Massage is generally considered part of complementary and integrative medicine. It's increasingly being offered alongside standard treatments for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
In practice, many massage therapists use more than one technique or method in their work, and sometimes combine several. Effective massage therapists ascertain each person's needs and then use the techniques that will best meet those needs.
Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, generally in the direction of blood flow toward the heart, and sometimes combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It is used to promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction directed across the grain of the muscles. It is applied with greater pressure and to deeper layers of muscle than Swedish, which is why it is called deep tissue, and is effective for chronic muscular tension.
Sports massage includes techniques such as deep tissue and trigger point massage. The treatment is more targeted and focuses on treating minor and chronic injuries, and improving posture. Therapists generally use a wider range of techniques, including active and passive stretching to help realign and loosen muscle fibres. Releasing tightness in muscles is a key objective.
Neuromuscular massage is a form of deep massage that is applied to individual muscles. It is used primarily to release trigger points (intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body) and also to increase blood flow. It is often used to reduce pain. Trigger point massage and myotherapy are similar forms.
Acupressure applies finger or thumb pressure to specific points located on the energy pathways or ‘meridians’ in order to release blocked energy that may be causing physical discomfort. The rebalance of energy flow releases tension and restores the function of organs and muscles in the body. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure that applies these principles.