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Massage Terminology
Deep Tissue Massage: Releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
Swedish Massage: A system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints.
Trigger Point Therapy/Myotherapy/Neuromuscular Therapy: Applying concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.
Myofascial Release: A form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension.
Sports Massage: Massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to a particular sport, and utilizes stretching techniques to reduce tension and pain caused by repetitive motions used during sports activity. Sports massage may also aid in enhancing sports performance.
Reflexology: Massage based around a system of points in the hands and feet thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy: A technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.
Emotional Release (also known as the Rosen Method): Utilizes gentle touch and verbal communication to help clients release suppressed ("buried") emotions and subsequently muscular tension in some instances.
Effleurage: 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: Applying deep, circular movements 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: Squeezing, rolling and kneading of the muscles
Tapotement: Executed with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps to the client.
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