Massage Terminology

p>How many times have been to a massagePetrissage: A kneading stroke used by massage
therapist, a doctors office, even your localtherapists. This stroke is designed to lift and
mechanic and been told something in a languageknead the tissues. It helps in removing the
you don't understand. Even though English wasmetabolic wastes that have built up in muscle
spoken, the words just made no sense to you.tissue. It also helps to draw new blood to the
Like most people you politely smile, nod yourtissues.
head in agreement and leave wondering justFriction: Also referred as cross fiber friction. This
exactly what he meant.stroke is most commonly used by the therapists
You may have done this because you did notfingers or thumbs. The therapist will sink into the
want to look "stupid" in front of the person whomuscle with his fingers, then rapidly move them
was talking to you. You have probably heard thisback and forth across the muscle. This helps in
before, but it needs saying again - "There are nobreaking down tight knots that have built up in the
stupid questions!" Especially when it comes to yourmuscle tissue.
health. If you don't understand what you areNerve Strokes: This is a form of effleurage that
being told, ask for it to be repeated in a way thatinvolves a light touch. It is usually done in a
you can understand.manner that is both light in touch and quick in
Professional people use a language all their own.movement. It's purpose is to stimulate the area
Depending on what profession the person belongsafter it has been worked with other methods.
to, dictates the language they use. When theTapotement: This is what you have seen in the
professional is dealing with the general public, theymovies. The boxer that lays on the table while
sometimes forget that they need to usesome big burly guy appears to be beating on the
"laymans" terms in order to be understood. Aboxers back. In reality there are many forms of
good professional will take the time to make suretapotement, from light finger tapping to the
you understand what you are being told. Theyheavy beating. This is generally used at the end of
have to, if they want your business. If they area massage session and it helps stimulate the
unwilling to make themselves clear to you, then ittissues.
might be a good time to seek another opinion.Stripping: This is a stroke used by massage
In the massage profession, a therapist is taughttherapist that is designed to help lengthen a
the specific terms used in massage. Once amuscle. Usually the therapist uses his thumbs and
massage therapist learns these terms, they tendwhile applying pressure he glides the full length of
to use them. One reason is so that there can bethe muscle that is being worked on.
no confusion as to exactly what they are talkingAll Knotted UpThere are different terms for the
about. That is of course if they are talking todifferent conditions of a muscle. These can vary
another massage therapist. Sometimes theywildly and mean different things to different
forget that they are not always talking topeople. You might hear your therapist say "That's
someone who understands massage terminology.a ropey knot." What he may be referring to is a
In this age of the Internet and the Informationlong tight band of muscle. Two forms of knots
Super Highway a lot of people are educatingthat have definitive meanings are trigger points
themselves. I believe this is an excellent thing toand tender points.
practice. The massage terminology I am going toTrigger Points: There are several types of trigger
list is not definitive, but only some of the morepoints; active, latent, primary, and satellite. For the
common terms. I will attempt to explain each onepurpose of this article we are going to just call
in plain English.them trigger points. Basically a trigger point is a
Massage Terminology:knot in the belly of a muscle that when pressed
Types Of Massageon, refers pain to a specific point in the body.
Swedish Massage: One of the most commonTrigger points are knots that are in a constant
forms of massage therapy. It is a very relaxingstate of contraction. Normal massage strokes will
and therapeutic form of bodywork.not "release" a trigger point. A massage therapist
Hot Stone Massage: A massage that uses basalthas to use direct pressure on the trigger point to
stones that are heated. They aide the therapist ininterrupt the nerve impulse that is causing the
providing deep penetrating heat to the muscles.muscle contraction.
Deep Tissue Massage: A form of massageTender Points are similar to trigger points with the
therapy that uses a lot of pressure to relievedifference being a tender point does not refer
muscle tension.pain when pressure is applied. The method for
Sports Massage: A form of massage therapyreleasing a tender point is different also. The
designed for athletes. It's more vigorous than atherapist must place the muscle in a passively
Swedish Massage.contracted state until the tender point relaxes and
Trigger Point Therapy: A form of massagedissipates.
therapy designed to release a specific type ofSome Miscellaneous Terms
knot in the muscle. (see "All Knotted Up" below)Fascia: is a layer of connective tissue. Fascia is
Therapeutic or Medical Massage: A form offound throughout the human body. Think of it as
massage therapy designed to work specifica nylon stocking wrapping everything in the body.
muscles.This is what helps hold everything in its place.
Seated Massage: A form of massage therapyTendons: These connect the muscle to the bone.
that uses a specially designed chair for theLigaments: These connect bones to bones.
bodywork.Draping: A technique used to cover a client in
Reflexology: A form of bodywork that usesorder to protect the clients modesty.
pressure points in the feet, hands and ears toDrape: The material used for draping, this can be
stimulate the corresponding body organs.a sheet, pillow case, towel, etc.
Pregnancy Massage: This is also referred as sideFace Cradle: The area where a client rests their
lying massage. It is used for pregnant womenface on a massage table.
(obviously) but also used for specialBolster: A specifically designed cushion to aide in
circumstances. A client may be physicallythe clients comfort while lying on the massage
handicapped, or in pain that prevents him fromtable.
lying face up or face down on the table.Lotion, Oil, Gel: The lubricant used to aide the
Energy Work: This involves many differenttherapist in giving a massage.
massage modalities. It comes from EasternProne: This is the face down position when a client
Medicine and the belief that there is more to theis on the massage table.
human body than what can be seen physically.Supine: This is the face up position when a client is
Most of these modalities date back thousands ofon the massage table.
years. Western cultures and medicine are onlyAs stated earlier, this is not a definitive list of
just starting to realize that energy work is real,massage terminology. These are some of the
although inexplicable.more common terms used by most massage
Different Strokes For Different Folkstherapists. The next time your massage therapist
Effleurage: A gliding stroke used by massageuses any of these terms; you will know what he
therapists. This is typically used at the beginningis talking about. You can be proud that the power
and end of the massage. It's purpose is to warmof educating yourself has payed off!
the tissues by providing increased circulation.