The five basic massage techniques are: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Effleurage uses long, smooth strokes down the body. Petrissage kneads muscles. Friction applies pressure back and forth across tissues. Tapotement uses quick tapping or percussion movements. Vibration gently shakes the tissues. These all stimulate blood flow and relax muscles.
Additional Techniques and Benefits
Other techniques include compression, stretching, myofascial release, shiatsu, reflexology, trigger point therapy, and craniosacral therapy. Massage helps reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility and circulation, reduce anxiety and stress, aid injury recovery, and promote overall wellness. It is applied using different pressures and movements depending on the individual’s needs. Effects can last from a few hours to a few days. While usually beneficial, deep pressures could occasionally cause mild soreness or bruising that resolves quickly. Communicate with your therapist about discomfort and preferences. Consistent massage can have cumulative long-term benefits for muscle and body health.
Importance of Communication in Massage Therapy
Pressures are adjusted based on individual needs. Communicate with your therapist about discomfort and preferences to ensure the massage is beneficial and tailored to your needs. Consistent massage can have long term benefits for health.