Different strokes for different folks
Different strokes for different folks
Massage techniques tailored to specific purposes
Although it is not necessary for the average consumer to know the difference between the various types of massage, it is important that consumers know there are several different techniques, says Kay Starnes, CMT, LMT, a massage therapist at St. Joseph’s Specialty Center for Wellness and Rehabilitation in Atlanta. Although a massage therapist may specialize in a specific technique, the therapist often will have learned various techniques during training so as to meet each client’s need, she says.
Other reputable massage therapists may know various techniques, but choose to refer clients to therapists who specialize in each area. "I prefer to know neuromuscular therapy incredibly well, and to perfect the technique," says Venice Sullivan, CNMT, director of the Hope Wellness Institute in Carmichael, CA. Other therapists at the institute specialize in other techniques.
Often, a combination of techniques works best when treating a chronic condition or injury, explains Sullivan. For example, at Hope Wellness Institute, clients with fibromyalgia syndrome receive neuromuscular therapy as well as Reiki (see definition below).
There are several types of massage currently being used by massage therapists. They include:
• Acupressure — a therapy of putting finger pressure on set points of the body. These points lie along meridians where invisible channels of energy flow. The purpose is to release blocked energy and rebalance the energy flow.
• Craniosacral therapy — method used to enhance the membranes and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord (craniosacral system). This aids the body’s natural healing processes.
• Neuromuscular therapy — a program of soft-tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system.
• Reflexology — a system of treating some disorders by massaging points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond to areas of the body.
• Reiki — a Japanese word for "universal life energy," this therapy uses light touch with the palm of the hand over spots that are believed to be centers of subtle energy.
• Sports massage — massage that focuses on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport.
• Swedish massage — a combination of long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques performed on the superficial layers of the muscles.
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