Massage types & Bodywork Modalities: There are several massage techniques, and they all have distinct effects. The idea of a classic massage table and oils is one that most of us are acquainted with. Massage, meanwhile, doesn’t fall neatly into any one group. Numerous variations exist, sometimes even within a single subset of massage. Modalities are the many categories of massages and techniques.
To achieve specialized results, methodologies have been devised to focus on certain issues or areas of interest. Due to their sheer number, we won’t list them all here, but you can find 11 of the most common modalities listed below. It’s excellent that you may discover a style of massage that is suited to both your individual requirements and philosophical beliefs because not every modality is created for everyone.
Massage types & Bodywork Modalities
1. Ashiatsu
Ashiatsu uses the pressure of feet to work into your deep muscle tissue. Enjoy a 60, 90, or 120 minute session. Benefits include:
- Reduced stress and greater sense of well being
- Relaxed muscles and improved circulation
- Pain relief
- Increased flexibility
- Heightened awareness of emotional and psychological processes
*Enhance your experience with the Cupping add-on
2. Cupping
During a cupping session, your therapist creates negative pressure under glass orbs, which are placed on your skin. The benefits include:
- Muscle relaxation
- Increased blood flow
- Reduced anxiety
- Pain relief
*Bruising after cupping should be expected, and should subside within ten days
3. Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage is used to treat musculoskeletal injuries and discomfort. By targeting the deepest layers of tissue, this style of bodywork is practiced to relieve tension in the muscles, Fascia, and connective tissue. Recommended for:
- Athletes
- Patients who have been injured
- Chronic pain sufferers
*Some new muscle pain and soreness is typical after a deep tissue massage.
4. Gua-Sha
Gua-Sha Translates to “scraping” in Chinese. An analogue to the Graston Technique popular in Western medicine, this ancient practice involves the scraping of the skin with varied tools (including coins, stones, and spoons). Promotes:
- Metabolic cell repair
- Releasing connective tissue adhesions
- Healing and recovery
- Addressing chronic pain
*Your skin will show light redness and bruising (petechiae) indicating increased circulation in the attended areas
5. Lymphatic
Lymphatic Facilitation is a light and gentle massage technique used to facilitate the removal of excess fluid that collects in tissues after trauma and inflammation. For sufferers of:
- Sinus pressure
- Chronic inflammation
- Edema and joint inflammation
- Circulation difficulties
*Lymphatic facilitation may be used as a standalone massage session, integrated in as part of a full body massage, or used in a massage to treat a specific area.
6. Medical
Medical massage is performed with the intent of improving conditions or pathologies that have been diagnosed by a physician. a wide variety of modalities or procedures are utilized to focus the treatment based on the diagnosed condition. *Your flex spending account may be able to reimburse for this type of massage
7. Myofascial Release
Fascia, the biological fabric that holds you together, is a network of elastic, durable connective tissue that encapsulates and fills most structures in your body, including muscles. In this practice, gentle sustained pressure is applied to the connective tissue restrictions. This gentle pressure, applied slowly will allow the fascia to elongate. Myofascial release can treat:
- Immobility
- Muscle stiffness
- Circulation
- Stretch reflex
8. Prenatal
Massage therapy during the second and third trimester of your pregnancy is a healthy, natural way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as:
- Backaches
- hip pain
- stiff neck
- leg cramps
- headaches
- edema
*A doctor’s note is required.
9. Relaxation/Swedish
Featuring long, gliding, rhythmic strokes, Relaxation or “Swedish” massage is practiced with the intention to sooth, release tension, and promote increased circulation. Relaxation massage takes the environment into account, with soothing music, hot towels, and the use of essential oils (if desired). Other benefits include: · Mental relaxation · Improvement of sleep patterns · Anxiety and depression relief · Improved concentration · Heightened sense of well-being
10. Shiatsu-Thai Fusion
This powerful yet fluid approach to floor work incorporates the gentle movements of Shiatsu with the more vigorous stretches of Thai Massage. Focusing intensively on the Five Element Theory of Eastern medicine, your therapist will work to align your energy meridians by focusing attention on your acupressure points. *Please wear comfortable clothing (yoga or gym clothing works great)
11. Sports
For current and former athletes, pre-event or post-event, and as part of an injury-preventive training and lifestyle plan. Your therapist will design a unique treatment, using various techniques, to focus on your specific areas of concern.
12. Baby Positioning
Three Sisters Adjustment for Healthy Baby Positioning
Come take a break, relax and receive, all while helping make room for your baby to be comfortable. Experience:
- Side-lying releases
- Forward-Leaning inversions
- Rebozo sifting (relaxes tight uterine ligaments)
Akin to the shorter and more frequent sessions of chiropractic-adjustments, you can come in for a Three Sisters Adjustment far more often than for a full massage, even multiple times per week. *For expectant mothers beyond 20 weeks pregnant.
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