Swedish Massage combines a variety of strokes into a dynamic, therapeutically relaxing or rejuvenating massage. The strokes include; Effleurage (gliding stroke), Petrassage (wide variety and application of kneading strokes) Compression (light medium and deep stationary pressure) Shaking (a lift and a shake of arms, legs or specific muscles) Vibration (compression with a shaking motion) and Friction (a high energy vibration of an area.
Abdominal Massage a gentle technique that reduces tension in the abdominal area. Relaxes abdominal muscles, increases respiration and enhances digestion. Can be applied fully clothed or as a part of the therapeutic massage session.
Basic Joint Mobilization a gentle technique that decompresses and mobilizes the joints. All movement moves joints but sometimes these joints cannot move as fully as they should. Joint mobilization increases the ease of movement within the joint. Joint mobilization can be done as a part of a therapeutic massage session or fully clothed separately.
Basic Stretching can be an integral part of a therapeutic massage session. Stretching is a mechanical method of introducing forces into muscle groups or specific muscles. There are many stretching and lengthening techniques that can help to increase mobility. Stretching can be a part of the therapeutic massage session or applied separately with the client fully clothed in loose clothing.
Chair Massage is performed in a special massage chair with the client fully clothed. Special techniques are used to accommodate working through the clients clothes. Because the client is fully clothed during a chair massage session it is possible to do chair massage in businesses, trade events, sport events and more. Some people that would never take their clothes off for a traditional massage will eagerly receive a chair massage. Chair massage is a great way to promote business.
Deep Tissue addresses the client’s challenged areas in a direct, more specific fashion seeking to move the client to a new place. Deep Tissue can be applied to a very specific place on the body or to the general body through connective tissue releases, such as Myofascial Release. There are many deep tissue techniques. Deep Tissue Release are directed toward specific muscle groups that are most commonly mentioned by clients. Deep Tissue Releases are applied to the muscles that affect these regions; tension is released and the client experiences a reduction of tension. Sometimes clients may feel a little sore after a deep tissue release (like a good work out). This soreness goes away in a few days.
Reflexology is the application of pressure to the foot, hand, and ears. It is based on the philosophy that the entire body is reflected in the foot, hand and ear. By stimulating the foot, hand and ears it is believed that function in the whole body is affected. Reflexology can be part of the therapeutic full body massage or can be done as a sole therapy. Clients that may not want to disrobe can receive the affects of a full body massage through a good Reflexology session.
Myofascial Release is deep tissue work through the fascial system which is like the “human body bag.” Fascia surrounds every muscle, muscle fiber and fibril to the cellular level. Fascia holds organs in place. This fascia over time becomes tight and changes the posture, constricts digestion, and slows breathing. By elongating the fascia through specific techniques the posture is free to return to its intended state, digestion is improved, and breathing is increased.
Lymphatic Drainage increases circulation of the lymph system which is a specialized component of the circulatory system; that takes fluid forced out of capillaries and sends it through the lymphatic system and its series of filters (nodes) and then sends clean fluid back into the circulatory system. Lymphatic System and the immune system work together. Lymphatic Drainage helps to enhance the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system and boosts the immune system.
Shiatsu is the Asian rhythmic application of pressure to specific regions of the body along energy meridians (lines of energy that relate to specific areas of the body.) Shiatsu is very therapeutic as it stimulates the flow of energy. Because its application is very slow and rhythmic it can also benefit the therapist. Shiatsu can be done fully clothed or as a part of a massage session.
Trigger Point Therapy applies gentle pressure to specific area of muscles or groups of muscles. When pressure is applied a band of pain is created indicating that it is an “active trigger point.” Sometimes these “bands of pain” can be apparent in people described as tension. A common trigger point is located at the back of the neck. This point can cause what is described as a tension headache. When this trigger point is pressed the band of pain becomes more apparent to the client and travels over the top of the head to the eye area. When pressure is correctly applied the band of pain will eventually recede until there is no pain at all and the tension headache is gone. Trigger Point Therapy can be done separately or as part of a therapeutic massage session.
Polarity Therapy is a technique that is intended to locate blocked energy and release it. The trained hand of a Polarity therapist is tuned to feel subtle shifts and blockages in energy. This healing touch technique uses very light touch or above the surface awareness of the energy flow. It is easily incorporated into a therapeutic massage session of can be done separately with the client fully clothed.
Explanations are intended for the lay person and perspective student seeking a simple description of bodywork modalities.