What type of massage do I need ?

Have you ever wondered just what to ask for when scheduling a massage therapy session?

Here are some descriptions of common massage techniques:

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints and can be relaxing or energizing . Swedish massage may also help after an injury.

The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

• Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
• Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
• Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
• Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand

Neuromuscular Therapy Massage

Trigger points are painful points located within taut bands of muscle, hypertonicity, and are treated primarily with the application of sustained, usually static pressure. These points can create pain locally and in a referred pattern. For example, a trigger point in the muscles of the cervical region might refer pain into the shoulder, arm or head.

Through the softening of trigger points, NMT aims to reduce chronic, referred pain, increase range of motion, and correct postural distortions.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff “trouble spots” in your body and generally focuses on a particular region such as the back or shoulders. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscle. ligament, tendon and fascia. Though less rhythmic than Swedish massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries and strains.

At Living Arts Wellness, we often use a combination of techniques (Integrative Massage), designing a specific session for your specific needs.