Orthopedic Massage: Whitney Lowe, Orthopedic Massage Education and Research Institute. Orthopedic Massage integrates knowledge of pain and injury conditions with an understanding of the of the function of various massage techniques commonly used in the field. The four component parts are orthopedic assessment, matching the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of treatment, treatment adaptability, and understanding the rehabilitation protocol. Orthopedic Massage is a comprehensive system that utilizes a variety of different techniques to most effectively treat pain and injury conditions.
Sports Massage: Probably one of the oldest forms of massage therapy, Sports Massage dates back to Greek and Roman athletic events. Athletes were massaged before and after competitions to improve athletic performance. Sports massage describes the science and art of applying massage and related techniques to ensure the health and well-being of the athlete and to enhance athletic performance. There are five major applications; the first three are restorative (their goal is to return the athlete to optimal condition); the last two are related to the athlete's training and competition schedule.
- Recovery - enhances the athlete's physical and mental recovery from strenuous sports activity.
- Remedial - improves a debilitating condition.
- Rehabilitation - facilitates healing after a disabling injury.
- Maintenance - enhances recovery from strenuous exertion, to treat debilitating conditions, and to help the athlete maintain optimal health.
- Event - helps the athlete to prepare for and recover from a specific competitive event. Event sports massage is divided into three applications;
- Pre-event: helps prepare the athlete mentally and physically for a specific event.
- Inter-event: helps the athlete to recover from a specific event while preparing for an upcoming one.
- Post-event: helps the athlete to recover from an event and begin recovery to maintain training and competition schedule.
Myofascial Release: Developed by John Barnes, PT. Myofascial Release (MFR) refers to myo-muscle and fascia as the elastic web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body. MFR is a highly interactive stretching and bodywork technique that involves feedback from the client's body to determine the direction, force and duration of the stretch and to facilitate maximum relaxation of tense tissues.
MFR recognizes that muscle cannot be isolated from other structures of the body. All organs of the body are covered by fascia down to the individual myofibrils. MFR relieves tension and pain by releasing and lengthening fascia, which allows muscles to return to their correct position, length, and function.
Lymphatic Drainage: Developed by Bruno Chilky, MD. Applications of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) are to activate fluid circulation, the circulation of lymphatic fluid, indirect stimulation of the blood capillaries, veins, interstitial liquids, cerebrospinal fluid and synovial fluid. LDT helps drain toxins, eliminate protein-rich fluid from the extracellular tissue, helping re-absorption of edema.
LDT stimulates the immune system. The increased lymph flow carries more antigens to the lymph nodes, increasing the antibody/antigen contact. LDT stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and diminishes sympathetic tone, the "fight or flight" response.
CranioSacral Therapy: Developed by Dr. John Upledger, DO. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is designed to detect potential restrictions and imbalances in the CranioSacral system- the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal chord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum or tailbone. CST strengthens the body's ability to better take care of itself. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain, and dysfunctions.
Neuromuscular Therapy: St. John Method. Paul St. John, LMT, developed this system of bodywork after studying Dr. R. Nimmo's receptor tonus technique. Also known as the American method, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) normalizes the muscular and nervous systems by detecting and eliminating painful trigger points which generate reflex areas of excess muscle tone and pain.
Lifestyle, posture and overuse or lack of use can all contribute to pain.
Medical Massage: This term has generated quite a bit of controversy lately in the massage profession. A fair description might be that medical massage involves an injury to a doctor's patient; the patient is diagnosed by the physician and then referred to a qualified and well-trained massage therapist who can work with the diagnosis and provide soft-tissue massage to alleviate the problem. Techniques can include functional assessment, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, soft-tissue mobilization, trigger point therapy, and stretching. There are also increased amounts of documentation and responsibility involved.
Deep Tissue Massage: This term loosely describes massage that is more than superficial in depth of pressure.
It is not necessarily a harder massage or more painful than a relaxing massage. Deep Tissue massage is being able to work with layers of tissue to relax, lengthen, and release areas of chronic tension and holding. There is more emphasis on lengthening structures and soft-tissue restrictions than on pleasure as the primary goal. Deep Tissue massage has a different meaning in the context of the setting where it is delivered. A Deep Tissue massage in a spa is different than one delivered in a chiropractic or physical therapy office, or clinic.
Chair Massage: Touch Pro trained by David Palmer. Chair massage is massage delivered to clients through clothing, without oil or lotion, and performed in short time intervals in group settings. Touch Pro trained therapists use an acupressure massage technique to relieve stress and improve circulation. Sessions typically last from 5 to 15 minutes and can be delivered in many settings such as airports, offices, outdoor events, etc.
Copyright© 2005 Jody Hutchinson, NCTMB
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