Basic techniques of massage

In this blog, Step Above Massage Clinic, wants to talk about basic massage techniques that is being used in Swedish and deep tissue massage. Basic massage techniques goes into six categories, effleurage, petrissage, friction, compression, tapotement and vibration. we are going to introduce these six techniques and talk about benefits of them.

Long strokes along the body with gliding movements which is with deeper pressure in one direction and reduced pressure in another Direction. Movements are normally linear, but sometimes it could be circular. In Swedish massage effleurage is with lighter pressure. The goal is introducing clients body to pressure moving fluid in the body. Deep effleurage is a technique for deep tissue massage. Deeper pressure applies into the muscles. Massage therapist with leaning his/her body weight in to the client’s tissue will achieve to desirable depth of pressure.

This technique is working on shorter muscle fibers, part of a muscle or bundle of muscles. Massage therapist can apply this technique with rhythmic lifting, compressing, and releasing soft tissue of the body such as muscles or fascia. This technique can help to reduce muscle tension and minimize scar Tissue formation.
Benefits of this technique are increasing blood and lymph circulation, decrease pain and muscle soreness, increase the range of motion, and increase relaxation.

This technique applies in a small area which one body surface is pressed over another with applying pressure. Pressure is deeper when massage therapist apply frictions.
Benefits of this technique can be warming up the soft tissue to help applying other techniques, decrease scar Tissue formation, decrease muscle soreness, increase range of motion, and increase relaxation. Also if you apply this technique before starting trigger points or pressure points techniques, it can help reduce pain significantly.

Compression is another massage technique. Compression is a none-gliding technique. This technique get help from squeezing and releasing the muscles. Two types of compression existed, sustained and rhythmic. In sustained compression, we press the muscle for a period of time, then release it. Rhythmic compression is applying quick pressures and releases for several times.

This technique is made of rapid pounding on client’s skin. Benefits of this technique can be increasing blood flow and muscle relaxation.

This technique is made of shaking, trembling, or rocking the body or part of the body.

These are the main techniques in Swedish and deep tissue massage that is being used on Step Above Massage.

Our Massage therapists in our Raleigh, NC Massage Clinic will add all of these techniques and other modalities to your massage appointment to make sure you as a valuable client have your best massage experience.