Trigger Point Therapy
The goal of Trigger Point Therapy is to identify a trigger site in the muscle fiber. Trigger Points tend to form due to hyperirritable spots in the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle. Trigger Points are described as taunt bands of knotted muscle, which can be found by running a finger perpendicular to the muscle fiber. Trigger Points display a muscle twitch, radiate pain, and are taunt or have a hard nodule. Treatment of Trigger Points requires identification, deactivating and elongating the structures affected along their natural range of motion and length. Trigger Point Therapy can be useful by itself or as a support to other massage modalities. This therapy can be applied with clothes on or removed to the client’s comfort level with use of proper draping techniques.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is “the movement of contractile or inert tissues in such a way as to effect change in that structure or its related elements. The assessment and treatment are directed at soft tissues with the techniques being active, passive, or both, and may or may not include bone motion. The effect of this treatment may be demonstrated in a change in the targeted soft tissues, the articular structures, neural system, or vascular system. Examples of the use of soft tissue range from facilitation of fluid exchange or restoration of movement in the acutely edematous muscle lesion, to stretching of adaptive shortened contractile or connective tissue. The techniques are applied specifically at the targeted tissues, with skilled manual techniques, to facilitate the healing process or restore tissue to optimal functional capacity.”-Source: American Medical Association, CPT Assistant Newsletter, Summer 1995. Myofascial techniques are useful by themselves or as a support to other massage modalities. This therapy can be applied with clothes on or removed to the client’s comfort level with use of proper draping techniques.
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage Therapy is the distillation of ancient Chinese techniques that were observed and studied by a French doctor who traveled to China in the 16th Century. The writing of Per Henrik Ling of Sweden became the standard massage system known throughout the world. It consists of five basic techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration. Swedish Massage provides some of the following beneficial effects: 1) dilates blood vessels, improving the circulation and relieving congestion, 2) relaxes muscle spasm and relieves tension, 3) improves muscle tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy, 4) improves the general circulation and nutrition of tissues, 5) helps lessen inflammation and swelling in joints and so alleviates pain, and 6) disperses edema. Swedish Massage is traditionally applied with oils, although the therapist may use lotions to apply the techniques. Swedish massage provides the ability to work on the client for both the purpose of relaxation and therapeutic goals. This therapy is applied with clothes removed to the client’s comfort level with use of proper draping techniques.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary health therapy, based on the theory that different parts of the feet, lower leg, hands or face correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists work holistically with their clients and aim to work alongside allopathic healthcare to promote better health for their clients. The therapist uses rhythmic process of working on the feet and then the hands. The therapist rhythm creates a relaxing atmosphere. Reflexology’s aim is to correct three negative factors involved in the disease process: congestion, inflammation, and tension. Congested conditions are responsible for bringing about growths; inflammatory conditions can cause colitis, bronchitis, or sinusitis; and tension is responsible for lowering the efficiency of the immune system. The client should wear comfortable clothes, such as a t-shirt and shorts, or sweats.
Hot Stone Therapy
Hot Stone Therapy was practiced by Tibetan Monks and American Indians. Deeper levels of relaxation can be achieved by placing or moving heated stones over the skin to increase circulation, relax muscles, and soothe the mind. People with diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis, Tendonitis or Osteoarthritis can benefit from Hot Stone Therapy due to increased circulation to the adhesions in the muscles surrounding the joints and the removal of adhesions in soft tissue. Hot Stone Therapy is applied with lotion and the use of hot stones. The therapist places the stones on the client on top of a flannel sheet. After the client is warmed by the stones, the therapist uses the stones to massage the client. This technique is both relaxing and therapeutic. This therapy is applied with clothes removed to the client’s comfort level with use of proper draping techniques.
Cold Stone Therapy
Cold Stone Therapy is applied when there is inflammation in body, and is usually applied in combination with hot stones. The goal is to cool the tissues to bring down swelling, and then heat the tissues again, to bring the blood rushing in to clean and filtrate the tissues. This therapy is applied with clothes removed to the client’s comfort level with use of proper draping techniques.
