Different Types of Massage Therapy

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Massage therapy refers to the physical act of manipulating and relaxing tissue. This action enables manipulation of the soft tissues and the structures around the soft tissues. There are two types of massage therapy: manual and mechanical. Manual massage refers to massage using hands, fingers and palms. Mechanical massage is the application of pressure using a device such as rolling brushes or heated oils, heated water, and vacuum devices.

Massage therapy is based upon the principle that relaxing a muscle can lead to a decrease of muscular tension and an increase of range of motion. An effective massage technique involves applying pressure to a specific point on the body. The pressure applied to a point on the body stimulates blood flow, which increases muscle flexibility. Myofascial relaxation is an alternative treatment that may help with chronic pain and muscle immobility. This treatment relaxes tight contractions, increases blood and lymphatic flow, as well as increasing the stretch response of tight muscles.

Trigger Point Massage Therapists are professionals who use specific massage techniques to treat particular areas of the body. They are skilled in increasing range of motion and relieving chronic pain. A trigger point is the location where a nerve or muscle has a painful "knot" or "taut band" formed around a particular area.

Myofascial Massage Therapists use myofascial releases to reduce tension, knots, soreness, and increase muscle flexibility. Myofascial triggers and tapes are used to release knots when myofascial massage therapists apply pressure to a particular point along the myofascial chains. These triggers may be either manual, electric, hydraulic, or a combination of both. Trigger point therapy has been proven to not only relieve pain, but help with muscle repair, and strengthen the body's immune system.

Deep Tissue Massage This massage technique treats deeper layers below the surface layers of muscle and joint tissues. This technique does NOT require the use trigger points, myofascial relaxation, or deep tissues stretching. In this technique, a massage therapist uses her hands to pull tight, compressed, and stressed muscles. The tension that builds up over time is released through this technique. This technique is described by many as having an urge to throw up. However, it releases chronic tension.





Trigger Point Therapy employs mechanical devices to stimulate the myofascia (or connective) points to increase flexibility. The mechanical device activates certain trigger points. These triggers can be found in the muscles, tendons or ligaments as well as other tissues. When pressure is applied, the trigger point is depressed. This causes the muscles to contract. This technique doesn't use massage therapy techniques, such as deep tissue stretching or myofascial releases. The therapist can apply continuous pressure to the muscles when they are contracted.

Soft Tissue Release The massage therapist uses slow and sustained pressure to release soft tissue. The massage therapist uses soft tissue release to loosen adhesions (or scar tissue) from joints and other areas. 청주출장 The skin can develop adhesions in the soft tissue if it is stretched excessively, as happens after intense exercise. Adhesions or scar tissue can cause soreness and pain.

Manual Pressure and Acupressure Massage therapists can also use manual pressure to relieve pain and treat painful conditions. This is called Acupressure. It has been practiced for hundreds in Europe, China, India and the United States. You can use your thumbs and fingers, palms, elbows or forearms to apply gentle pressure on specific Acupoints. Acupressure reduces pain by increasing blood supply, relaxing muscles, decreasing stress, increasing circulation and relieving a range of ailments. Many people who use this form of massage have stated that it is the most effective way to relieve pain.