massage terminology

How many times have been to a massage therapist, a doctor's office, even your local mechanic and been told something in a language you don't understand. Even though English was spoken, the words just made no sense to you. Like most people you politely smile, nod your head in agreement and leave wondering just exactly what he meant. You may have done this because you didn't want to look "stupid" in front of the person who was talking to you. You've probably heard this before, but it needs saying again - "There are no stupid questions!" Especially when it comes to your health. If you don't understand what you are being told, ask for it to be repeated in a way that you can understand.

In this age of the Internet and the Information Super Highway a lot of people are educating themselves. I believe this is an excellent thing to practice. The massage terminology I am going to list is not definitive, but only some of the more common terms. I will attempt to explain each one in plain English.

Types of massage: (See our massage services for pricing)

* Swedish Massage: One of the most common forms of massage therapy and a very relaxing and therapeutic form of bodywork.

* Deep Tissue Massage: A form of massage therapy that uses a lot of pressure to relieve muscle tension.

* Hot Stone Massage: A massage that uses basalt stones that are heated. They aide the therapist in providing deep penetrating heat to the muscles.

* Sports Massage: A form of massage therapy designed for athletes. It's more vigorous than a Swedish Massage.

* Therapeutic Massage: A form of massage therapy designed to work specific muscles.

* Seated Massage: A form of massage therapy that uses a specially designed chair for the bodywork.

* Reflexology: A form of bodywork that uses pressure points in the feet, hands and ears to stimulate the corresponding body organs.

* Pregnancy Massage: This is also referred as side lying massage. It is used for pregnant women (obviously) but also used for special circumstances. A client may be physically handicapped, or in pain that prevents him from lying face up or face down on the table.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

* Effleurage: A gliding stroke used at the beginning and end of the massage. It's purpose is to warm the tissues by providing increased circulation.

* Petrissage: A kneading stroke designed to lift and knead the tissues. It helps in removing the metabolic wastes that have built up in muscle tissue.

* Friction: The therapist will sink into the muscle with his fingers, then rapidly move them back and forth across the muscle. This helps in breaking down tight knots that have built up in the muscle tissue.

* Tapotement: This is what you have seen in the movies. The boxer that lays on the table while some big burly guy appears to be beating on the boxers back. In reality there are many forms of tapotement, from light finger tapping to the heavy beating. This is generally used at the end of a massage session and it helps stimulate the tissues.

All Knotted Up

There are different terms for the different conditions of a muscle. Two forms of knots that have definitive meanings are trigger points and tender points.

Trigger Points: Basically a trigger point is a knot in the belly of a muscle that when pressed on, refers pain to a specific point in the body. Trigger points are knots that are in a constant state of contraction. Normal massage strokes will not "release" a trigger point. A massage therapist has to use direct pressure on the trigger point to interrupt the nerve impulse that is causing the muscle contraction.

Tender Points are similar to trigger points with the difference being a tender point does not refer pain when pressure is applied. The method for releasing a tender point is different also. The therapist must place the muscle in a passively contracted state until the tender point relaxes and dissipates.

As stated earlier, this is not a definitive list of massage terminology. These are some of the more common terms used by most massage therapists. The next time your massage therapist uses any of these terms; you will know what he is talking about. You can be proud that the power of educating yourself has paid off!