Glossary of Massage and Bodywork Terms . . .

Below are the modalities for which Karen has been trained. 
- For a full list of massage and bodywork terms, go to MassageTherapy.com.

ACUPRESSURE

Acupressure is a healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing. Acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands and feet. Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus, acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as responding to tension, before it develops into a disease—before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage.

CHAIR MASSAGE

Known as seated massage, chair massage, or on-site massage, this technique involves the use of a specially designed massage chair in which the client sits comfortably.  Seated massage is provided to the fully clothed client in a variety of settings, including businesses, airports, and street fairs.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system.  This manual therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes and has proven effective in treating a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.  The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.  It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth--which make up the cranium--down to the sacrum or tailbone.  Since this system influences the development and function of the brain and spinal cord, any imbalance or dysfunction in the craniosacral system could cause sensory, motor, or neurological disabilities.  These problems may include chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities, and other dysfunctions of the central nervous system.  Craniosacral therapy encourages the body’s natural healing mechanisms to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, dissipate the negative effects of stress, and enhance health and resistance to disease. The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system.

CRYOTHERAPY

Also known as ice therapy, this modality uses the application of cold hydrotherapy in the form of ice packs and cold water immersions to alleviate blood flow, swelling, and inflammation with the contraction of blood vessels.  Used in conjunction with heat, cryotherapy can increase circulation, and, hence, remove wastes and toxins from an injured area.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia.  These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.  The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature.  It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
(Hydrotherapy: The use of water in its many forms (hot, cold, spray, pressure, immersion) for therapeutic purposes.)

MASSAGE & MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage or massage therapy are systems of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue of the body.  The massage system may include, but is not limited to, such techniques as, stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, compression, passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement; effleurage (either firm or light soothing, stroking movement, without dragging the skin, using either padded parts of fingertips or palms); petrissage (lifting or picking up muscles and rolling the folds of skin); or tapotement (striking with the side of the hand, usually with partly flexed fingers, rhythmic movements with fingers or short rapid movements of sides of the hand).  These techniques may be applied with or without the aid of lubricants or a massage device that mimics or enhances the actions possible by human hands.  The purpose of the practice of massage is to enhance the general health and well-being of the recipient.  Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances, spinal manipulation or those acts of physical therapy that are outside the scope of massage therapy.

MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE

Muscle energy is a direct, noninvasive manual therapy used to normalize joint dysfunction and increase range of motion.  The practitioner evaluates the primary areas of dysfunction in order to place the affected joints in precise positions that enable the client to perform gentle isometric contractions.  These directed movements help correct neuromuscular and joint difficulties.

MUSCLE RELEASE TECHNIQUE

This technique combines compression, extension, movement, and breath to give therapists a tool to provide relief from pain, treating such conditions as carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic low back pain, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, tennis elbow, knee pain, shin splints, frozen shoulder, hammer toes, piriformis syndrome, tendinitis, trigger finger, and much more.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE

Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress.  First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers.  Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction.  Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.

MYOFASCIAL TRIGGER POINT THERAPY

Based on the discoveries that found a causal relationship between chronic pain and its source, myofascial trigger point therapy is used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain and through stretching exercises.  These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed.  Pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body.

ON-SITE MASSAGE

See Chair Massage.

ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE

Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates ten modalities to treat soft-tissue pain and injury.  Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria.  Three basic elements adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment.

PRENATAL/PREGNANCY MASSAGE

Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies.  Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and fetus.  Skilled, appropriate touch facilitates labor, shortening labor times and easing pain and anxiety.  In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant.  Specialized, advanced training in the anatomy, physiology, complications, precautions, and contraindications is highly recommended, and many practitioners require referrals from physicians prior to therapy.

REFLEXOLOGY

Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.

SEATED MASSAGE

See Chair Massage.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery.  There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment.  Pre-event massage is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully clothed.  Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow and to warm up muscles.  During the massage, the athlete generally focuses on visualizing the upcoming event.  Post-event massage is also delivered on site, through the clothes.  The intent here is to calm the nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste products out of the body.  Post-event massage can reduce recovery time, enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would allow.  When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can often speed and improve the quality of healing.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation.  Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body.  The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed.  Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil or lotion, to reduce friction on the skin.  The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

THAI MASSAGE

Historically, manipulation is performed based on the theory the body is made up of sen, or energy lines, of which ten hold top priority.  Thai massage also involves peripheral stimulating, meaning it acts as an external stimulant to produce specific internal effects.  Except for the feet, the client remains fully clothed, so draping is not necessary.

TRIGGER POINT MYOTHERAPY

Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the relief and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction.  The goal of treatment is the client’s recovery from or a significant reduction in myofascial pain.  The treatment goal is achieved through a systematized approach.  Treatment consists of trigger point compression, myomassage, passive stretching, and a regime of corrective exercises.  Success may be measured subjectively by the level of pain reduction experienced by the client and objectively through increased range of motion, strength, endurance, and other measures of improved function.