Massage Therapy: Styles of Practice

Choosing a form of massage therapy or bodywork may depend upon a client’s objectives. Is massage being sought for relaxation, pain relief, or as part of rehabilitation? Is the condition being treated acute or chronic? The following list provides brief descriptions of some of the most common massage modalities and their uses.

Acupressure 

Acupressure involves the use of fingertip and palm pressure along the energy meridians or on specific points to regulate the flow of Qi (energy). It is based on Eastern energetic approaches, which consider the unrestricted flow of Qi to be the basis for health. Acupressure may or may not be part of a complete system like Shiatsu or Tuina. 

Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST)

CST is characterized by very light touch applied to, but not limited to, the cerebrospinal fluid, cranial bones, spine and sacrum, in order to normalize the rhythmic functions of the craniosacral system. It is thought that by normalizing activity in the craniosacral field, other body systems will follow. CST does not address specific medical conditions, but is used to encourage the body's own natural healing mechanisms in order to restore health.

Deep Tissue

This modality focuses on muscular issues, and works to release chronic patterns of tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Practitioners use slow strokes and deep finger pressure that either follow or go across fibers of muscles, tendons and fascia, to alleviate localized congestion and inflammation.

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic Massage uses specific light touch applications designed to promote the movement of lymph to return waste, proteins and excess fluids from the tissue space to the blood stream. This type of massage is especially useful when lymph flow gets congested due to injury, surgery, radiation treatments or congenital defect.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is actually a variety of techniques, some superficial and some deep, designed to alleviate chronic pain and restricted flexibility in muscles and connective tissues. It is used to restore normal muscle tone, improve joint range of motion, improve posture, reduce pain and increase blood and lymph circulation.

Polarity Therapy

Based upon the principles of Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, which assert that health is dependent upon the free flowing movement of energy, Polarity practitioners apply light touch to various points on the body to release muscular tension and restore vitality. The practitioner may also encourage awareness of the mind/body connection, an integral part of health in all energetic traditions.

Reflexology

Practitioners of Reflexology focus primarily on reflex zones located on the ear, foot and hand that are said to correspond to organs and/or regions of the body. A reflexology massage will focus on a specific area, but is intended to have a positive affect on the whole body. Practitioners massage reflex points in order to improve circulation, eliminate toxins and reduce stress.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of bodywork that originated in Japan, though it has roots in the meridian system of Chinese medicine. The focus is on stimulating the flow of Qi along the meridians and throughout the body. During a Shiatsu session clients usually stay clothed, provided they are wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Sessions are done on a mat on the floor, allowing practitioners to use their body weight when applying pressure, which they do with their fingers, palms, arms and sometimes feet.

Sports Massage

Sports massage refers to soft-tissue manipulation used specifically with athletes to enhance performance, speed recovery and prevent injuries. It focuses on special techniques that can be used before and after events, for maintenance during training and for rehabilitation to help manage injuries.

Stone Massage

A stone massage is usually a Swedish massage with the addition of warmed stones, which can be used while applying oil to the muscles, and/or placed on the body to allow their warmth to penetrate.

Swedish Massage

The most common type of massage, Swedish massage is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and vibration techniques used on the more superficial layers of muscles. Generally done directly on the skin with the use of a lubricant, such as oil. The general purpose of the work is to relax muscles, enhance circulation of blood and lymph, improve range of motion and promote general relaxation. Treatments are done on a table, and the client is draped with a sheet and towel so only the area of the body being massaged is exposed. Typical sessions usually are an hour, less if clients are children, elderly or ill.

Thai Massage

Thai massage uses compression and yoga-like stretching as main techniques to help with muscular pains, aches and stiffness. By working on the physical body, it affects the energy pathways based on Ayurvedic medicine. The work is usually performed on a mat, with the client dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. It is very effective for physically active people.

Tuina

Tuina is an ancient form of Chinese massage, said to be the inspiration for Swedish massage developed by Per Henrik Ling in the early 1800's. It may seem similar in some ways to Swedish massage, as it has the same types of strokes used to increase the movement of blood and lymph. However, Tuina practitioners also consider the flow of energy, or Qi, to target areas. Tuina is often used in clinical treatment for injuries involving the muscular system. In many cases the client can remain clothed, unless external applications such as liniments, poultices or herbal packs are being used.

For more information

To find a New York State licensed massage therapist check the Locate a Practitioner feature of our website where you can search for licensed graduates by specialty or zip code.

The American Massage Therapy Association (www.amtamassage.org) is a national professional organization of over 52,000 massage therapists.

The American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia (www.aobta.org) is a professional organization for professional practitioners of Shiatsu, Tuina and other Asian bodywork therapies.

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