In massage therapy, there are many modalities, or types of massage, that can be offered to clients. From Swedish and sports massage to shiatsu and even Reiki, there are a variety of modalities and each serves a different purpose.

Some styles are commonly taught in massage schools and others are less common, but these styles also have their place. Each of these types of massage can be used singly or in unison with other modalities, making massage a therapeutic practice that can be used to create individual therapies for clients of all ages and backgrounds.

Massage Therapy Commonly Taught in Schools

While there are many forms of massage therapy that exist and are regularly practiced, massage schools tend to concentrate on a smaller number of them. As the most commonly practiced, they are modalities that clients may expect professionals to know and they are also the ones they will be most likely to look for.

• Swedish massage originated in Sweden in the early 1800s. It involves using oils and manipulating the superficial layers of muscles and even joints during therapy. It is perhaps the most common form of massage.

• Shiatsu is a traditional form of Japanese massage therapy. In shiatsu, a mat on the floor is used in place of a table, and pressure points are used to stimulate the skin and nerves.

• Sports and orthopedic massage are methods of treating musculoskeletal issues resulting from both athletics as well as from active labor. It is specifically aimed at helping the body be better prepared for and heal from sports-related activities.

• Deep tissue massage aims to reduce tension in the deep tissues of the body. Because the therapist works to make the connective tissue and muscles under the top layer more pliable, the client may find bruises emerging in the days after the session.

• Soft tissue release is the practice of applying gliding pressure in order to stretch muscles and connective tissues. By working to gently elongate muscles, therapists help clients to regain normal muscle use and range of motion.

• Myofascial release is used to stretch and lengthen the soft tissues of the body. Gentle stretches are used and held with pressure, sometimes repeatedly, until release is felt. This modality is particularly useful for scar tissue and adhesions.

There are, of course, other forms of massage therapy that are taught in schools; those listed above are simply some of the more common modalities and approaches to massage therapy.

Other Forms of Massage Therapy

Since massage therapy is concerned with whole body health, therapy, and wellness, there are other practices that are also sometimes incorporated for therapeutic use. Many of these involve triggering specific pressure and nerve points on the body in order to produce beneficial results.

• Reiki is the art of using healing energy that comes out through the palms to affect another person's physical and spiritual well-being. There are debates about the effectiveness of this practice, but it is still becoming more and more popular in certain circles.

• Hot stone massages are another popular treatment. Large, smooth stones are heated and are used both to massage the client as well as to sit on the flesh, heating it deeply. Care must be taken to prevent burns, but this is one treatment that increases blood flow and relaxation when used with other techniques.

• Reflexology uses the knowledge that nerves are interconnected throughout the body in order to obtain beneficial results. There are pressure points on the body, especially the hands and feet, where nerves connected to other places on the body meet. By using pressure at these places, results are seen in the areas where the nerves connect.

• Acupressure is similar to reflexology in that it uses pressure on nerve points to obtain pain relief and health benefits to the body. It is done all over the body, however, and is also used at certain points of muscle as well as nerve points to relieve pain, increase circulation, and promote relaxation.

Creating a Massage Therapy Style

With so many massage therapy modalities, it may take some time for professionals to master the ones they want to use in their own private practices. In time, however, most massage therapists learn which ones work the best for clients, and which new styles will boost both health and business.

In fact, one of the best parts about massage therapy is that there is always something new to learn and new ideas to incorporate. Massage professionals may find that the more conventional modalities taught in schools work best, or they may find that these styles used in conjunction with Reiki or hot stone massage may offer clients the best therapeutic benefits. No matter which styles are used, however, massage therapy remains an exciting path with filled with learning opportunities and the ability to work with clients to determine their best method of care.