Massage Therapy Techniques
Learn Massage Online

Let's take a look at the various massage therapy techniques developed over the years to loosen and relax muscles.

If you're looking for a list and description of different kinds of massage go to my Types of Massage Therapy page. There you'll find tons of information about the many various styles of massage, what they're like and what they're good for. Here we're going to look at different massage strokes and learn how to do them so that you can give a great massage at home.

There is a tool for every job and massage therapists have a variety of tools and techniques they use to help their clients.

Here are some examples of massage techniques. If you're interested in more detailed lessons on how to give massage check out www.learn-massage-online.com.

Effleurage is the basic flowing open handed stroke used in Swedish massage. Learn how to do an effleurage stroke.

Petrissage is another basic stroke used in Swedish massage. It's a kneading stroke that gets deep into the muscle. Find out more about petrissage.

Friction comes in three different varieties--cross-fiber, circular, and stripping. This stroke is ideal for more detailed work and for searching for small knots in muscles. Find out more about friction.

Tapotement is one of the percussive massage therapy techniques you often see on movies and television shows. It invigorates the muscles and increases superficial blood flow. Find out more about tapotement.

Vibration is another stroke that used in Swedish massage. It is an oscillating stroke. Find out more about vibration.

Trigger point therapy is used by therapist to treat painful muscles and loosen knots. Learn more about trigger point therapy.

Positional release is a good painless way to loosen constricted muscles. I call it magic. Learn more about positional release.

Muscle energy technique is a method used to stretch restricted muscles and increase joint stability. Find out more about muscle energy techique.

Body mechanics are important to insure that you're not injuring yourself while giving a massage. Find out more about body mechanics

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Massage Strokes--Check out this complete glossary of massage strokes.