Massage is an ancient form of theraphy and there are many forms and types of massage systems. But basically all are same in principal. Some of the important ones discussed under are Sports massage, Swedish massage, Deep muscle massage, hot stone massage, thrapeutic massage and many more.
Sports Massage:
This rapidly expanding field is popular among professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Focuses on the use of massage to assist in training, prevent injury, and aid the healing process of soreness/injury. It is used before and after exercise, as well as in the treatments of sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis. Regular sports massage restores the length and suppleness of muscles that become tight and tense from physical exertion. Micro-tears in the muscles from training heal faster because massage aids in circulation of blood and nutrients and enables the body to adapt to increased workloads. And long before an injury becomes painful, the problems required in sports massage may help detect stress areas before they become chronic problems.
Swedish Massage:
Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling Long, smooth, fluid movements aid in relaxation and Muscle nourishment. Consisting of stroking, kneading, applying pressure and stretching.
Deep Muscle/Connective Tissue Massage:
Deep Muscle/Connective Tissue Massage releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. Can be used for specific or full body.
Foot massage or Reflexology:
The Chinese have different points on the sole of the foot that they associate with different organs of the body. This is to do with nerve endings in the sole and in theory is related to acupuncture and acupressure. This requires the patient to soak their foot in a foot bath of warm water and herbs before having this massage therapy done.
Trigger Point or Neuromuscular Therapy: Trigger point therapists (who are usually osteopathic physicians) use finger pressure to release tension in muscles that have become chronically tight from trauma, overuse, or poor posture. Many of these "trigger points" can cause pain in other areas of the body and are the same as those used in acupressure. For example, a therapist might work on your trapezius muscles (the ones between your shoulder blades and your neck) in order to relieve tension headaches.
Lymphatic Drainage:
This is designed to remove toxin build up in the body. This technique is best used in with other types but people that respond well from this type of massage are those that have just given up smoking, on a liver cleansing diet, or if you have had lymph nodes removed it is essential to have lymphatic massage and learn self massage techniques.
Hot Stone Massage:
A Hot Stone massage is a specialty massage using smooth, heated stones to relax, soothe, and release muscle tension. Stones of various shapes and sizes are heated in water and then held by the therapist while performing traditional Swedish massage strokes and techniques. Stones may also be placed along the spine and in the palm of the hands to improve energy flow.
Therapeutic massage:
Massage is one of the oldest of the Health sciences and has been used for curative purposes since time immemorial. Massage treatment uses "TOUCH" to apply pressure to the body's skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments.It is used on patients who have been bed ridden for a time. It is generally performed by a physical therapist.