Acupressure
(A blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is an ancient healing art using the fingers to gradually press key healing points, which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. Acupressure Therapy is effective in the relief of stress-related ailments, and is ideal for self-treatment and preventive health care for boosting the immune system. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops spirituality and vibrant health by applied pressure to various specific acupressure points on the body. (http://www.acupressure.com/)
Aromatherapy
The practice of using essential oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma from the oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function and, in some cases, can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream to promote whole-body healing. Aromatherapy is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function.
(http://www.aromatherapy.com/)
Cryotherapy
Also known as “Ice Massage” incorporates ice or ice packs with the massage to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation, spasm, and pain. It is most effective if it is applied as soon as possible after an injury occurs, usually within 24 to 48 hours. The cold makes the veins in the tissues contract, reducing circulation. Once the cold is removed, the veins overcompensate and dilate and blood rushes into the area. The infusion of blood in the area brings with it the necessary nutrients to help the injured muscles, ligaments and tendons to heal. Ice application slows the inflammation and swelling that occurs after injury. Ice numbs sore tissues (providing pain relief similar to a local anesthetic), slows the nerve impulses in the area, which interrupts the pain-spasm reaction between the nerves, decreases tissue damage, and when used with massage adds the beneficial effects of gentle manipulation of the soft tissues.
(http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/heat-therapy-cold-therapy/ice-massage-back-pain-relief)
Deep Tissue Massage
A type of therapeutic massage incorporating various integrated techniques in which deeper pressure is applied to reach structures far beneath the superficial fascia to relieve chronic muscle problems or injuries.
(https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=588)
Hot Stone Therapy
Hot stone therapy penetrates heat deep into muscles to release tension as the warm stones help muscles release more quickly and deeply than in traditional massage. Basalt rocks are generally used because of their heat retention properties, and are usually heated to around 125-150 degrees using hot water. The smooth, rounded stones are then placed along various points on the body to open up energy channels and promote circulation. The long continuing warmth of the smooth stones promotes relaxation while energizing and revitalizing the central nervous system, accelerating overall circulation and alleviating stress.
(http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/spa-health/benefits-of-hot-stone-therapy.htm)
Hot Towel Treatments
Similar to Hot Stone Massage, moist hot towels enhance relaxation while reducing muscle tension, soreness and spasms by by soothing irritated nerve endings and increasing circulation. For use in relaxation massages, moist hot towels are applied to the face (optional), hands, feet and back for brief periods to warm up the area and induce tranquility and relaxation. The nurturing sensation of the heat relaxes the muscles and joints and enhances the feeling of tranquility. For treatment of specific muscle tension, the moist heat is applied directly to the sore or aching area of the body where it absorbs into the muscle tissue while the therapist massages other areas. Athletes and people who suffer from arthritis can benefit from the hot towel treatment as the moist heat helps to relax muscles and increase circulation in the affected areas. The heat from the towels opens the muscles and relaxes the joints allowing for greater relief from overall stress and muscle tension and can soften scar tissue and make muscle tissues easier to stretch.
(http://www.ehow.com/how_5594924_use-hot-towels-massage-therapy.html)
Hydrotherapy
The use of water as a treatment tool to heat, cool, stimulate, relax, and detoxify the human body. Hydrotherapy has been used for thousands of years and by many cultures throughout the world.
(https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=324)
Joint Mobilization Techniques
Is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. It is usually aimed at a 'target' synovial joint with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. Joint mobilization is performed by bringing a joint slowly through a small and precise range of motion. Joint mobilization is similar to chiropractic manipulation in that it is performed through a short range of motion and focuses on loosening deeper intrinsic ligaments and joint capsules.
(http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14556)
Muscle Energy Techniques (MET)
MET is a manual therapy that uses the gentle muscle contractions of the client to relax and lengthen muscles and normalize joint motion. The theory behind MET suggests that if a joint isn’t used to its full range of motion, its function will lessen and it will be at risk of suffering strains and injuries. This form of muscular therapy makes use of a client’s own muscle energy (the force); while the therapist presents a stationary surface (or anti-force) the client will contract their muscle against in order to stretch the muscle and joint to its full potential. These techniques can be applied safely to almost any joint in the body. Many athletes use MET as a preventative measure to guard against future muscle and joint injury. However, its mainly used by individuals who have a limited range of motion due to back, neck and shoulder pain, scoliosis, sciatica, unsymmetrical legs, hips or arms (for example when one is longer or higher than the other), or to treat chronic muscle pain, stiffness or injury. MET has circulatory functions and helps to reduce edema.
(http://www.massageclinic.com.au/service/muscle-energy-technique/)
Myofascial Release (MFR)
MFR is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This alternative medicine therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or machinery. This enables the therapist to accurately detect fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia.
(https://www.myofascialrelease.com/about/definition.aspx)
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
NMT is a precise, thorough examination and treatment of the body’s soft tissues using regionally oriented protocols that assess and examine a person’s individual musculoskelatal issues with constant consideration for many other perpetuating factors, such as hydration, nutrition, breathing patterns, and psychological stress. These techniques are highly effective for clients who present with chronic pain and are often successful in reducing or eliminating even longstanding painful conditions. Some of the techniques can also be applied to acute injuries and for post-surgical care; many help to improve performance in sport or dance and to prevent injuries due to these activities.
NMT assessments and examinations primarily address:
Ischemia (tight tissue with reduced blood flow)
Myofascial trigger points (hypersensitive points within muscles that give rise to referred phenomena, including pain)
Neural entrapment (pressure on nerves by muscles and other soft tissues), and
Nerve compression (pressure on nerves by osseous and other bone-like tissues, such as cartilage or discs).
Postural assessment (assessment of the position of the body as a whole)
Dysfunctional gait patterns (manner of movement when walking)
(https://nmtcenter.com/description/)
Prenatal Massage
Massage therapy that is especially tailored to an expectant mother's specific needs. Prenatal massage is different from a regular massage because it demands that a new mother's body has to be positioned as well as supported in the right way; this is achieved by utilizing pillows, cushions, and alternate positions to avoid her laying prone (face-down). Prenatal massage promotes relaxation, soothes nerves, and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers, and is especially beneficial in the second and third trimesters, when the extra weight in your belly puts a strain on your back and hips.
(http://spas.about.com/od/prenatalpregnancy/a/pregnancy.htm)
Reflexology
A therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. This controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort. In the absence of any particular malady or abnormality, reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, injury and illness. Reflexology promotes healing by stimulating the nerves in the body and encouraging the flow of blood.
(http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/reflexology)
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. (http://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html)
Scar Tissue Massage/Adhesion Release
A series of fascial techniques that release and realign the restrictive tissue from the starting point (visible scar) to the end point (where the line of frozen fascia stops). This release system differs from traditional methods because it approaches the multi-faceted matrix of fascia three dimensionally. Types of Scar Tissue Massage/Adhesion Release include:
Manual Lymph Drainage
Myofascial Release
Deep Transverse Friction
Lubrication (via media such as lotion, castor oil, vitamin E oil or other oil)
Stretching
Heat Application
(http://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2007/07/six_massage_tec.html)
Sports Massage
The specific application of massage techniques, hydrotherapy protocols, range of motion/flexibility protocol and strength-training principles utilized to achieve a specific goal when treating an athlete. It often involves a combination of stretching and resistance exercises for specific muscle groups.
(http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=10712)
Swedish Massage
Also known as “relaxation massage” is the most commonly referenced type of massage. This is a lighter-pressure massage in which slow, fluid, gentle strokes are applied to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage. The benefits of Swedish massage include increased circulation, mental and physical relaxation, decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of motion.
(http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3435100758.html)
Trigger Point Therapy
A type of neuromuscular therapy in which pressure is applied using alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. Pressure is applied with the fingers, knuckles, and/or elbow in ten to thirty second intervals to effectively alleviate the muscle spasm. Neuromuscular therapy works by relaxing the muscle in order to release stored lactic acid and encourage blood and oxygen circulation to the muscle to avoid the production of more lactic acid. The therapeutic pressure and massage typically produces initial soreness and "good pain" in muscle tissue.
(http://www.spine-health.com/glossary/trigger-point-myotherapy)
