The art of body massage has been around sine pre-historic cave men found relief by rubbing a sprained leg or ankle. Throughout the ages, various forms of massage have been practiced by virtually all civilizations. The most common ones in practice today are either various forms of European or Swedish massage, and those originating in India and other Asiatic countries, as well as in Greece and ancient Rome. Some of the most common forms of European body massage in use to day are noted here:
Swedish massage is one of the most common and successful forms of body massage in practice today. This technique involves the use of five basic strokes which are effleurage or gentle stroking; Petrissage, which involves grabbing and lifting the muscles; friction by working the hands and thumbs deep into the muscles; Tapotement, involving chopping or beating stokes; and vibration by shaking the hands rapidly on the areas being massaged in vibration-like movements.
Deep tissue massage is used in many Asiatic massage techniques and involves using direct pressure of hands, elbows and fingers to reach the deeper muscles of the body. These massage techniques involve using slow, even strokes which have been proven to bring relief to persons suffering from various forms of tension and chronic fatigue.
Sports massage incorporates techniques similar to both Swedish and deep tissue massage, but with the emphasis of treating strains and injuries suffered by athletes during training and sporting events. Sports massage was first used by both the ancient Greeks and Romans before sporting events and on soldiers and gladiators prior to entering combat. The use of message on muscles and joints prior to competition in sporting events helps the athlete relax and concentrate on competing in the event.
Neuromuscular message is a deep tissue massage focused on increasing blood flow, reducing pain, and increasing pressure on nerves and muscles after traumatic injuries such as accidents. These techniques are effective in freeing “muscle knots” and other pain centers in the back, neck and limbs.
Feldenkrais is both a massage and exercise technique that is becoming very popular for older persons, especially those recovering from a stroke or other incapacity. By practicing slow, gentle movements, persons practicing the technique are performing a self –massage technique that enables them to improve movement in parts of the body that have been incapacitated. Massage methods involve slow, gentle movements that concentrate on the areas where movement has been limited or incapacitated.
There are other techniques including trager, gentle rocking movements, rolfing, which concentrates on improving posture, and cranial sacrotherapy which is often used by Chiropractors to treat problems relating to the neck and spine. The proper technique necessary is dependent on the type of condition being treated.
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