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Types of Massage

There are a variety of different styles, types and techniques of massage utilized by massage therapists. We've provided a description of some of the more popular and well known types of massage being used today.


» Medical/Sports Massage
» Lymphatic Drainage
» Stone Massage
» Swedish Massage


Stone Massage

A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes. The hot stones used are commonly river stones which over time, have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.[2]


Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a gentle, rhythmic massage that uses long flowing strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles promoting relaxation, better circulation and improves body function. This is the most traditional method of full body massage.

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Lymphatic drainage therapy is the natural function of the lymphatic system, which is an essential part of immunity. If this function isn't working properly, it can cause a build-up of fluid in tissues as well as more serious medical problems like lymphagitis and lymphoma. Though most of the conditions caused by poor lymphatic drainage are treatable, some require prompt hospitalization and immediate medical care, since they can easily spread throughout the body. There is also a type of therapeutic massage called Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) to help this system work and to treat some of the conditions associated with the lymphatic system.

LDT consists of specific movements that are used to lightly push lymph through the system, helping it to drain out of the tissues and move throughout the body. This treatment is commonly used to help with lymphedema, which can be caused by heart problems, wearing tight-fitting clothing, and injuries like sprains and fractures. It also sometimes happens a side effect of chemotherapy treatments and surgeries done to remove breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Medical/Sports Massage

Medical massage is a results-oriented therapy, medical massage works toward resolving specific conditions that a physician has diagnosed in a patient. More a style than a set of techniques, medical massage therapy employs a variety of modalities and procedures to treat the particular areas of a patient's body suffering from injury or pain. Working hand-in-hand with physicians to achieve the best possible health outcomes for the patient.




[1] Content Copyright ProfessionalPlanets.com LLC dba MassagePlanet.com
[2] Content Obtained from Wikipedia.com.