About Massage by Brian K. Healy, LMT, CKYT

Overview Of Popular Massage & Bodywork Modalities--
Relaxation (Swedish) Massage - A light, flowing massage primarily for relaxation purposes. Swedish massage is usually given as a full body treatment which involves gliding, kneading, and spreading strokes on the face, head, neck, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back. The client wears minimal or no clothing, is carefully draped with sheet and/or blanket at all times. Quality massage lotion or oil is used. Swedish is the most common type of massage technique being taught in the United States today and is arguably the most popular style of massage given in spas. One of the principals of Swedish massage is to improve the return of blood to the heart and lungs. For this reason swedish massage may be contraindicated for individuals with certain forms of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or cancer.
Therapeutic Massage - There are many different types of therapeutic massage, but generally speaking, these modalities address repetitive strain injuries, stress disorders, and aches and pains of the neck, shoulder, and back and encorporate many site specific techniques in order to achieve particular objectives such as pain relief, increased function, or rehabilitation. More specific forms of Therapeutic Bodywork are listed below.
Neuromuscular Therapy - A therapeutic form of bodywork focusing on treating pain and dysfunction by precise pressure on “trigger points,” which release areas of chronic neuromuscular tension. Excellent for headaches, neck, jaw, and shoulder pain. If you have specific, chronic points of tension or pain (knots) in your muscles, NMT may be for you. NMT can be performed on fully clothed clients or incorporated into the flow of a full body massage treatment.
Connective Tissue Therapy - Deep massage using forearm, elbow, and fist pressure and little lubrication to affect the connective tissue, or deep fascia of the body. Particularly useful to correct postural distortions, and helps to restore fluidity and flexibility to the tissues that hold the body together. Also provides a release of mental and emotional rigidity and leaves you feeling lighter, longer, and lovelier. Also known as Structural Integration. Note: This form of therapy is extremely powerful but the firm, slow, deep, pressure can be uncomfortable for some people.
Aromatherapy Massage- A wonderfully relaxing massage during which premium essential oils (distilled organic herbal compounds) are applied to the body in specific combinations and amounts so as to promote physical, mental and emotional healing. Essential oils have powerful anti-stress, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties and have been used by natural healers for at least 3 millennia. They contain powerful phyto compounds that can activate certain beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters and bring about muscular, endocrine and organ balance.
Hot Stone Massage - This sensually delicious treatment combines the properties of Swedish massage, hot & cold therapy, and the healing power of the mineral kingdom to literally melt away the tension, stress, bumps, and knots.- a truly relaxing therapeutic treatment that you will never forget. Especially effective on areas of chronically held rigidity.
Chair Massage - The chair massage is a simple approach to bodywork which allows effective techniques to be applied while the client, fully clothed, sits in a specially designed chair. Minimal oils or lotions are used and typical treatments are ten or twenty minutes. Great for the first time massage client, or for those in need of quick back, neck & shoulder relief. The portability of the massage chair allows on site massage to be offered in a wide range of settings. Chair massage is often available in malls, airports, sporting events and as part of corporate wellness programs.
Reiki - A form of hands-on-healing originated in Tibet. The Reiki practitioner acts as a conduit for healing energy, directing it to the client’s chakras or subtle energy centers. Reiki has been shown to be effective for healing stress, anxiety, depression, dyspepsia, insomnia, headaches, chronic pain, dysmenorrhea, and emotional trauma. Certain more progressive hospitals have instituted pre and post operative Reiki treatments and have seen significant decreases in post operative pain and greatly improved recuperation times.
Healing Touch - An eclectic approach to energy healing involving the assessment and treatment of the subtle energetic aspects of the whole human being. Practitioners typically read the subject's auric eminations and seek to smooth, calm, cool, fortify, etc. in order to bring balance and assist the individual's inate healing power. The Healing Touch technique has been embraced by many in the nursing profession.
Traditional Thai Massage - Typically performed on the floor on a mat with the client wearing loose clothing this is ideal for individuals with limited flexibility, recovering from injury or when other types of bodywork may be contraindicated. No oil or lotion is used. Sometimes described as a combination of yoga, chiropractic and physical therapy, Thai massage involves the application of active and passive stretches to client, with the therapist uses his body weight to apply rhythmic palm, thumb, and foot pressure which open up the lines of energy flow in the subtle body (the Sen lines) and lulls the client into a state of deep relaxation. Excellent for increasing vitality, flexibility and range of motion.
Pyrotherapy - The therapeutic use of heat packs and herbal products that stimulate heating. Indicated for stress, chronically tight muscles and connective tissue adhesions.
Cryotherapy - The therapeutic use of ice, cold packs, and herbal products that stimulate cooling. Indicated for muscle spasm, strains, sprains, inflammation, injury, and headaches.