Massage Modalities

•Massage Modalities
•Pregnancy Massage
 •Glossary of additional terms


Glossary of additional terms

Effleurage - is a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage treatment.This smooth, gliding stroke is used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.

Friction - is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other.The result causes an increase in blood flow to the massaged area.

Petrissage (also called kneading) - involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.

Percussion/Tapotement - is executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the body.

Reflexology (zone therapy) is organized around a system of points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body. Though the massage is specific to an area, it is intended to affect the whole body.

Shiatsu and Acupressure are systems of finger-pressure massage, based on Oriental healing concepts, which treat special points along "meridians," the invisible channels of energy flow in the body. Energy blocked along these meridians can cause physical discomfort, so the aim is to release the blockage and re-balance the energy flow. They can be used for the full body or for specific areas of the body.

On-site Massage (also known as chair massage or corporate massage) - is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a specially designed portable chair. These chairs most often slope forward allowing access to the large muscles of the back. On-site massage usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is intended to relax and improve circulation.

 Sports Massage - massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to the use of and or injury of muscles involved in a particular sport. Sports Massage Therapy is classified into three main categories: maintenance, event and rehabilitation. Maintenance massage is a regular program of massage to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training. Event massage takes place before,during and/or after competition to supplement an athlete's warm-up, readying the athlete for top performance, and/or to reduce the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occurs with vigorous exercise. Such techniques enhance the body's recovery process, improving the athletes return to high-level training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury. Rehabilitation massage techniques are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries.

© 2001 American Massage Therapy Association