Massage Techniques | Balanced Bodies Therapeutic Massage

Swedish Massage

Swedish – The most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage. Swedish includes a combination of long gliding (efﬂeurage), kneading (petrissage), tapotement (percussion), and friction strokes applied to the superﬁcial tissues (skin, muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia) of the body. These strokes are often combined with active and passive movements to create a ﬂuid, relaxing, circulatory-enhancing treatment.

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue – Intended to affect the deeper tissues within the body. There is a misconception that “deep” means “hard” and/or painful. After gentle warming of the superﬁcial tissues with Swedish strokes or heat, the deep tissues can be affected with minimal energy and very little pressure. The client is actively involved with deep breathing and feedback during the treatment.

Neuromuscular Massage

Neuromuscular – Several modalities that engage the relationship between the nervous and muscular systems to create a reﬂex response. All of the activity of the muscular system depends on the nervous system, which is the main controller of the body. By using the physiological relationship between nerves and muscles, we can change muscle length and kinesthetic perception.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger Point Therapy – Used to address hypertonic/tight areas of muscle tissue. Usually activated by acute or repetitive overuse, a trigger point is a localized area of hypertonicity. The decreased circulation in a hypertonic area reduces nutritional exchange to the area, causing it to be hypersensitive and hyperirritable. Several factors can create or perpetuate trigger points:

- - mechanical stresses, including skeletal misalignment
  - poor posture
  - long-term muscle constriction, such as compression by a purse or backpack
  - nutritional inadequacies
  - insufﬁcient hydration
  - stress
  - inadequate sleep

Muscle Energy Techniques

Muscle Energy Techniques – Direct manipulation, positional release, post-isometric relaxation, reciprocal inhibition. These techniques can reduce pain, relax a hypertonic muscle, realign postural deviations, and restore range of motion.

Myofascial Massage

Myofascial – Manipulation of the fascia (connective tissue) that runs throughout the entire body to change the shape and position of restricted tissues. Fascia is so pervasive that any restrictions, adhesions or buildups of fascia can create problems for the musculature. This technique speciﬁcally softens the fascia to create more space and allow more movement within the tissues. Without sufﬁcient movement, nutrition, and hydration, fascia stiffens and dries out. This hardening can lead to decreased range of motion, nonspeciﬁc aches and pains and postural abnormalities.

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal Massage – Healthy women with a low-risk pregnancy can receive the beneﬁts of massage throughout their pregnancy, during labor, and through the postpartum period. The many changes that occur to a pregnant body can create stress, pain, and discomfort. With the approval of your obstetrician, massage can provide relief to many of these
symptoms. The same techniques used in a regular massage session can be used in a prenatal massage with awareness of the clientʼs special needs.

Sports Massage

Sports Massage – Sports massage is a general term that refers to massage for athletes, and it uses the basic massage strokes and therapeutic techniques. One of the best ways for athletes of all levels to avoid muscular pain and discomfort is to incorporate sports massage into their routine. Massage can provide many beneﬁts to athletes of all levels:

- - reduce muscle pain
  - relieve acute and delayed onset muscle soreness
  - relieve muscle tension and spasms
  - enhance ﬂexibility and range of motion
  - reduce recovery period
  - enhance body awareness for coordination
  - restore normal resting length to tight muscles
  - break up fascial restrictions
  - improve circulation

Massage Modalities