This following are descriptions of the types of massage modalities that I may use in a session:
Swedish Massage
Considered Western massage and the style most people are familiar with. Developed by Pehr Henrik Ling in the early 1800’s, it was originally called The Swedish Movement Cure and included both the modern day strokes and range of motion exercises. The strokes usually applied are effleurage (a gliding stroke to warm the skin and muscle tissue); petrissage (a lifting and squeezing stroke to help loosen and soften muscle tissue); friction (a stroke applied using compressive pressure to address ‘knots’); jostling/vibration (a light shaking stroke to enhance relaxation); tapotement (a percussive stroke that is used to invigorate). This modality uses emollients to enhance the stroke application. An interesting fact is that this style was introduced in the United States in 1856 by the Taylor brothers and also used by John Harvey Kellogg, who believed in a holistic approach to health and is more famous for the invention of breakfast cereals.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue is a broadly applied term that most people associate with deep pressure and discomfort. This is just one approach and neglects the idea that it is possible to affect deeper structures and create profound changes without the use of heavy pressure. The idea of using a lot of force along with discomfort may be counter-productive in creating change in muscle tissue and may actually initiate an inflammatory response. Ideally, if heavy pressure is called for, it should be applied in a gradual manner, allowing the client to adjust to any discomfort, and to allow the practitioner to gauge a softening of the muscle tissue. Types of deep tissue techniques can be, but not limited to the following: trigger point therapy; myofascial release; deep transverse frictions.
Myofascial Release
Fascia, briefly, is a type of connective tissue that envelops, invests, and interconnects every structure in our body (bone, muscle, nerve, organs). Myofascial (myo = muscle) release, therefore, is focused on the fascia surrounding muscle. Over time, postural habits, misuse, and disuse can cause the fascia to thicken in some areas creating restrictions and altering movement patterns. The bright side, is that the quality of fascia is highly dynamic allowing for change to occur at the hands of a skilled practitioner. Examples of modalities that deal with myofascial release are: Rolfing; Hellerwork; SOMA. I do not specialize in these modalities as they require specific protocols, but I do employ myofascial techniques to achieve change in the tissue.
Neuromuscular Techniques
These techniques address dysfunctions occurring with proprioceptors in our muscles. Proprioceptors are basically sensory nerve receptors that provide unconscious information to our central nervous system allowing us to orient ourselves in relation to the world around us.
There are three specific techniques that I utilize in my practice:
1) Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are tender spots in a muscle that when pressure is applied, a referred pain sensation is generated away from the point. Specific points correspond to a specific referral pattern. For example, some trigger points in the neck muscles can be the source of tension headaches. Assessment for these points can be done prior to the massage or they can be discovered during the course of a massage. Treatment usually consists of static pressure on the point until the referred sensation and local tenderness have subsided. This technique was pioneered by Dr. Janet Travell and Dr. David Simons.
2) Positional Release Therapy (PRT) or Strain-Counterstrain (SCS)
This technique targets extremely tender points, located in specific areas of the body, due to a hypersensitive stretch receptor that is maintaining a few muscle fibers in a shortened state. The initial palpation can be uncomfortable, but the treatment is very gentle, which consists of placing the affected muscle into a softened position. By placing the muscle in the softened position the dysfunctional receptor gets ‘reset’, becomes less sensitive, and the muscle is able to lengthen back to its proper length. This is one of the main techniques I recommend for clients looking for injury treatment and/or pain relief. Another benefit for the client is that, in contrast to Swedish massage, you do not have to get undressed as the majority of these techniques can be done with the client clothed. The original method of Strain-Counterstrain was created by Dr. Lawrence Jones.
3) Manual Ligament Therapy (MLT)
MLT focuses on the neural link between proprioceptors in the ligaments and the skeletal muscles they affect. MLT proposes that dysfunction occurs when the ligaments have undergone stress to the point where it affects proper muscle tone and function. By lightly engaging the ligament and having the client lightly engage the non-affected muscles, normal function and tone can be restored. I recommend this technique for clients seeking pain relief, injury treatment, and range of motion restrictions. This is another technique that can be done with the client clothed. This highly effective technique evolved from the work of Arik Gohl.
Sports Massage
Addresses clients who lead an active lifestyle focusing on areas of the body that undergo exercise induced stress. The style can reflect a combination of previously mentioned modalities to suit the particular needs of the athlete. When performed at an athletic event, sports massage has as its intention to invigorate the athlete, supporting the warm up routine, and keeping the athlete mentally alert enabling them to perform at a high level. If an athlete is looking for recovery due to the rigors of training or injury, scheduling an office visit would be recommended to allow for proper attention to the area(s) of concern.