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Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an individual's health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress. It also may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness.

Who can benefit from massage therapy?
People throughout the life cycle--from the very young and very old to those in between--all find that a professional massage can have special applications suited for their needs.

What do research studies say about massage therapy?
A myriad of research studies confirm that massage therapy provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits at all stages of life.

Is massage therapy a luxury?
This is a mistaken perception that is rapidly changing as massage therapy becomes increasingly accepted as a natural part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, according to one media characterization, "massage is to the human body what a tune-up is to a car. It provides a physical boost to the weary, sore and stressed."

When might the use of massage therapy be inappropriate?
If you suffer from certain circulatory ailments (such as phlebitis), infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or infected tissues, be sure to consult your physician before initiating any massage program. An experienced massage therapist will also be able to tell you when massage is not indicated.

What should a consumer expect when they receive a massage for the first time?
At first contact, the massage therapist should ask questions about the reasons for getting a massage, current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle and stress level, and experiences with specific areas of pain. If necessary, undressing takes place in private and a sheet, towel, or gown is provided for draping during the massage. The therapist will undrape only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. The massage takes place on a comfortable padded table.

Does the consumer have any responsibilities during the massage?
A person receiving a massage should give the therapist accurate health information and always report discomfort of any kind--whether it's from the massage itself or due to room temperature, volume of music, or other distractions.

Whether you have received massages before or are preparing to experience massage for the first time, it is important that you educate yourself about the different types of massage that are available. During some massages the recipient remains fully clothed while for most the recipient undresses either partially or fully. Some massages are performed with deep penetrating strokes, while others use almost no pressure at all. Believe it or not, some massages are even performed on a recipient who is immersed in water. Understanding these differences will make your experience more comfortable and allow you to achieve the results you desire. Below is a description of many of the types of massages that are available today. You may also be interested on learning a bit about the different types of massage therapy strokes used in the various types of massage therapy.

Deep Tissue Massage:

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but is used to target knots and release chronic muscle tension. Other benefits include reducing inflammation and helping to eliminate scar tissue. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).

Deep tissue massage uses strokes across the grain of the muscles, not with the grain as in Swedish massage. The more intense movements and techniques such as deep finger pressure may be slightly uncomfortable and cause soreness that lasts a couple of days before resulting in the desired relaxation and pain relief.

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.

This type of massage is more vigorous and uses various styles to loosen the muscles. It helps break patterns of tension, relieves chronic pain, including inflammation-related pain such as tendonitis and improves range of motion.

Shiatsu Massage:

It is a Japanese massage therapy. This therapy uses pressure points similar to acupressure massage to balance the flow of energy, stimulates circulation hormonal system and immune system, releases toxins, and promotes healing in the body. This massage therapy helps to reduce blood pressure and muscle stiffness.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians.

Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.

Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure.” This technique is similar to acupressure where the practitioner uses their finger, thumb, palm, elbow, knee (and sometimes even walk on you) to put pressure on acupuncture healing points. This unblocks the flow of energy and encourages blood and lymphatic flow. It also promotes relaxation and strengthens the body against disease and restores balance.

People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.

Aromatherapy Massage:

Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents”. Aromatherapists use therapeutic oil extracts from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds. There are approximately 150 essential oils, each having its own distinct therapeutic, psychological, and physiological properties. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves. As we breath the scents, our brain releases chemicals that communicate with our nervous system to produce a calculated result such as relaxation, digestion, invigoration, or pain relief. Many of these oils have antiseptic properties; some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant and expectorant.

The therapist incorporates essential oil extracted from herbs, flowers and roots into the massage. They select the proper oils based on a particular physical condition and blend them into a massage oil or lotion. The end result is a relaxing massage tailored to your individual needs.

Swedish Massage:

Swedish massage is the style that comes to mind when most people think about massage. It was developed in Stockholm a couple of centuries ago and is the most common and best-known type form of bodywork performed today.

The goal is relaxing the entire body and this is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Lotion is often used to reduce friction and stimulate the skin.

Swedish massage is exceptional for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.

When most people think of massage, they think of “Swedish massage”. Swedish massage is a classic western massage technique which combines kneading and long smooth strokes to improve circulation and that relax and loosen muscles. The techniques applied in Swedish massage are gentle and rhythmic. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive and tapping movements, usually accompanied by the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes, and it speeds the venous return of un-oxygenated blood and toxins from the extremities. Even though the pressure is relatively light, this treatment still has therapeutic benefits including: an increased blood flow, increased muscle tone, improved oxygenation to the muscles, and, of course, relaxation. For someone has never had a massage before, Swedish massage provides a great introduction.

This is probably the most common form of massage in the US. Its main goal is relaxation and improved circulation. The therapist applies oil to the skin and uses flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles.

Thai Massage:

No oils or creams are generally used in Thai massage. The client typically remains fully clothed and the massage usually takes place on a floor or mat rather than on a massage table. Thai massage may be best thought of as a form of assisted yoga. The therapist uses his or her hands, feet, elbows, knees and legs to stretch and manipulate the client’s body.

Acupressure Massage:

Acupressure is possibly best thought of as acupuncture without the needles. It is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure on specific points along the body. Some of these “pressure points” are believed to affect a specific part of the body, while others are more general in their affect. Chinese cultures believe these points to be junctures of meridian pathways that carry energy called chi. Acupressure helps to removes energy blockages within the meridian pathway by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue and joints, causing stiffness and pain. Acupressure stimulates and activates the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony to the body.

Sport Massage:

Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area like a knee or shoulder.

Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.

This treatment incorporates several massage techniques which is great for athletes. It keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from an injury.

Deep, focused massage strokes utilizing all or some combination of compression, drainage, friction, vibration, and tapotement are used in sports or deep tissue massage.

Reflexology :

Reflexology is based on the belief that ones feet and hands are maps or mirrors of the body. By putting pressure on and massaging speciic areas of the feet or hands the reflexoogist may relieve pain or tension in corresponding area of the clients body.

Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.

Reflexology is a branch of massage that focuses solely on the hands and feet. Originally developed as “zone therapy” in the early twentieth century, reflexology uses specifically targeted points on the extremities to send signals to the brain and balance the nervous system.

A reflexologist stretches and moves the hands and feet, applying pressure on reflex areas that correspond to specific organs and other parts of the body. Endorphins are released throughout the entire body, reducing stress and returning the body to equilibrium. Reflexology has been known to provide relief from ailments such as tension headaches, arthritis, digestive issues and back pain.

Trigger Point Theraphy

A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may trigger pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger points are caused by muscle overuse or injury, and because the aches are associated with moving parts, the pain is commonly mistaken for arthritis.

Trigger point massage (also known as myotherapy) is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.

The result of trigger point massage is the elimination of toxins in the muscles and the release of energizing endorphins. A significant decrease in pain is often found after just one treatment.