Therapeutic massage, manipulating body tissue with the hands, heals muscles and promotes better circulation. First used over 3,000 years ago by the Chinese, massage therapy was a mainstay among other ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Japanese, Egyptians, Romans and Arabs. A Swedish gymnastics instructor, Per Henrik Ling, developed modern massage therapy in the early 19th century. The Swedish method combined exercise with massage to treat joint and muscle pain. In the 1850s, George and Charles Taylor, two brothers who studied massage in Sweden, brought this method to the U.S. Today it is a common treatment technique.

Three types of hand movements are used by massage therapists. Stroking, which can be light or hard, is meant to relax muscles and improve circulation. Compression—including kneading, squeezing and friction—stretches muscles and tendons to facilitate movement. Percussion, repeatedly striking the massage point with the sides of the hands, improves circulation. Massage therapy is effective for patients who suffer a range of conditions from arthritis to paralysis. It is often used to relieve pain and reduce swelling.

Common Types of Massage Therapy

Swedish Massage
The most widely used method today, Swedish massage uses stroking, kneading and friction techniques on the superficial layers of muscles, while incorporating movement of the joints.

Contemporary Western Massage Therapy
Popular techniques: Neuromuscular massage releases tension and heals connective tissues, tendons and nerves. Sports massage concentrates on the toll specific athletic activities take on the body. Myotherapy uses deep finger pressure to find and relieve points of tension.

Chinese Massage (Tuina or Anmo):
Chinese massage therapy differs from other methods mainly because it integrates acupuncture theory. While using techniques like kneading, shaking, rocking, gliding and friction, pressure is applied to specific points believed to stimulate the body's energy flow.

Structural Realignment and Movement Integration (Including Feldenkrais, Rolfing and Alexander Technique)
This style focuses on soft tissues, posture and motion—realigning the body in relation to gravity or correcting patterns of movement.

Common Treatment Techniques

Active Release Techniques (ART)
Overused muscles and tendons produce scar tissue which blocks blood flow to the nerves, often resulting in numbness, tingling, burning or aching. Chronic back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, knee problems and tennis elbow are some of the problems ART can relieve. The technique involves stretching the effected muscle or tendon taut and then using the thumbs to break up the scar tissue.

Acupressure (Shiatsu)
Japanese massage stimulates points along the body's meridians, or energy pathways, by using pressure. Corresponding points on both sides of the body are stimulated at the same time. Firm pressure is applied using the fingers or thumbs, just to the verge of pain. Pressure is either maintained for one to three minutes or applied at intervals of ten seconds.

Alexander Technique
An instructor guides students to master correct posture while sitting, standing and walking. This reduces stress on the body.

Aromatherapy
Meant to soothe or invigorate the mind, aromatherapy is commonly used in conjunction with massage therapy to intensify benefits.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy
This method corrects cerebral and spinal imbalances.

Deep Muscle Therapy
Focusing on deep layers of muscle releases chronic tension in the body. This technique uses slow strokes and strong pressure.

Esalen Massage
This full-body massage developed by the Esalen Institute, based in Big Sur, California, concentrates on relaxation, starting with gentle strokes and progressing to deeper massage.

Feldenkrais Method
Focusing on awareness of the body in one's environment, it aims to expand movement and improve function.

Kinesiology
By looking at structural, chemical and mental states of health, muscle imbalances are identified and then treated through massage, diet, acupuncture, therapy or any other technique the practitioner sees as appropriate.

LaStone Therapy
Stone massage fosters healing, relaxation and a spiritual connection to the earth. Warm stones increase circulation and promote relaxation for deep tissue massage. Cold stones decrease inflammation.

Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage
Also called "loving hand" massage—the practitioner uses gentle but deep flowing strokes—this technique allows the client to relax completely, promoting balanced energy flow throughout the body.

Maxiofacial Release
By using long strokes, the goal is to balance the body by releasing tension in the facial muscles.

Manual Lymph Drainage
Light pressure is applied to the skin in the direction of the heart. This facilitates lymphatic drainage, which improves immunity.

On-site Massage (chair or corporate massage)
A 15- to 30-minute massage meant to promote relaxation and improve circulation, it is administered while the client is clothed and seated in a chair that slopes forward, giving access to the client's back.

Prenatal Massage
This gentle massage reduces discomfort and increases positive emotions in pregnant women. (Note: Because some massage can induce labor, a physician's referral is often required.)

Reflexology
A massage that focuses on acupuncture points in hands and feet linked to other parts of the body through energy pathways.

Rosen Method
Gentle touching and verbal communication release emotions and muscular tension.

Trigger Point Therapy (Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy)
Pressure is applied to specific muscles to stop spasm or pain.

Credentials

Thirty-eight states regulate or license physical therapists, and each of these states has different laws regarding the practice. Accredited massage therapy educational programs have been developed recently. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, regulates the educational standards of accredited massage therapy programs. There are currently 70 programs in the U.S. accredited by COMTA. The American Massage Therapy Association, (AMTA), is one such organization formed to promote massage therapy and represents about half of all certified massage therapists in the U.S. AMTA also strives to maintain legal, ethical and educational standards for its certified members. Massage therapists can become nationally certified by meeting specific standards of education, experience, training and, ultimately, by completing a certification exam. There are about 120,000 certified massage therapists in the U.S. today.

Last Reviewed: May 12, 2006
Last Reviewed By: Kirsten Vala