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Glossary
of Terms
Cranio-Sacral
– is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral
and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause
sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.
Deep
Tissue – releases
the chronic patterns of tension in the body through
slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted
areas, either following or going across the grain
of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep
tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers
of muscle tissue.
Effleurage
– is a stroke generally used in a Swedish massage
treatment. This smooth, gliding stroke is used to
relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.
Friction – is the
deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke encompasses
deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue causing
the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each
other. The result causes an increase in blood flow
to the massaged area.
Massage Therapy -
"Means the manipulation of soft tissue by hand
or through a mechanical or electrical apparatus for
the purpose of body massage and includes effleurage
(stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion),
compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and
Swedish gymnastics. (State of Texas)"
Myofascial Release
– is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature
and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension
in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized
to release muscular tension.
On-site Massage (also known
as chair massage or corporate massage)
– is administered while the client is clothed and
seated in a specially designed chair. These chairs
most often slope forward allowing access to the large
muscles of the back. On-site massage usually lasts
between 15 and 30 minutes and is intended to relax
and improve circulation.
Outcall - Massage
therapy services performed at the client's home, office,
hotel, or other location. Also known as a housecall
massage, or on-site massage.
Petrissage (also called kneading)
– involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles
and usually follows effleurage during Swedish massage.
Reflexology – massage
based around a system of points in the hands and feet
thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all
areas of the body.
Registered Massage Therapist
- In the State of Texas, a person having completed
the education requirements, written and practical
tests required to become authorized by the State of
Texas Department of State Health Services, Massage
Therapy Board to perform Massage Therapy. Essentially
registration is a license. In Texas all persons performing
massage therapy must be Registered Massage Therapists
or otherwise licensed to perform massage therapy such
as a Physical Therapist.
Rosen Method – utilizes
gentle touch and verbal communication to help clients
to release suppressed emotions and subsequently muscular
tension in some instances.
Shiatsu and Acupressure
– Oriental-based systems of finger-pressure which
treat special points along acupuncture "meridians"
(the invisible channels of energy flow in the body).
Sports Massage –
massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant
to a particular sport.
Swedish
Massage – a system of long strokes, kneading
and friction techniques on the more superficial layers
of the muscles, combined with active and passive movements
of the joints.
Tapotement – is executed
with cupped hands, fingers or the edge of the hand
with short, alternating taps to the client.
Trigger Point Therapy (also
known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy)
– applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger
points" (painful irritated areas in muscles)
to break cycles of spasm and pain.
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