Different Types of Massages:
Swedish Massage uses 5 styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. They include
effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping),
friction (cross fiber), and vibration/shaking. This type of massage is helpful in reducing
pain, joint stiffness, poor circulation, and osteoarthritic pain.
Deep Tissue Massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and connective
tissue. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top
muscles. This is recommended for the patient who experiences consistent pain, are
involved in heavy physical activity, such as athletes, and patients who have sustained
physical injury.
Trigger Point Massage involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or
refer pain into other parts of the body. Manual pressure and vibration is applied to these
points to relieve myofascial pain.
Prenatal Massage helps pregnant women to relax tense muscles and reduce stress and
anxiety associated with labor. It has been proven to improve labor outcomes for both the
mother and the baby, and relieves pain.
Postpartum Massage is performed during the weeks following the delivery of the baby.
It can help relieve physical symptoms and help the new mother adjust to the many
changes in the body. It helps restore the muscles to their pre-pregnancy condition and
addresses the stress of caring for a new baby.
Sports (Neuromuscular) Massage is a deep tissue massage which utilizes specific
strokes and stretches to help obtain maximum performances and physical conditioning
with less chance of injury or pain. It increases power, endurance, and flexibility both
before and after an event or workout.
Geriatric Massage focuses on the elderly and addresses the psychological and
physiological aspects of aging and its associated diseases. Bodywork is often limited to a
shorter time span.
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