While many use massage simply as a relaxation tool to reduce stress, it is also used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as back and neck pain, arthritis, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, stroke, nerve damage and as part of a post injury rehabilitation program. There are a variety of different massage techniques, most of which were originally designed to treat a particular ailment.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most common technique in use today. According to massagetherapy101.com, it was introduced by Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, in Stockholm, Sweden in 1812 and has gained popularity ever since. It employs long gliding strokes, taps, muscle kneading and firm pressure with the goal of improving blood circulation and relieving muscle tension.
Deep Tissue
As the name implies, the goal of this massage is to reach and treat the deeper layers of muscle, and so pressure is heavier and firmer. Strokes are slower, and cross fiber friction on the muscles is used to break muscle and myofascial adhesions. This massage technique is effective for chronically short and tight muscles or ones that have been injured. It is a heavy massage and can cause some increased soreness for a day or two afterward, but is generally helpful in restoring range of motion, flexibility and in decreasing muscle restriction.
Hot Stone
The use of hot stones in combination with massage dates back to ancient times, but has regained popularity. River rocks are immersed in heated water until they reach an optimal temperature. The therapist will place the heated rocks on certain key points on the back which will warm and relax the muscles, restoring blood flow and preparing them for gentle massage. Occasionally, the therapist will hold the rocks and lightly massage with them. This form of massage is generally lighter and is used more as a relaxation tool.
Aromatherapy
Massage oil is used with virtually all types of massage to decrease friction on the skin, but with aromatherapy, very concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, are used. It is thought that these essential oils help patients to relax by affecting a portion of the brain called the limbic system, helping to decrease stress, heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is very similar to Swedish massage, but is focused on the special needs of athletes. Extra attention is given to the muscles and other soft tissues most affected by the athlete's activity. It will usually involve significant amounts of therapist-assisted muscle stretching.
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