What Is Massage Therapy

Myofascial release is a highly specialized stretching method utilized by massage therapists to treat patients with various soft tissue disorders.

To know what myofascial release is and why it works so well, one must know something about fascia. Fascia refers to the thin layer of connective tissue that covers all organs of the body. This tissue covers every muscle bundle as well as every muscle fiber inside each bundle. All muscle stretching really is stretching of the fascia and the muscle, collectively known as the myofascial unit. When a person injures his muscle, the fibers and the surrounding fascia become short and tight; i.e. muscle spasm. This imbalance of stress can radiate through the fascia and ultimately to other parts of the body, thus promoting pain and various other symptoms in places you normally would not expect. Myofascial release addresses these symptoms by releasing the uneven tightness in the injured fascia.

To put it in other words, myofascial release is the stretching of the fascia. The stretch is guided by the feedback that the massage therapist gets from the patient’s body. The therapist can gauge how much force to use, the direction of force and for how long to maintain that force. Small areas of muscle are stretched at any one time. Occasionally, the massage therapist uses only two of his/her fingers to stretch that part of a muscle. The feedback that the therapist receives from the patient allows him/her to determine which muscles are stretched and in what particular order.

The same components are used when a therapist utilizes myofascial release. First, the therapist locates the area of tightness. Then a light stretch is applied to the area of tightness. When the tissue begins to relax, the massage therapist then applies greater force to increase the stretch. This process is repeated until the entire muscle is fully relaxed. Then, the therapist addresses another area to be stretched.

The massage therapist will be able to locate sore spots just by light palpation. Many times, patients are unable to show the therapist where the sore spots are or have grown accustomed to them until the massage therapist palpates them. These myofascial trigger points as they are called will disappear with treatment.

Many patients are amazed at how gentle myofascial release really is. Some of them doze off during a massage therapy session. Others go home and take a nap. Most patients find that myofascial release can be a very relaxing form of massage therapy.

Keep in mind that myofascial release is not massage therapy entirely. Myofascial release is only one of many techniques used in massage therapy to equalize muscle tension throughout the body. Uneven muscle tension can put pressure on the nerves and muscles and promote pain. Progress is determined by an improvement in overall posture and the decrease in the patient’s pain.

During a massage, it can sometimes feel like you are floating on a cloud. But imagine the sensation of having a massage in water. The weightlessness that the buoyancy of the water gives you can be accompanied by a trained practitioner who guides you into deep stretches in a shallow pool of warm water. It sounds nice, doesn’t it? It’s called Watsu massage therapy, a type of underwater massage that lets you dive right in.

This type of massage therapy was developed by Harold Dull in 1980 and since that time its popularity has grown. Dull, who had studied Zen Shiatsu in Japan, brought the principles of his Asian education back to North America where he was a massage therapist. Dull coined the idea of using the buoyancy of water to stretch his patients’ bodies, improving the flow of their vital energy throughout their bodies and inducing a profound state of relaxation. To date, Dull has trained thousands of Watsu practitioners at his school, The Watsu Institute located in Northern California.

Practitioners, known as watsuers, guide a client’s body through a series of stretches. Watsuers cradle their clients, rocking them, twisting them, pulling and pushing their limbs through the weightlessness environment provided by the water. He or she may also apply pressure to specific touch points along the body; however, the stretching part is emphasized as the main part of this massage therapy. A watsuer uses his or her own body to enhance the series of stretches that are being performed on the client by bracing certain positions or wrapping the client’s body around his or her own.

Watsu is a great form of physical therapy for children, adults and seniors alike. It is also an excellent form of physical therapy for people with physical disabilities, such as arthritis, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida or paralysis. While for many people it takes as few as one Watsu session to become a believer, it may not be the right kind of massage therapy for everyone. That’s because it requires an enormous amount of trust because, after all, you are putting yourself literally in the hands of another person for a full hour and you are both in the water. And, your eyes are closed.

Study after study documents the healing powers associated with water, which is backing the desire and demand for aquatic-based therapies such as Watsu. Moreover, the fact that many of these therapies are performed in warm water serves to assist the muscles into entering into a state of relaxation, increased flexibility and soothing warmth that can alleviate some forms of pain or discomfort.

The interesting thing about Watsu massage therapy is that it also has a very profound spiritual aspect to it. Clients that have entrusted themselves completely to their watsuer during a session can allow themselves to enter into a profound state of meditation. The tranquil environment that exudes silence and trust makes it an ideal place for people to reflect on their inner selves.

Have you ever wondered what all those different kinds of massages are? Aromatherapy massage, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage-what are all these massage therapy techniques? What are the differences? As you pursue your massage therapy career you will learn the different techniques, but we will provide you with the basic understanding of the differences.

This week we will focus on aromatherapy massage. As its name implies, an important component of aromatherapy is the inhalation of materials intended to soothe and heal the body. Its origins probably hark back to ancient remedies used to cure illnesses, but we can’t say for sure.

Direct inhalation, however, is only one type of aromatherapy. Aromatherapists also spray essential oils into the air for general fragrance or for disinfecting.

But we will focus on topical applications of essential oils. Massage therapists mix these oils into their massage lotions. As they perform their strokes on their clients, the aromas mixed into the lotion begin to fill the air. The client inhales these aromas (not directly, but as a result of the scent from the massage lotion seeping into the air) and soon begins to feel their effects.

The essential oils tend to cause a calming, relaxing sensation. Aromatherapy massage provides relief for individuals under incredible amounts of stress or anxiety and imbues them with positive energy. Many people report aromatherapy massage eases certain kinds of aches and pains. Some of the oils used for calming are chamomile, lavender and rosemary.

Aquatic massage therapy involves a gentle, manual massage therapy procedure that utilizes the buoyancy of water in a therapeutic pool. In most cases, this kind of massage benefits a client more because the body experiences an increased range of motion in water than it does outside of the water.

In a therapeutic pool, the massage therapist can guide her client through a series of gentles stretches without the impedance due to joint and muscle pain that the client normally experiences on dry land.

During an aquatic massage, the client floats on his back while the water helps the massage therapist support him. Many times, a floatation device such as a pool noodle is used to support the client’s feet while the massage therapist supports the head and neck. Once the client is comfortable in the water, he will benefit from the warm, gentle freedom of motion that can only be found in an aquatic massage.

This type of massage uses a variety of massage techniques similar to those used on land. However, this particular kind of massage commonly combines techniques taken from Jahara and Watsu massage.

Jahara massage involves a series of safe joint stretches to help lengthen the spine. The stretches are based on the body’s muscle structure and proper alignment.

Watsu massage refers to a series of gentle Shiatsu stretches to enhance flexibility while the client is floating in warm water.

The temperature of the therapeutic pool is normally maintained at 95o F in order to keep the client relaxed and their muscles and joints loose during the aquatic massage session. The temperature and buoyancy of the water as well as the resistance provided by the gentle movements underwater allow the massage therapist to move the client’s body through a smooth range of motion without eliciting pain to the client’s muscles and joints.

Clients with a reduced range of motion are recommended to undergo aquatic massage therapy. Such therapy can give the client relief from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical pain. Massage therapist may also recommend aquatic massage therapy for pregnant women, postpartum women, and clients with any type of nerve damage. Clients who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia may find aquatic massage therapy to be very relaxing.

In a world where work stress, the juggling of schedules, and financial worries plague society on a daily basis, we look to any and every option to give us respite from the chaos. Stress relief comes in many different forms; and what works for one, may not work for another. But, one form of stress relief that typically relieves symptoms for most every one is massage therapy.

Massage therapy uses touch to soothe – and often heal – the body. Using a combination of strokes that are dependent on the type of massage being performed, different areas of the body are tended to in an effort to release energy trapped through stress or illness. Massage results in increased blood flow, the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression, and even increased function of body systems – lowering blood pressure, heart rate – and giving the client an overall sense of wellbeing.

The roots of massage therapy lie in ancient Chinese medicine; as a matter of fact, the first reference to therapeutic massage can be seen throughout Chinese medical reference books as far back as 2,700 B.C. The origins of massage were about healing; ancient civilizations used the art of massage to boost immunity and speed healing from disease, illness, and injury.

When people think of massage therapy in the modern world, they often think of the spas that offer a full line of different types of massage. And it is true that these types of massage can bring enormous positive effects to the body as a whole. But, in addition, modern medical facilities – like the ancient civilizations before us – continue to use massage in tandem with traditional medicine. They have found that frequent use of massage in intensive care units, nurseries, and even in labor and delivery rooms during childbirth, will allow the body to battle pain, sickness, and injury with positive energy.

That is not to say that the massage found in spas and delivered by independent massage therapists isn’t just as beneficial. Today, we have the opportunity to choose from among a wide variety of massage techniques – each having its own distinctive benefits. Most often, in the spa environment – or working with massage therapists – clients will choose Swedish massage.

This type of massage uses a long, slow stroking technique to ease muscle tension; it is considered to be one of the most popular forms of massage. For athletes, or those who enjoy a stronger massager, deep tissue massage will reach the deepest muscles, releasing stress and helping to promote healing from injury or strain. Hot stone massage uses heated river rocks to therapeutically sooth muscles. And for women who are expecting, the maternity massage can safely sooth muscles put under stress through pregnancy.

Massage therapy has many different uses in the modern world – stress relief, relaxation, a day of pampering, and a bevy of healing properties including improved circulation, decreased inflammation, and the promotion of speedier healing. A lifestyle that incorporates massage into every day living will be rewarded with improved physical – and emotional – health.

Massage therapy is a broad term used to describe various techniques of manual (hands on) therapy which is used to promote tissue health, relieve pain and increase functionality of a body, be it human or animal. The type of massage therapy which will benefit an individual varies greatly according to his or her particular issue or injury and state of health. There is something for everyone, and it is wise for clients to investigate their options to find what works for them.

The most commonly recognized type of massage is Swedish Massage, developed by Per Henrik Ling in the late 1700 and early 1800′s. Swedish massage techniques consists of long, smooth strokes (effleurage), tissue kneading (petrissage), or tapping (tapotement), and can be used to either relax muscle or increase its tone depending on the application and technique. Pressure can be very light or deep, depending on the therapist, your needs and your tolerance to pressure. During a massage therapy treatment that primarily consists of Swedish techniques, other modalities, which may require further or specialized training, can be used.

Relaxation, sports, pregnancy, infant and geriatric massage all contain elements of Swedish techniques.

Relaxation massage tends to be slower and more rhythmic than a treatment oriented therapeutic massage and its primary goal is to increase relaxation of the client. In infant massage, therapists teach parents how to work on their own infants, which is a great bonding experience and may help parents relieve colic and help their babies sleep better. For special populations or conditions, such as pregnancy or geriatric massage, the application of techniques needs to be modified to suit the needs of the client.

Sports massage therapy consists not only of Swedish techniques, but also of stretching, including “active inhibition” techniques, and can be performed either pre or post-event. Sports massage therapy that is performed pre-event uses quick, rhythmic movements to warm up and stretch the muscles, preparing them for the demand to be placed on them. Post-event sports massage is slower and is done to relieve pain, swelling, assist in the removal of metabolic waste and to decrease recovery time. Massage therapy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts is also a great maintenance tool which can address muscular imbalances and injuries and help them achieve optimal performance.

Deep Tissue Massage Therapy basically consists of Swedish techniques which are used at a deeper level of the tissue. To perform any type of massage effectively, but especially deep tissue, the muscles must be warmed up at a superficial level to allow the therapist to go into the deeper layers and address restrictions found there. It is advisable for therapists who want to practice “deep tissue” to have a hi-lo table and get specialized training to help hem maintain their own body, back and joint health. It is advisable for new massage therapy clients to work up to a deep tissue type of therapy as it is not suitable for everyone and may be painful for someone who is not accustomed to manual therapy.

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is also know as trigger point release. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable area within a tight band of muscle. The goal of this therapy is to reduce or remove the trigger point, thus alleviating pain. Referral pain often has a very specific pattern depending on the muscle in which it is found, and can often present in a seemingly unrelated area. Trigger point therapy is integrated into Swedish massage treatments which assists in warming up and stretching the tissue pre and post release respectively.

Frictions or Friction therapy is a very localized, specific technique used to break down adhesions and scar tissue which may cause pain and inhibit movement. Friction therapy is not used alone, but is integrated into a routine where Swedish techniques are used to warm up the tissue and to aid circulation to remove metabolic waste post friction.

Myofascial release therapy, also called fascial release, consists of manipulation and stretching of the fascia – connective tissue which encases muscles, nerves, organs and bones in the body. To properly anchor and engage the tissue, no oil or other mediums are used, as “glide” over tissue is ineffective in most myofascial techniques.

Manual lymph drainage, also called lymphatic, lymph or lymphedema massage, is a series of gentle movements used to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body, thereby relieving pain and congestion. This type of therapy is perfect to assist in the reduction of swelling post injury, and is also used to reduce swelling post surgery. MLD, as it is commonly known, is also used with great success for women who have a mastectomy, however, special training is required for therapists to treat when lymph nodes have been removed.

In most massage therapy training, the focus is primarily on Swedish techniques, but the above modalities may be learned as an adjunct to Swedish massage, or as continuing education.

Active release is a patented therapy which encompasses various movements while tissue is being manipulated. The term “active” refers to the fact that the patient voluntarily contracts his or her muscles as techniques are applied. This therapy requires specialized training and certification.

Craniosacral Therapy – is a gentle manual therapy developed by William Garner Sutherland, a student of Osteopathy, in the early 1900′s. Craniosacral therapy, or CST, is believed to work by addressing soft tissue restrictions around the central nervous system, which in turn affect the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Craniosacral therapy often relieves pain, induces deep relaxation and may encourage a more restful sleep.

Massage therapy has been a part of medical treatment in hospitals due to its capability to enhance the healing progress of the treatment. It also aids the physician or doctor in empowering the effect of the therapy in order for it to become more effective and provide beneficial results to the patient. And because of this, great importance is given to several types of medical massage therapies practiced and used all over the world.

Budzek medical massage therapy is one of these natural and alternative methods used in medical care in association with the rehabilitation process performed by doctors and other individuals in the field of medicine. This type of massage therapy is considered as a multi-modality that serves many purposes in promoting good health and in treating various conditions of the human body. The bodywork consists of many different hand manipulation techniques that are designed to target the eight distinct aspects that may become threats to the fascial system of the patient.

The therapy was originally developed as a medical solution against acute and chronic pain due to muscle tissue, joint, and nerve damages due to injuries or dysfunction. Active individuals such as athletes can benefit greatly from Budzek medical massage due to its effectiveness in relieving painful conditions. However, it can also be enjoyed by almost anyone who is suffering from similar conditions. The treatment can also benefit the elderly population as they are more prone to joint disorders due to their old age which contributes a lot to the deterioration of their physical body. The techniques used in this multi-healing modality are best at what they do. The therapy uses combination of various massage therapy methods that are focused on treating many different conditions. Swedish massage, yoga, and deep massage therapy are few examples of the techniques used by the massage therapist during the session in order to release tension and stiffness on the muscle groups of the body. There are 12 different forms of bodywork methods used during the therapy session. All of these are successful in effectively improving the condition of both the body and mind of the client.

In a Budzek medical massage therapy session, the therapist uses no oil on the patient who is comfortably lying on a massage table with all of his or her clothes on. This type of therapy is suitable for the shy type clients who are uncomfortable with massage therapy sessions that require the need for undressing. The massage techniques are done without the use of the masseuse’s thumbs as he works on various parts of the human body.

The client can expect health benefits such as the treatment of physical conditions including sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bursitis, lumbago, and other painful musculoskeletal health issues. It is also effective in relaxing and soothing the body from stress, fatigue, and tension after a hard day’s work at the office, home, or at school. Aside from the physical health benefits, Budzek medical massage is also great in treating emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and fear.

Developed and was used mainly in China 5000 years ago, this type of massage therapy is now a popular method used on almost all massage spas today. Chinese massage therapy or Tui Na in China is popular due to its effective healing and relaxing benefits. It is a combination of ancient Chinese medicines which includes Chinese acupuncture, Chinese herbalism, and many others.

Like most Asian type of therapeutic massage, Tui Na or Chinese massage therapy focuses mainly on the energy points of the patient. These energies are called qi (chi) and are found all over the body of a human being. Any blocked path way or energy lines are strictly treated and corrected in order to maintain a healthy condition for the patient. The Chinese, like most Asians believe that the energies or qi in the human body should be aligned and stay in balance to prevent the body from collapsing and falling prey to the various diseases that awaits the drop of its immunity. The Chinese calls an unhealthy person as a person with imbalanced energies within the body.

This manipulative therapy uses many different healing techniques on its patient. Most of these are focused on the key areas or meridian points of the patient’s body. Acupuncture is an art of using thin needles inserted on the meridian points of the body to release tension, remove toxin and to correct the energy lines of the patient. These are carefully inserted inside the body of the patient to enhance the healing ability of the human body. This should be done only by skilled, experienced and knowledgeable massage therapists. Chinese herbs are also applied and used over the body of the patient to help soothe and relax the body while massage therapy is used all over it. These herbs are heated and applied on the body so that the warmth of the leaves as well as the juice will be absorbed by the body to improve healing and relaxation of the muscles tissue. The massage therapist uses massage strokes and techniques such as kneading, pressing, and tapping during a Chinese massage therapy. These strokes are used with the palms, fingers, and knuckles with many massage stroke variations and applied pressure depending on the massage therapist and the patient’s preference. All of these techniques aim in improving the flow of energy and unblocking the channels where qi enters in and out all over the body.

Of the 160 types of massage therapy available today, it can be very difficult for us to figure out which among these is the best and most effective of them all. All of these share the same goal and purpose for their development which is to improve the overall health of the patient and to boost the natural healing capability of the human body.

Basically, by simply stimulating the body of the patient, the body responds by relaxing itself and giving in for the massage therapy to take its course in relieving stress and body pain, as well as enhancing the health and immune system of the patient. The central nervous system when worked on will provide the body a healthy physical and mental condition. This is a fact believed by most of the Ancient Asian massage therapists that is why most of their methods focus on the key points where energy flows. The goal is to keep a good flow or circulation of energy all over the body of every individual.

In looking for the best therapeutic massage, you should do a research on the technique and methods used on certain massage therapies that you are interested in. Some require the patient to undress for a better access on the body parts that the massage therapist needs to work on. If you are a shy person who is uncomfortable with nudity during a massage session, you would probably shun from massage therapies that require nudity such as Swedish massage out of your list. This is why getting information regarding most of the massage therapies is essential if you are looking for the ideal one. Some are uncommon and might seem shocking to beginners. Other types are harder and apply much pressure on the patient’s body than the regular massage therapies. If you don’t want to get anything on your skin like oil, cream or lotion, then Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, and many others that uses oil as lubricant are definitely out of your choices. You can go for Thai massage, reflexology, and other types that doesn’t require the aid of light oil, cream or lotion during the massage session.

Comparing them with each other as well as their benefits will help you in choosing what you think is suitable for your choice. One of the best ways of doing this is by looking through the internet for tons of valuable information regarding the many different types of massage therapy. You can also consider asking the opinions of massage therapists as they do many different types.

Indonesian massage therapy is an oriental type of massage method that uses both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic method in healing, revitalizing, calming and soothing a patient’s body. Much like its Asian style counterparts, it also uses special massage oils and scented oils on the patient’s skin for several benefits on the skin as well as for making the work more convenient for the masseuse.

This type of massage therapy was brought to Indonesia by traveling Buddhist monks which later on passed the medical care to practicing monks who developed and improved it by adding herbal medicines inspired by the ancient Chinese. Indonesian massage therapy traces its roots back to 4000 years ago which was then used as the main source of medical care for the public. Even royalties during that time uses this type of natural treatment for passing time and as a way to relax and relieve stress.

A common belief and practice of Oriental massage therapies is that the body has life force or energy within the vessel. These energies should be kept in constant good flow and should be in balance at all times to ensure health and prevent sickness due to the fall of the immune system of the body. In case of imbalanced energy within the patient’s body, realignment, balancing and breaking of clogged energy path ways are the methods of retrieving the lost healthy condition.

If you are into deep massage therapy, this type of massage method fits your taste as it relies upon deep pressure massage in breaking formed tissues that have stiffened on the muscle tissues of a patient’s body. These tensed muscles if not treated will result to muscle spasms, sprains and cramps as well as stress and the stiffening of the whole body. It will also limit the flexibility and mobility of the muscle and joints of the body. Addressing the problem helps reduce certain risks and promotes many beneficial improvements in the health of the patient. Deep thumb pushing using acupressure technique on the different vital parts of the body helps in stimulating and relaxing the soft tissues within the patient’s body. Acupressure is known to be a type of technique that tackles the very essential areas within the body. These key areas are also known as meridian points more similar on acupuncture treatments, however without the good use of thin needles of the acupuncture method. Expect an increase and improvement in the circulation of blood and the lymphatic system. A good Indonesian massage therapy does not only release stress but also triggers the self-healing capabilities of the human body allowing it to recover much quicker than the normal rate. Regular sessions of this type of therapeutic massage do not only improve your overall health but also leave you feeling much better as you get relaxed, energized and rejuvenated.

Prior to a massage therapy session, make some preparations by asking your doctor’s comments and opinions regarding the massage therapy. Check out for skin allergies or reaction from massage oils. Doing this will not only keep you from any problem but will also ensure you a successful and pleasurable massage session.