Archive for the 'myofascial' Category

Massage Students Should Gain Exposure to Eastern and Western Techniques

Published
by
Terry
on July 22, 2009
in accupressure, asian massage, deep tissue, massage techniques, myofascial, swedish massage, thai massage and types of massage
. 1 Comment

By Courtney Slivka

Put quite simply, most massage traditions are categorized as either Eastern or Western. Yet travel around the world and you will probably find both Eastern and Western offerings in each city, sometimes even offered within the same establishment, and even by the same therapist. So what differentiates Eastern massage techniques from Western massage traditions? The categories arise from the origins of each form of massage.

Eastern traditions of bodywork are often thought to be the oldest traditions in the world. Many of these techniques arose in the ancient civilizations of Asia, yet the traditions are still practiced even today. Eastern forms of bodywork include Shiatsu, Thai massage, and acupressure, though there are numerous other techniques as well. Many of these schools of thought focus on the traditional Asian ideas of medicine and the human body, which varies in many ways from today’s modern beliefs about human science.

The Western theories of massage are much newer in comparison to many of the Eastern techniques. Today the most popular form of Western massage theory is Swedish massage. It is a therapeutic form of massage meant to enhance overall well-being by promoting relaxation. In addition, deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release have all evolved from the basic techniques of Swedish massage.

Many American massage schools focus primarily on the Western techniques of massage since it is the one most commonly practiced in American spas, gyms, health clubs, and more. Nevertheless the Eastern bodywork traditions are also quite popular, and even schools with a Western based curriculum include at least basic introductions to some of the Eastern techniques.

As a student of massage therapy, it is advisable to at least get a taste of a number of different techniques. Then you will have the information and experience to choose a tradition to study further, or incorporate into your own practice. Along with learning each tradition in school, take time to schedule sessions with professionals in each of the different areas of massage. You can experience the different types of massage first hand, and see which type you would most like to perform on a regular basis.

Trigger Point Massage – Part II

Published
by
Terry
on April 15, 2009
in accupressure, massage specialties, myofascial and trigger point massage
. 0 Comments

Benefits of Trigger Point Massage

Many individuals seek trigger point massage when other attempts at pain relief have failed. This means that there is often an understanding of the location and source of pain prior to the first appointment, which the massage therapist can use to help determine what trigger points to target during the massage. Other individuals may need to undergo a thorough exam to determine where to focus the massage – most often in areas where tension or injury has shortened the muscle.

Trigger point massage is used to treat pain associated with:

•    Everyday stress
•    Injuries due to overuse or muscle strain
•    Tennis elbow
•    Carpal tunnel syndrome
•    Accident injuries, particularly whiplash or other muscle-based disorders
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Arthritis
•    Sciatica

For most types of chronic pain, it is necessary to get trigger point massage on a regular (oftentimes weekly) basis. That’s because although it has proven effective in the management of pain, it is only a temporary solution for diseases or disorders that constantly wear on the body and the muscular system. For example, individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia often use regular trigger point massage sessions as a way to get to the root of the pain, since many individuals believe that the disease as its origins in trigger point pain and muscle problems.

The Future of Trigger Point Massage

Although trigger point massage is adopted by many medical professionals and massage therapists, it is not embraced by the medical community as a whole. Like acupressure or acupuncture, much of the medical basis lies not in Western medical “rules,” but in Eastern philosophies and whole body wellness. Massage therapists can get specialized training at certain schools around the United States that offer programs in trigger point.