Notes

Different Types of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy refers to the physical act of manipulating and relaxing tissue. This allows manipulation of soft tissues and structures. Two main types of massage therapy are available: manual or mechanical. Manual massage is massage that uses hands, fingers, palms and elbows. Mechanical massage, on the other hand, involves the application of pressure with a device, such as rolling brushes, heated oils, heated water, or vacuum devices.

Massage therapy is based on the principle that relaxation of a muscle leads to a decrease in muscular tension and an increase in range of motion. An effective massage technique involves applying pressure to a specific point on the body. The application of pressure causes increased blood flow to the muscle and enhances its flexibility. Myofascial Release is another alternative therapy that can be used to treat chronic pain and immobility. It relaxes tight contractions and increases blood flow.

Trigger Point Therapy Massage Therapists are trained professionals who use specific techniques to treat certain areas of the body. They are skilled in increasing range of motion and relieving chronic pain. A trigger point is the location where a nerve or muscle has a painful "knot" or "taut band" formed around a particular area.

Myofascial Massage Therapists use myofascial releases to reduce tension, knots, soreness, and increase muscle flexibility. Myofascial triggers and tapes are used to release knots when myofascial massage therapists apply pressure to a particular point along the myofascial chains. These triggers can be manual, electrical, hydraulic, or any combination of these. Trigger point treatment has been shown to not only relieve the pain, but also aid in muscle repair and strengthen your immune system.

Deep Tissue massage This type of massage treats deeper layers beneath the superficial muscle and joint tissue layers. This technique does NOT require the use trigger points, myofascial relaxation, or deep tissues stretching. 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. This technique is described by many as having an urge to throw up. However, it releases chronic tension.

Trigger Point Therapy is a technique that uses mechanical devices to stimulate myofascia (or connective tissue) to increase flexibility and relieve tension. The mechanical device activates certain trigger points. These triggers can be found in the muscles, tendons or ligaments as well as 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. When the muscles are contracted, the therapist can deliver continuous pressure without interruption.

Soft Tissue Release A massage therapist uses slow, sustained pressure with the hands-on technique of soft tissue release. With soft tissue release, the massage therapist uses gentle strokes to release the adhesions, or scar tissue, from joints and other areas. The skin can develop adhesions in the soft tissue if it is stretched excessively, as happens after intense exercise. Adhesions or scar tissue can cause soreness and pain.

Manual Pressure and Acupressure Massage therapists can also use manual pressure to relieve pain and treat painful conditions. This technique is known as acupressure, and it has been used for hundreds years in China and Europe. This involves applying gentle pressure to specific acupoints using your thumbs, fingers and palms. Acupressure reduces pain by increasing blood supply, relaxing muscles, decreasing stress, increasing circulation and relieving a range of ailments. People who have tried this type of massage claim that it is the best method to relieve their pain.
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