Popular Types of Massage Therapy
Familiarise yourself with the different styles and approaches of the most common forms of massage
Massage therapy is a perfect way to achieve body relaxation, stress relief and rehabilitation for any muscle aches or injuries. One of the most popular and common forms of physical therapy thanks to its diverse nature and ability to treat a various range of ailments and physical conditions.
While there are different styles of massage available, if you are unsure what style you would like it’s better to familiarise yourself with the basic movements and pressures that are available. The five basic movement styles are:
- Friction (Rubbing) - great for toning the muscles, and tendons of the joints such as inflamed joints, this involves repeated circular massage over the inflamed area
- Effleurage (Stroking) – aims to improve blood circulation and muscle tensions, this involves long fluid strokes along limbs using hands and arm lengths
- Petrissage (Kneading) - ideal for removing knots of tension from muscles and for promoting detoxification of built up muscle toxins, this involves focused pressure and kneading through the hands on large areas of muscles
- Vibration (Shaking or Trembling) – used to relieve pain, stimulate circulation and the body’s nervous system and tone muscles, this involves either a person pressing and shaking certain muscles, or a machine being operated for deeper electronic sensors
- Tapotement (Percussion) - used to ease pain of any nerve damage and restore strength to injured muscles, this involves strong hard movements such as clapping or slapping
These are the physical approaches and techniques used within massage therapy. There are a number of different styles of massage therapy that are available at most therapy and massage parlours, all with a different approach to massage and their intended results.
Deep Tissue Massage – using the petrissage approach, this therapy style is designed to relieve tension within the deepest muscles and connecting tissues. The deep kneading is ideal for those with long term rehabilitation requires as it promotes deep tissue repair. However be warned, it will not be a relaxing and comfortable massage but there will be significant improve two days after the massage for any problem areas.
Hot Stone Massages – harness the remedial properties of heat by the masseuse using hard heated rocks to press into tense muscles to encourage relaxation, improved circulation and easing muscle tension. Some stone massages will now alternate between hot and cool rocks throughout the massage process to cleanse toxins and stimulate the skin.
Shiatsu Massage – originating from Japan this form of therapy focuses upon the body's acupressure points with pressure applied to relieve tension and stress. This has developed over time into two main branches of massage with one based on traditional Chinese medicine while the other has been adapted by western anatomical and physiological theory. Shiatsu technique of therapy refers to the use of fingers and palm of the masseuse’s hand to apply pressure to particular sections of the body in order to correct the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses.
Swedish Massage- using the effleurage technique, the Swedish massage is the ideal method of relaxation and stress relief with the masseuse using long slow motions to ease tension out of the body using oils and scented body lotions for a clean and nourished skin afterwards.
Thai Massage – incorporates aspects of yoga into the massage process, therefore combining stretching and deep massage, usually on the floor. However unlike yoga, the client is not responsible for their own movement as they are asked to relax their body while the masseuse massages, stretches and bends them into various positions. Great for enhancing flexibility.
