Modalities - Therapy and Technique
This list of modalities and definitions has been composed by both the NCBTMB for Board Certified Massage Therapists and by Beth Ann's Therapeutic Massage. The list includes only those modalities practiced at
Beth Ann's Therapeutic Massage.
Beth Ann's Therapeutic Massage.
Accupressure
Acupressure is a form of bodywork based on traditional Chinese meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of energy or chi. [Ref 2]
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for your psychological and physical well being. Aromatherapists blend therapeutic essential oils especially for each person and suggest methods of use such as topical application, massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate the desired responses.
The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporized in an oil burner. Although aromatherapy has been practiced for centuries in various cultures, the modern version was developed mainly in France.
Aromatherapy has not yet undergone as much scientific scrutiny as other complementary therapies, but it may be effective in helping with some complaints. [Ref 5]
The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporized in an oil burner. Although aromatherapy has been practiced for centuries in various cultures, the modern version was developed mainly in France.
Aromatherapy has not yet undergone as much scientific scrutiny as other complementary therapies, but it may be effective in helping with some complaints. [Ref 5]
Bodywork
Bodywork is a general term for practices involving touch and movement in both Eastern and Western practices where the practitioner may use manual and energetic techniques to promote health and healing in the recipient. [Ref 2]
Chair Massage
Chair Massage refers to bodywork with the recipient seated in an ordinary or special chair, fully clothed. The massage is usually abbreviated, lasting from 5 to 15 minutes. As an on-site massage, the chair is taken to a public place such as an office or commercial establishment and in many cases is given as employee appreciation.[Ref 2,8]
Craniosacral Therapy
"Cranio" refers to the cranium, which is the bony part of the head. "Sacral" refers to the bony bottom of the spine called the sacrum. In the 1900s Dr. William Sutherland, an osteopathic physician, discovered "Cranio Movement". In the 1970s Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic doctor, helped to further Sutherland's discovery as both an evaluative tool and a corrective one. Craniosacral therapy is a light touch manipulation of the head and bottom of the spine to restore optimal cerebrospinal fluid movement. [Ref 1]
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage is also called deep muscle therapy or deep tissue therapy. It is an umbrella term for bodywork systems that work deeply into the muscles and connective tissue to release chronic aches and pains. [Ref 3]
Geriatric Massage
Geriatric Massage Therapy is designed to address the specific needs of the elderly population using gentle and light massage techniques and include passive stretching and a light oil or lotion to permit muscles to be worked without causing excessive friction to the skin. Geriatric Massage Therapy helps enhance blood circulation, increases one's range of motion, combats depression and loneliness, improves balance and flexibility, reduces the pain of arthritis, increases joint mobility, improves posture, and encourages overall well-being.
[Ref 6]
[Ref 6]
Infant Massage
Infant Massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically to promote the healthy development of your infant. Caring human touch is crucial for a healthy thriving baby, and the benefits of massaging your infant are potent and numerous. For example, many infants show improved growth and development of the brain and nervous system. Infant massage has also been shown to improve the quality of a baby's sleep, as well as, strengthening their immune system. [Ref 6]
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Manual lymph drainage is a gentle method of promoting movement of lymph into and through the lymphatic vessels. It reduces edema, a condition in which the tissues of the body contain an excessive amount of fluid. [Ref 3]
Medical Massage Therapy
Medical Massage Therapy fills a gap in our health care system by providing high-quality, hands-on soft tissue therapy. We have a unique opportunity to perform an essential role in holistic pathology rehabilitation that has been overlooked by several medical specialties. [Ref 7]
Myofascial Release Therapy
"Myo" means muscle and fascia is the elastic connective tissue wrapped around muscles and other parts of the body. During the myofascial release restrictions, (stuck areas), are located and gentle sliding pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction to stretch the tissues. The stretching of tissues and the heat imparted by the practitioner's hands are thought to help produce a softer consistency of the fascia. [Ref 2]
Neuromuscular Therapy
A systematic approach to myofascial treatment that attempts to interrupt the neuromuscular feedback that maintains pain or dysfunction. [Ref 6]
Polarity Therapy
Polarity therapy is a form of bodywork that uses a light touch and a gentle rocking movement intended to balance life energy by affecting general and muscular relaxation. Polarity therapy was developed Dr. Randolph Stone, who was trained in natural healing methods of chiropractic, naturopathy, and osteopathy. [Ref 2]
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is the massage of pregnant women (prenatal) and women after giving birth (postpartum). It address the special needs of pregnant women such as discomforts in the low back, feet and legs. [Ref 1]
Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of bodywork based on the theory of zone therapy, in which specific spots of the body are pressed to stimulate corresponding areas in other parts of the body. Foot reflexology, in which pressure techniques are applied only to the feet, is the most common form of reflexology. [Ref 2]
Sports Massage
Sports massage is applied to athletes to help them train and perform free of pain and injuries. Massage therapists blend classic Swedish strokes with such methods as compression, pressure-point therapy, cross-fiber friction, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy and cryotherapy (ice massage) to meet the special needs of high-level performers and fitness enthusiasts. [Ref 2]
Stone Massage - Hot Stones
Hot Stone Massage uses water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly Basalt stones (or lava rocks) which over time have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient's back or other muscle areas, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles. Muscles that are heated with these stones release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly than with a traditional massage. The overall experience is very relaxing and rejuvenating. [Ref 6]
Stone Massage - Cold Stones
Cold Stone Massage uses White Marble which has been polished smooth. The marble has both cold-holding properties and being opposite in color to the Basalt better represents a cold rock as opposed to a hot rock. Cold rocks are soaked in cold water to which ice has been added to achieve the correct temperature. The rocks are never placed in the freezer and then used on the bare skin as this could cause an ice burn. A Cold Stone Massage is helpful for sporting injuries, swelling and inflammation reduction, alleviation of anxiety, reduction of mental stress, revitalization of energy boosts in circulation and the ease of menstrual symptoms. [Ref 6]
Stone Massage - Contrast Stones
Contrast <stone> Massage combines Hot Stone and Cold Stone Massage techniques. It uses heat to open (dilate) the blood vessels, bringing in fresh blood and nutrients and then cold to close (constrict) the vessels, thus shunting the waste products away from the injury site. [Ref 6]
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is also known as the Western or classic style of massage. It is credited to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics instructor, Per Henrik Ling. It is a scientific system of manipulations on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation or health maintenance. Swedish massage therapy is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement (or percussion) and vibration. [Ref 3]
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic touch was developed by nurses Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz in the early 1970s after studying the ancient practice of laying on of hands. It is based on the idea that human beings are energy in the form of a field. In health, the field flows freely, while it becomes out of balance when a disease is present. [Ref 3]
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point massage utilizes ischemic compression of individual areas of hypersensitivity in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. These trigger points are defined by their referral of pain to distant locations in muscles, connective tissues, and organs. Janet Travell, M.D., pioneered trigger point therapy in the United States. [Ref 1]
References
- Knaster, Mirka. Discovering the Body's Wisdom. Bantam 1996
- Tappan, Frances. Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques. Appleton and Lange. 1998
- Stillerman, Elaine. The Encyclopedia of Bodywork from Acupressure to Zone Therapy. Facts on File. 1996.
- Clay, James H. Pounds, David M. Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2003.
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/aromatherapy, Retrieved 11/21/2015.
- Beck, Mark F. Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage 5th Edition. Cengage Learning. 2010
- David C. Morin BS LMT, Instructor, Medical Massage Therapy
- Beth A Borecky BCTMB, LMT, MMMT, CPT. c/o Beth Ann's Therapeutic Massage. Established 2001