Deep Blue Massage Modalities

The term "massage" includes dozens of disciplines which share the use of pressure, friction and strain upon the muscles and joints of the body for therapeutic physical responses. This is a short description of modalities that I use in my massage practice.

is the use of plant essential oils for health and beauty treatment. It is often combined with massage since oils can be used to carry the plant essential oils while also allowing more pressure to be applied to muscles. Health benefits are associated with specific choices of scent, as well as various pleasing moods that can be experienced through the fragrances.

refers to a collection of techniques (long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction) on the more superficial layers of muscles, generally in the direction of blood flow toward the heart. It is used to promote general relaxation, improve circulation, remove metabolic waste products and relieve muscle tension. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. Swedish massage is the most common form of massage, and helps the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it.

can be considered to be a type of myofascial release that is especially suited to addressing tensions in the Craniosacral system: the membranes that contain the cerebrospinal fluid within the head and spinal column, as well as the cranial (head and face) bones to which these membranes are attached. Release of restrictions in these membranes and at the sutures between the cranial lobes is deeply relaxing and may relieve certain types of headache, spinal nerve problems, tempororomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and stress in the nervous system. Other body functions can also benefit and emotional tension may be discharged through the process of Somato-Emotional Release.

is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction directed with and against the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. It is applied with greater pressure and to deeper layers of muscle than Swedish massage.

is a whole body, hands on approach to treatment, producing a profound healing effect upon the body tissues, eliminating pain and restoring motion. The theory of Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the fascial system.

Malfunction of the fascial system due to trauma, posture, and repetitive stress injuries, scarring, and/or inflammation can create a tightening of the fascia, resulting in abnormal pressure on nerves, muscles, bones, or organs. This can create pain or malfunction throughout the body, sometimes with bizarre side effects and seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Myofascial release techniques (application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning, skin rolling, arm/leg pulls, fascial unwinds) are used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia). Clients bodies respond to these techniques with a releasing of muscle spasms, releasing tension that has been stored in their fascia. This allows more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures. If the cause of the fascial restriction was due to emotional trauma, those feelings may be re-experienced as the tissues unwind. This is normal and no cause for alarm; once fully released the tissue can return to it's normal function.

is a holistic approach to natural health care.The human body has an electromagnetic field that penetrates and surrounds it, influencing its state of health. The field is influenced by contact with other fields of similar frequency. i.e. other people, particularly their touch. Energy fields exist everywhere in nature, and that the flow and balance of this energy in the human body is the underlying foundation of health. Stress, tension, pain, inflexible thinking, and environmental stimuli are among many factors that can contribute to the restriction of this energy flow in the human body. Such energy blocks can be released by the use of four therapeutic methods: bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness. The founder of Polarity Therapy, Dr. Randolph Stone DO, DC, ND, emphasized the interdependence of body, emotions, mind and spirit. Polarity therapy includes gentle body manipulation and holding pressure points (poles) as well as counseling on developing positive thoughts and attitudes, understanding the principles of food combining and easy exercises to increase energy flow. Polarity is often used by care givers in conjunction with many other therapies.

uses techniques that are similar to Swedish and deep-tissue massage but are specially adapted to deal with the needs of athletes and the effects of athletic performance on the body.

alleviates muscle spasms and referral pain due to trigger points (TrP). "Trigger points" are often tender areas located within a tight band of muscle fibers that are highly sensitve and painful when aggravated. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle. Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. The major goals are to locate and deactivate the TrP's, reduce spasm, inducing new blood flow into the affected area. Pressure is applied to TrP's for a short time (between 7 to 10 seconds, usually 3x), which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process and re-educate the muscles about their new length. People with acute or chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment.

uses advanced concepts in pressure therapy to break the stress-tension-pain cycle. It is a form of massage that is applied specifically to individual muscles, used to increase blood flow, release trigger points (intense spots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body), and release pressure on nerves caused by soft tissues. It is often used to reduce pain. It aims to relax muscle so that circulation can increase and the body will return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance.

improves the flow of lymph by using light, rhythmic strokes. It is primarily used for conditions related to poor lymph flow, such as edema, inflammation, and neuropathies.

is the use of cold (gel packs or ice) to eliminate swelling; or the use of hot (hot, moist packs) to eliminate muscle stiffness or tension. Either can may be provided by therapist during a massage therapy session or recommended for use as part of a home care program.

is done to increase joint mobility and improve muscle tone, and provides relief from muscle stiffness and tension.

There are many more types of massage and bodywork than those I have detailed here. For more information please visit the links section of this website.