular areas of the body. They work to improve range of motion, reduce chronic pain, and reduce muscle stiffness and spasm. A trigger point is a location in which a nerve or muscle experiences a painful "knot", or "taut band" around a specific area.

Myofascial Massage therapists use myofascial massage techniques to release knots, reduce chronic tension, decrease soreness, increase range and flexibility, and reduce soreness. Myofascial taps and triggers can be used to release knots in the myofascial system by applying pressure to specific points along the myofascial line. These triggers can either be electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic. Trigger point therapy is proven to relieve pain and help muscle repair. It also strengthens the immune system.

Deep Tissue massage This type of massage treats deeper layers beneath the superficial muscle and joint tissue layers. This technique does not involve trigger points or myofascial release. In this technique, a massage therapist uses her hands to pull tight, compressed, and stressed muscles. The tension that builds up over time is released through this technique. Many people who have used this method describe it as feeling the urge for a bowel movement, but it also helps release long-standing tension.

Trigger Point Therapy is a technique that uses mechanical devices to stimulate myofascia (or connective tissue) to increase flexibility and relieve tension. Specific trigger points are activated by the mechanical device. These trigger points can be found in muscles, tendons, ligaments or other tissues. The pressure applied to the trigger point causes the muscles contraction by depressing the trigger point. This technique does not employ massage therapy techniques such deep tissue stretching and myofascial relief. Continuous pressure can be delivered when the muscles contract.

Soft tissue release The massage therapist uses soft, steady pressure combined with the hands-on technique for soft tissue release. The massage therapist uses soft tissue release to loosen adhesions (or scar tissue) from joints and other areas. If the skin becomes too stretched, such as from vigorous exercise, adhesions will form in the tissue. The adhesions, or scar tissue, can be painful and release stiffness and soreness.

Manual Pressure or Acupressure A massage therapist might also use manual pressure for pain relief and discomfort. This is called Acupressure. It has been practiced for hundreds in Europe, China, India and the United States. You can use your thumbs and fingers, palms, elbows or forearms to apply gentle pressure on specific Acupoints. Acupressure can relieve pain by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles and increasing circulation. It also provides relief from a wide range of conditions. It is the best way to relieve pain, according to many people who have used it.
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