Massage Modalities There are many massage modalities or specialties that exist. These range from the extremely physical (such as Rolfing) to the energetic/spiritual (Reiki). With all of these available choices, it's easy to be unsure of which modality is right for you. Different modalities are better suited for addressing different issues, but it's not as clear-cut as it may seem. The body functions as a whole; a knotted shoulder is certainly because the muscles are tight, but they may be tight from stress, body posture, or a host of other reasons. Furthermore, a massage session becomes the expression of the therapist, just as a painting is an expression of an artist. A Swedish massage from someone skilled in Reiki will be far different then a Swedish massage from a deep tissue specialist. This list is broken down from the most from the most physical to the least physical.   Rolfing Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing is an incredibly deep massage. Specifically designed to align body structure, it can have a profound effect on the body. In order for a massage therapist to call themselves a Rolfer, they need to be certified by The Rolf Institute.   Neuro-muscular Therapy (NMT) Neuro-muscular therapy (or NMT) is a very deep, very slow massage meant to address the specific muscles that are causing pain. The therapist searches through the muscles to locate and release trigger points. These are points of "exquisite pain" that can refer to other parts of the body. Thus, muscle tightness in a shoulder may be causing a headache. Trigger points can be found anywhere, but research has shown they are typically found in the same places on most people. For more information, check out the Wikipedia entry for NMT.   Deep Tissue A "Deep Tissue" massage is typically a Swedish massage aimed at deeper layers of musculature. Because of this, the massage therapist needs to use more pressure. This is more therapeutic for clients who are suffering from chronic muscle tightness. However, because of the increased pressure, this massage is harder on the massage therapists body and therefore costs more.   Swedish Massage This is what most people think of when they think of the word massage. Swedish massage consists of several different strokes: effleurage (gliding), petrasage (kneading) , friction, tapotement (tapping). This massage normally consists of long, slow, gliding stokes followed up by more focused attention to areas of concern. It's a great type of massage for someone new to massage and it is quite relaxing.   Thai Massage Thai massage ( or Thai yoga massage) is a massage can be done in loose fitting clothing. It consists of stretches, pressure point work and compression techniques. It can be fairly vigorous, and clients typically more relaxed as well as energized following a session. Wikipedia - Thai Massage   Shiatsu Shiatsu is a style of massage that originated in Japan. It employs an eastern-health perspective, the same system as acupuncture, and can be used to treat the same ailments as acupuncture. It deals with the body as an energetic whole, with lines of energy running through the body. According to the eastern-health perspective, imbalances in the energy flowing through the body is the cause of various ailments. By applying pressure to points on these lines (meridians), various energetic systems can be stimulated or reduced. Wikipedia - Shiatsu   Myofascial Release (MFR) The connective tissue of the body forms a 3 dimensional web as it creates physical structure. Some of this connective tissue (fascia) can tighten due to prolonged contraction of the muscles surrounding these body structures. When a posture is habitual, the body adapts so that the normal posture requires no muscular contraction. It is fascia that is holding the body in that posture at that point. Using shearing holds for a reasonable amount of time causes the fascia to loosen and unwind, evoking a change in the clients posture. More Information   CranioSacral Therapy CranioSacral is a massage modality that deals with "listening" and adjusting the cranio-sacral rhythm. The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by cerebro-spinal fluid, and this fluid flows up and down the spine. Blockages can cause this flow to become out of alignment, which can then affect the client. Created by John Upledger, this modality has been used to treat everything from depression to Autism. Check out The Upledger Institute Or Wikipedia   Polarity Based on the belief that the body consists of parts that are positive and negative, and that by connecting these areas with their polar opposites evokes a healing effect. Consisting of long holds on various connected body parts, it can have a profoundly relaxing effect and help stimulate healing. Wikipedia - Polarity Therapy   Reiki Reiki is a form of energy work. The basic principal is that there is a universal life force which can be guided and focused by intention. By focusing this life force, the practitioner can help balance the clients own energetic life force and stimulate healing. Clients typically feel a more relaxed and a greater sense of well being following a Reiki session.     Note: all trademarked terms are property of their perspective owners.