Types of Bodywork
Aromatherapy massage is Swedish massage therapy using massage oil or lotion that contains essential oils (highly concentrated plant oils). During an aromatherapy massage, you inhale these essential oil molecules or absorb them through your skin.
Craniosacral therapy (CST) bodywork can help you harmonize body, mind and spirit in a unique, holistic approach to healing. This therapy has been used in the west since the late 1800s to help restore emotional and spiritual balance, and to promote wellness.
Deep tissue massage is more than just a massage with deep pressure. The goals and techniques are different. It may help with certain conditions, but remember to communicate with your massage therapist to get the most out of the massage.
Hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that involves the use of smooth, heated stones. The massage therapist places the hot stones on specific points on your body and may also hold the stones while giving the massage. The localized heat and weight of the stones warm and relax muscles, allowing the massage therapist to apply deeper pressure to those areas without causing discomfort.
Myofascial release (MFR, self-myofascial release) is an alternative medicine therapy that claims to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulating the stretch reflex in muscles.
Neuromuscular Therapy Through the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points (trigger points (TrPs)) to relieve pain, NMT is a thorough program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes which utilizes specific massage therapy techniques, flexibility stretching, and home care to eliminate the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns.
Pregnancy massage is a catch-all term for any hands-on massage during or after pregnancy (prenatal or postnatal massage). A pregnancy massage typically lasts an hour. Some practitioners use a pregnancy massage table.
Reflexology vs. a Foot Massage While a foot massage may feel the same as a reflexology treatment, a reflexologist will work on areas to promote a healing response in the corresponding organs. A massage therapist giving a foot massage will manipulate muscles and other soft tissues to improve circulation, relieve pain, and heal injuries in the area or to induce overall relaxation.
In addition, graduates from a Shiatsu program are eligible to take (if all requirements are met) the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body.
The effect of Thai Massage is greater flexibility, flow of energy, deep relaxation, and feeling of well being. The art of Thai bodywork achieves a deep therapeutic effect without harsh physical force through efficient use of movement, conscious touch, breathing and rhythm.
What is Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy/Bodywork? By definition, trigger points are hyper-irritable nodules found in taut bands of muscle. They often cause dysfunction in the involved muscle(s).