Touch Heals
Therapeutic Massage Therapy
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities).
People seek massage therapy for a variety of reasons – to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles, rehabilitate injuries, reduce pain, and promote overall health and wellness.
Types of massage therapy
While there are several types of massage, two categories are:
Relaxation massage - also known as Swedish massage; practiced in settings like spas, wellness centers and resorts
Rehabilitative massage – also known as deep tissue, medical, THERAPEUTIC or clinical massage; practiced in many settings like clinics, hospitals and chiropractic offices.
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage incorporates a variety of advanced modalities that enhance the body’s natural restorative functioning. Light to firm touch is used to release tension, relax muscles, increase blood and lymph circulation, and impart a sense of calm. Therapeutic massage can be used as a collaborative, supportive addition to conventional medical treatment of illness and injury, alleviating pain and stress, aiding soft tissue healing, and revitalizing the body. Also, regular massage can enhance health, providing relaxation, release of muscle tightness, relief from anxiety and tensions, and balancing aspects of body/mind/spirit.
Swedish Massage
Flowing, kneading, and passive joint movement techniques. Promotes release of tensions and general relaxation. Stimulates nerve endings in the skin and connective tissue, increasing blood and lymph circulation.
Deep Tissue Massage
Work done deep within the muscles and connective tissue. Slow strokes and deep finger pressure work to release contracted areas of muscles and surrounding tissue.
Russian massage
A massage therapy technique developed in the former Soviet Union. It is most often classified as a sports massage. It is sometimes referred to as connective tissue massage, point massage, or reflexology massage, depending on the techniques used during treatment.
Russian massage techniques are similar to most sports massage practices, but they involve slower, softer motions. Russian massages focus on the use of friction to generate heat within the body. This, combined with vibration, is employed to ease muscle pain and stiffness. It also relieves mental stress, along with providing other benefits.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is an ancient method of causing congestion. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat (old) or suction (recent). This draws up the underlying tissues. When the cup is left in place on the skin for a few minutwes, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. Cupping therapy was originally used in Egypt and China dating back 3,500 years. Cupping is applied by Acupuncturists/ Therapist to certain points, as well as to region of the organ or to areas of dysfunction. Also to regions of the body that are affected by pain (where the pain is deeper than the tissue to be pulled).
