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Some 80 different methods may be
classified as massage therapy. New
techniques have been introduced recently.
For example, many of the forms of massage
that come from Asia are based on concepts of
anatomy, physiology and diagnosis that
differ from Western concepts.
The forms of massage described here are
either the most widely used or represent a
group of similar practices. Many massage
therapists use more than one method and
often combine several.
Swedish massage uses a system of long
gliding strokes, with kneading and friction
techniques on the superficial layers of
muscles. Movement is generally in the
direction of blood flow toward the heart,
sometimes combined with active and passive
movements of the joints. This system is
used to promote general relaxation, improve
circulation and range of motion, and to
relieve muscle tension. Swedish massage is
the most common form of massage.
Deep-tissue massage is used to release
chronic patterns of muscular tension.
Using slow stokes, direct pressure or
friction is directed across the grain of the
muscles. Fingers, thumbs and elbows are
used to apply greater pressure and to reach
deeper layers of muscle. More force is used
than in Swedish massage.
Sports massage uses techniques that are
similar to Swedish and deep-tissue but are
specially adapted to deal with the needs of
athletes and the effects of athletic stress
on the body.
Trigger point massage (Neuromuscular) is
a form of deep massage that is applied
specifically to individual muscles. It is
used to increase blood flow, release knots
of muscle tension that refer pain to other
parts of the body, and to release pressure
on nerves. It is often used to reduce pain.
Manual lymph drainage improves the flow
of lymph by using light rhythmic stokes. It
is primarily used for conditions related to
poor lymph flow, such as edema, inflammation
and neuropathies.
Current Research
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