Massage Glossary

Having some trouble deciding which therapist is best for you? Not sure which method of massage suits you best? Our user-friendly glossary can assist you in defining terms we use in the massage field, to help you get the care and kind of massage you need.
 
 
Modality – Any of the hundreds of methods of massage, from all over the world. Each therapist practices their own unique variety of modalities and blends them together, so that no two massages are the same.
 
Contraindication – Any condition that would prevent the utilization of a specific massage modality; for example : those with neuropathy (numbness) cannot receive Deep Tissue Massage, as they cannot provide proper feedback about pressure – therefore, Deep Tissue Massage is contraindicated for neuropathy (numbness).

Connective Tissue massage – A modality that focuses on the body’s fascia, treating the entire body at once instead of just the muscles of a certain location. The whole body’s fascia is lengthened and released, causing an increase in overall wellness and improved posture.

Craniosacral Therapy – Addresses and assesses the cerebrospinal fluid, which can be restricted by trauma, injury or stress. Craniosacral therapy is incredibly gentle, using no more pressure than the weight of a nickel, but incredibly effective. It is recommended in the treatment of migraines, T.M.J., chronic pain and fibromyalgia. 

Deep Tissue – An intense massage focused on a specific muscle or group of muscles, designed to deconstruct and reorganize the affected tissue.

Fascia – An uninterrupted, three-dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds and penetrates muscles, bones, organs and other bodily structures. It is responsible for maintaining structural integrity and posture, providing support, and acting as a shock absorber for the body. It plays an essential role in healing.

Hot Stone Massage - A therapy that uses hot, soft and round volcanic stones which are placed on specific acupressure points of the body with the aim of relieving stress and tension.

Muscle Energy Technique (M.E.T) – M.E.T. is a manual therapy that uses the gentle muscle contractions of the client to relax and lengthen muscles and normalize joint motion. M.E.T. can be performed on a fully clothed client at any time, and is ideal for increasing flexibility in chronically tight clients.

Myofascial Release – A massage in which the fascia is manipulated, directly or indirectly, allowing the connective tissue fibers to reorganize themselves in a more flexible, functional fashion.

Neuromuscular Therapy – A form of therapy in which semi-static pressure is applied to areas of hypersensitivity known as trigger points, with the aim of muscle lengthening and relaxation.

Reflexology- Also called “zone therapy;” the practice of massaging, squeezing, or pushing on parts of the feet and hands, with the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve general health.

Reiki -  A system of hands-on healing developed in the early 1900s in Japan. A Reiki practitioner will use what they call Universal Energy to heal chronic pain and stress.

Soft Tissue Release - A combination of movement and manipulation that is extremely versatile. The essence of this approach is a method of applying pressure to a muscle at the same time the muscle is being stretched in order to diminish the formation of scar tissue.

Sports Massage - Sports massage is a form of bodywork geared toward 
participants in athletics.  It is used to help prevent injuries, to prepare and maintain the body through athletic activity, and to help athletes recover from workouts and injuries. A sports massage session can be tailored to your specific needs, administered before or after your activity, and even performed just as well through clothing. 

Swedish Massage – A system of therapeutic massage for the muscles and joints, developed in Sweden in the 19th century. It has become the most common form of massage taught and practiced in the U.S. today, most massage as you are probably familiar with it has its basis in Swedish Massage.

Trigger Point – A hyperirritable knot in skeletal muscle, usually identified by  palpation and subsequent referral pain. The source of a great many musculoskeletal complaints.