subject: Top 25 Terms Massage Therapy Students Should Know [print this page] During massage therapy school, students will have to use many terms. The following are the top 25 general massage therapy career terms a student should know:
Amma: Chinese massage technique of locating the most effective points for movement and manipulation.
Asian Bodywork Therapies: Bodywork learned during a massage therapy program that is focused on traditional Asian medicine.
Ayurvedic Massage: Soft tissue manipulation influenced by Indian theories of health and disease.
Clinical Massage Therapy: Using massage to treat medical pathologies.
Cryotherapy: Applying cold for therapeutic purposes.
Deep Tissue Massage: Using one finger, thumb, several fingers, or the entire hand to deeply massage tissues.
Direct Pressure: Applying force with thumb, finger, elbow or knuckle to compress tissues.
Esalen Massage: Simplified form of Swedish massage that connects ones inner self with others; coursework often offered to those seeking a massage therapy major.
Hydrotherapy: Using water for therapeutic purposes.
Lomilomi: Ancient Hawaiian massage therapy meant for healing.
Myofascial Massage: Techniques used to restore mobility in fascia and soften rigid connective tissue.
Neuromuscular Therapy: Massage used to deactivate myofascial trigger points.
Polarity Therapy: Bodywork that balances life energy and encourages relaxation using touch and gentle rocking.
Pregnancy Massage: Bodywork that you may learn while getting a massage therapy degree and that is meant to relieve pain and meet the special needs of pregnant women.
Reflexology: Zone therapy bodywork in which pressing the feet or hands relieves corresponding body parts.
Shiatsu: Japanese bodywork that balances the flow of energy.
Sports Massage: Massage therapy techniques for health, wellbeing and increased performance of athletes.
Stone Massage: Using hot or cold stones to massage the body.
Swedish Massage: A common variety of massage therapy in health clubs, resorts and spas.
Thai Massage: Passive or assisted yoga that focuses on stretching and loosening.
Thermal Therapy: Applying heat or cold modalities for therapy.
Tui Na: Chinese massage focused on kneading, pushing and stretching.
Western Massage: American and European techniques including effleurage, friction, joint movements, petrissage, tapotement, touch-without-movement and vibration.
Zen Shiatsu: Asian bodywork developed by Shizuto Masunaga of Japan.
