Do You Know These Basic Massage Therapy Techniques?

The Swedish massage, also known as the classic massage, is one of the most commonly taught massage techniques. It utilizes five basic strokes to loosen tight muscles, promote relaxation and stimulate circulation.

The hot stone massage involves the use of smooth, flat, heated rocks placed at specific points of the body, such as the back or hands, in order to relieve muscle tension and pain. The stones may also be incorporated into the Swedish massage technique.

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that utilizes a blend of therapeutic essential oils and other aroma compounds to improve the physical and emotional well-being of the patient. The oils may be applied to the skin, inhaled or immersed in water.

Deep tissue massage is a technique similar to the Swedish massage. It is used to relieve chronic muscle tension by utilizing slow, deliberate movements that focuses deep pressure on the muscles, tendons and fascia.

A sports massage is geared toward athletes with specific techniques for the athlete's sport of choice. It is used to reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, improve endurance and performance during training and after an event.

Hydrotherapy is a type of alternative medicine known by many names, including water cure, water therapy, pool therapy, aquatic therapy and balneotherapy. It is used in physiotherapy and occupational therapy to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.

The ayurvedic massage, also known as Ayurveda, is one of the oldest holistic healing systems and was developed in India more than 3,000 years ago. It is a type of alternative medicine with the main goal of not fighting disease, but promoting good health.

Traditional Chinese massage is a type of Chinese manipulative therapy that aims to promote circulation of the qi, or vital energy, by balancing the left and right, front and back, top and bottom sides of the body.

Medical massage, also called clinical or treatment massage, is an outcome-based massage designed to treat a specific problem(s).

Reflexology, or zone therapy, is a form of alternative medicine based on pseudoscientific system reflex areas and system zones that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands. It involves the application of pressure to the feet, hands, toes and fingers.

Trigger point massage, not to be mistaken with pressure point massage, involves the use of vibration, manual pressure, injection or other treatment to deactivate trigger points that may cause pain or sensations in the body.

Acupressure, similar in technique to acupuncture, is a form of alternative medicine which involves applying physical pressure to the acupuncture points of the body. This is done with the aim of clearing the blockages in the meridian (life energy).

An oncology massage is a combination of massaging techniques specially modified to safely work with the complications of cancer and cancer treatment. It is open to anyone who has received cancer treatment, whether in recovery or survivorship.

Shiatsu massage is a Japanese bodywork meaning "finger pressure." This form of alternative medicine includes the use of the fingers, thumbs, palms and feet in a variety of techniques, stretching, joint mobilization and manipulation.

Thai massage or Thai yoga massage, is a type of healing system which combines Indian and Chinese traditions of medicine. It is used to improve pain, fatigue, flexibility, joint movement and blood circulation.

Prenatal massage is a massage therapy performed during pregnancy to alleviate joint pain, muscle aches, depression, anxiety, improve labor outcomes and the health of newborn babies. The Swedish massage technique is commonly used during prenatal massaging.

The Burmese massage is a full body massage technique with ancient origins from Chinese, Thai and Indian medicine. This traditional massage starts from head to toe and encompasses acupuncture, reflexology, kneading to promote better skin quality and loosen tight muscles.

Orthopedic massage is a massage technique used in the treatment of pain, injuries and soft tissue dysfunction. It is similar to sports massage and focuses on the tissues and muscles surrounding the joints of the body.

Pressure point massage is a massage technique used to alleviate pain by applying pressure with the finger, elbow or tool, to specific trigger points. It is used to relieve headaches, shoulder pain, foot pain and achy knees.

Chair massage is a type of massage performed while seated and fully clothed in a portable, specially designed chair. It usually uses other massaging techniques on the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Hellerwork, created by Joseph Heller, is a technique used to retrain a person's emotional, physical and physiological patterns. This leads to a reduction of stress, fatigue, stiffness and an improvement in posture.

Infant massage is a type of alternative and complementary treatment that involves the use of massage therapy for babies. It is used to promote bonding, nurturing touch, communication and improve recovery from health problems.

Lomilomi Hawaiian massage is a traditional practice which incorporates the use of the palms, fingers, knuckles, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. The practice of the technique varies by island and family.

The Russian massage, often classified as a sports massage, is a massage therapy technique developed in the former Soviet Union. Depending on the technique used, it may be referred to as a point massage, reflexology massage, or a connective tissue massage.

Tui Na is a type of Chinese manipulative therapy that uses Chinese Taoist principles in order to balance the eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is used in combination with acupuncture, Chinese herbalism and fire cupping.

Geriatric massage is a type of massage specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly persons. It involves the use of light, gentle applications in order to improve blood circulation, increase the range of motion and relieve pain.

Myofascial release is an alternative medicine therapy specifically designed to treat skeletal muscle immobility, pain, stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles, and improve blood and lymphatic circulation.

Lymphatic massage also known as lymphatic drainage or manual lymph drainage, is a technique developed in Germany to treat the build-up of waste fluids after surgery or lymphedema (an accumulation of fluid that may occur when the lymph nodes are removed during surgery).

Watsu is a type of one-on-one aquatic bodywork used in passive aquatic therapy and deep relaxation. It involves the use of gentle stretches, moves, cradles, and massages in deep, warm water.

An eclectic massage is a therapeutic technique that combines a number of therapeutic principles and philosophies in order to achieve a specific treatment suited for the patient's needs and wants.

Yogassage is a therapeutic session that combines the techniques of both yoga and massage. It involves a yoga teacher and massage therapist who adjusts and guides the patient with every pose.

Spiritual massage healing is a type of alternative medicine done by a religious healer to cleanse the client's body, mind, and spirit from a variety of issues stemming from those three areas.

Biodynamic massage is a type of psychotherapeutic massage developed in the 1950s by Gerda Boyesen of Norway. Like spiritual massage healing, it is used to heal an individual's physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being.

Reiki massage is different from traditional massage because it focuses on the energy flows of the body. Often the therapist barely touches or hovers over the body in various position to calm the persons energy.

Active Release Techniques, patented by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, is a type of deep tissue manipulation that uses specific moves and techniques in order to release soft tissue adhesions.