Six Types Of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help reduce pain, encourage relaxation

, and restore the body's overall well-being. There are several types of massage therapy available, each with different techniques, aims, and benefits. Six of the most common are shiatsu, Swedish, neuromuscular, sports, Thai, and medical. Here is some brief information about each of them to help you decide from which method your body would derive the most benefit.

Shiatsu massage began in Japan. The goal of this type of massage is to restore coordination and balance to the body's systems (muscular, skeletal, digestive, and circulatory) as well as to allow the recipient to experience calmness and clarity. Trained therapists apply pressure on different parts of the body.

Swedish massage is probably the most common. Most therapists in the U.S. are trained in this kind of therapy, and is often available in a typical day spa. The aim of Swedish massage is to promote relaxation and blood circulation as well as to reduce pain and joint stiffness. The five basic strokes--effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber), and vibration (or shaking)--follow the circulation of blood in the body.

Neuromuscular, or trigger point, massage helps alleviate pain resulting from soft tissue injury, like muscle strain. The therapist works the injured area with varying levels of pressure, often digging deep into the layers of muscle with his or her knuckles or elbows. While neuromuscular massage can feel painful, after the massage, the muscles are more relaxed.

Sports massage therapy is combination of Swedish and neuromuscular. It is intended primarily for athletes before or after an event, either to improve their performance or to help heal an injury, but is available to anyone who suffers from pains and aches.

Thai massage comes from India and is therefore naturally connected with ayurveda and yoga. This method combines yoga-like positions with massage. The southern style places an emphasis on acupressure, while the northern style focus on stretching.

Medical massage is administered in a clinical environment and must be prescribed. Most therapists are not certified to treat medical conditions, so the massage must be performed by a specialist. Incorporating a variety of methods, medial massage is meant to treat chronic pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, TMJ, and sciatica.

These are certainly not the only types of massage available, though they are more recognized. The list of therapies is extensive, so research what's available before deciding which technique is best for you.

by: Art Gib

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