There are numerous different massage therapy styles borrowed from practically every culture around the world. Mastering every single style would be an impossible feat, but familiarizing yourself with the main groups will prove extremely beneficial to your massage therapy practice. The following is an abbreviated list of some of the more popular massage therapy styles: Acupressure Massage Therapy Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy Lymphatic Drainage Myofascial Release Orthopedic Massage Therapy Pregnancy Massage Therapy Reflexology Massage Therapy Reiki Massage Therapy Rolfing Massage Therapy Shiatsu Massage Therapy Sports Massage Therapy Swedish Massage Therapy Thai Massage Therapy Trigger Point Massage Therapy Acupressure Massage Therapy Acupressure is a type of massage bodywork based on Chinese meridian theory in which various points (acupuncture points) receive pressure so as to stimulate the flow of energy (chi). Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Also known as deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy, deep tissue massage is a technique that focuses on the deeper muscles and connective tissues of the body. The massage therapist uses stretching, movement, and pressure to realign the muscles and connective tissue. In this way, muscle memory may be erased and reshaped for better overall wellness and health. Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy Borrowed from the ancient Polynesian islands, Lomi Lomi is a relatively soothing style of massage that employs gentle stretching of the various muscle groups. Considered by many to be one of the most relaxing styles of bodywork, Lomi Lomi uses long continuous, fluid strokes combined with gentle pressure. Like a deep tissue massage, the ultimate goal of Lomi Lomi is to eradicate the body of negative muscle memories by reworking the myofascial and connective tissue. Lymphatic Drainage Lymphatic drainage is a style of massage that employs gentle rhythmic, pumping movements that follow the same direction as the lymphatic flow underneath the skin. In doing so, the massage therapist can greatly reduce the swelling that often occurs under heavy stress, poor diet, or lack of exercise. Toxins that accumulate in connective tissue can be worked back into the bloodstream and ultimately out of the body. Thus, the recipient can bolster his or her immune system while experiencing blissful euphoria plus relaxation. Myofascial Release Fascia is the connective tissue wrapped around muscles and other parts of the body, while myo means muscle. During myofascial release, clogged or tight areas are isolated through gentle sliding pressure. These movements are applied in the direction of the restricted areas so as to stretch the tissues. This pressure, coupled with heat from the practitioner's hands, are believed to make the muscle and connective tissue more pliable and malleable. Orthopedic Massage Therapy This style of massage therapy is used to address chronic pain, repetitive stress injuries, and sport injuries. The focus is on the entire body, but special emphasis is placed on improving the range of joint movements in areas where pain exists. This pain is reduced by using myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, muscle energy, stretching, structural balancing, and deep tissue massage. Typically, orthopedic massage is used in conjunction with traditional physical therapy. Pregnancy Massage Therapy Sometimes referred to as prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is used on women both during and after pregnancy. Special emphasis is placed on areas where the woman feels pain, swelling, stress, and fatigue. Because of the extra weight that women must carry during pregnancy terms, load bearing joints receive undue pressure, and can result in extreme pain or discomfort. Typically, a pregnancy massage therapist will employ Swedish massage techniques that have been altered so as to fit the needs of the patient. Positioning of the patient is also slightly different when compared with other massage styles, given the larger abdomen and weaker back. Reflexology Massage Therapy Reflexology is a style of bodywork that focuses on zone therapy, in which different parts of the body are stimulated in order to treat corresponding areas on other parts of the body. Foot and hand reflexology are probably the most common forms of this particular massage style, but some practitioners focus on the head, torso, or legs instead. Reiki Massage Therapy Borrowed from ancient Tibet, Reiki literally means "Universal Life Energy" or "Chi." Widespread use did not begin until the 1800s when a Japanese philosopher/Christian seminary educator Dr. Mikao Usui, first began using it regularly. Used as an energy healing technique, Reiki employees visualization and massaging to the entire body, thus aligning the various chakras and bringing healing energy to the muscles, organs, and glands within. The actual massage itself is relatively passive when compared with other techniques, and the most salient feature of Reiki is a gentle tingling sensation experienced by the patient. Rolfing Massage Therapy Also known as structural integration, Rolfing was first developed by Ida Rolf. The main goal of this particular massage style is to properly align the body along the vertical by manipulating the myofascial tissue and muscle groups. Applied again and again over a series of visits, the patient should ultimately feel both physical results (less stress, less pain, more strength) and emotional results (general wellness, pleasant euphoria, greater confidence). Shiatsu Massage therapy Also known as "finger pressure" massage, shiatsu is an ancient Japanese technique for healing and general wellness. It employs the ancient art of acupuncture along with more modern styles of massage. From a spiritual standpoint, shiatsu works because the flow of Chi is unblocked by applying gentle pressure to key areas (the meridians). From a clinical standpoint, shiatsu works because lactic acid buildup it eradicated by manipulating the muscles and increasing the flow of oxygen. Sports Massage Therapy Usually used in conjunction with traditional physical therapy, sports massage therapy is the application of different rubbing and pulling techniques to enhance overall athletic ability and performance. Sports massage therapy blends both Swedish massage techniques along with pressure point therapy, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, thermal therapy, shiatsu massage therapy, and a host of other styles and techniques. Athletes who receive sports massage therapy not only enjoy stress and pain reduction, but they also find that they can dramatically reduce the potential for future injuries. Swedish Massage Therapy Also known as "classic style" or "Western" massage, Swedish massage therapy came into popularity when gymnastics instructor/fencing master Per Henrik Ling began using it on his students. In Swedish massage therapy, muscles and connective tissue are manipulated for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation, and general health maintenance. There are five basic strokes in this particular technique (effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration), all of which helped with blood circulation, speed healing, swelling reduction, and pain alleviation. Thai Massage Therapy Combining many aspects of Swedish massage therapy, shiatsu massage therapy, and yoga, Thai massage therapy is a technique in which the practitioner manipulates the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure on key trigger point. Quite often, a Thai massage therapist will use various oils and menthol creams so as to increase the temperature of the muscles during the treatment. Thai massage therapy is fairly intense, and often results in minor pain or discomfort during the actual treatment. But several hours later, patients often experience reduced stress, blissful euphoria, pain alleviation, and general wellness. Trigger Point Massage Therapy Used to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping, trigger point massage therapy is a style that focuses on areas where the muscles or connective tissue have become damaged or misaligned. A trigger point massage therapist literally removes the kinks that often results in pain and discomfort. By increasing blood flow, the practitioner can help further oxygenate sore muscles and help reduce the levels lactic acid in the system. Pressure is usually applied in 10 seconds increments during which the patients might feel a fair degree of pain. However, after the pressure, this pain subsides and patients typically experience blissful euphoria. Sometimes, ice is employed to help reduce pain and swelling.   CONTACT US | TECHNICAL RESOURCES | MORE MASSAGE STYLE PAGES | SEARCH