3 Common Types of Massage Therapy

When you enter a massage therapy school, you’ll have a wide selection of types of massage therapy to choose from. A quality school will offer various courses on these types of massage therapy, allowing you to find the one or ones that best fit your skills and career desires. Here are some of the different types of massage therapy that you can study when you take massage therapy courses in Arlington, TX.

Acupressure

While many people are aware of the existence of acupuncture, fewer people are aware of acupressure. This form of treatment has not been around the western world as long as acupuncture but offers many of the same benefits. The purpose of this type of treatment is to apply pressure to specific parts of the body. This will positively impact the energy flow and promote wellness. Different massage strokes might be used on different parts of the body. The right training will teach you how to effectively treat clients using this form of Asian bodywork.

Stone Massage Therapy

Stone massage therapy is the process of placing smooth stones at strategic points on the body to relax the client. These stones are often basalt river stones and this type of therapy is most common in spas. Depending on the client and the practitioner, hot or cold stones might be used to achieve the desired result. Oftentimes, this type of therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of massage therapy. For example, stones might be used to relax a client before a deep tissue massage. This will allow them to experience the benefits of the massage without feeling the pressure that sometimes comes with that type of treatment.

Lymphatic Massage

Developed in the 1930s by Emil Vodder, lymphatic massage is a technique commonly used in medical facilities. It uses four basic motions that allow the practitioner to stretch the skin, encouraging the flow of lymphatic fluid. This type of massage is commonly done in post-surgical scenarios, such as for post-mastectomy patients who are at risk of swelling. It’s also common for those with autoimmune disorders. This is a lighter massage, making it appealing to those that might be sensitive to pain. While it’s commonly used in medical settings, it can also be used in spas to promote relaxation.

There are various types of massage therapy that can be used to help people improve their lives. Understanding the different types will allow you to find the one that best fits what you hope to achieve in your therapeutic career. These are some of the most common techniques that you might learn in massage therapy courses in Arlington, TX.