The 6 most common techniques of massage therapy explained

Massage therapy uses various approaches to treatment depending on your needs. But what are they? We explain the six most common techniques, methods and some of the benefits.

Naturally, this technique applies very gentle stroking motions. Hands are laid flat, side by side, and glide softly over the body.

• This technique often bookends the beginning and the end of a massage, or is used to as a bridge when combining two different techniques.

This is used to relax the body and to alleviate tension built up in pressure points.

• Pressure is applied using various parts of the hand, including the palm, thumbs, and space between the index finger and thumb. Some massage methods not only incorporate hands, but also elbows and feet.

Rubbing massages are used to treat muscles, joints and to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation.

• This type of deep tissue massage undoes knots and relieves muscle pain. The method applies pressure with the thumbs in circular motions while targeting specific areas.

Kneading is another deep tissue technique used to relax the muscles and stimulate circulation. It reduces tension, aches and pain. It is usually very pleasant and deeply relaxing. It often focuses on the trapezius muscles located between the neck and shoulders.

• The therapist's two hands move in opposite directions using the thumbs, fingers and heel of the hand. A higher degree of pressure is applied directly on the muscles to make them move under the skin, which releases tension.

This method involves tapping the body, often the back, buttocks and thighs, alternating between the two hands while using swift motions. The level of pressure depends on your needs.

• Tapping can be done with cupped hands (only the tip of the fingers and the heel of the hand are in contact with the skin) or by resting the hands side by side. This technique is often used in sports therapy and is excellent for stimulating blood circulation.

Among the six most common techniques of massage therapy used,this one stimulates and energizes the nervous and circulatory systems through vibration, as follows:

• The practitioner may lay their hands flat on the body, and without rubbing, gently but quickly shake the muscles. The therapist may also use their fingertips to push the muscles, swinging them from left to right.
• Other vibration techniques hold the arm (or leg), and gently but rapidly wobble the extremities from side to side.