Massage Therapy

• Overview: Involves the use of hands to apply pressure and manipulate the soft tissues.
• Types:
  • Swedish Massage: Uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and improve circulation.
  • Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deeper muscle layers to release chronic tension and improve flexibility.
  • Sports Massage: Focuses on specific muscle groups to enhance athletic performance and recovery.

Myofascial Release (MFR)

• Overview: A technique that targets the fascia, a connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs.
• Types:
  • Direct Myofascial Release: Applies sustained pressure to restrictive areas of fascia to release tension.
  • Indirect Myofascial Release: Uses gentle, indirect pressure to allow the fascia to release naturally.

Trigger Point Therapy

• Overview: Targets specific points within muscles known as trigger points, which can cause referred pain.
• Types:
  • Ischemic Compression: Applies direct pressure to trigger points to reduce pain and muscle tightness.
  • Dry Needling: Uses thin needles to stimulate trigger points and relieve muscle pain.

Graston Technique

• Overview: Uses specialized instruments to detect and treat soft tissue restrictions and scar tissue.
• Types:
  • Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM): Employs stainless steel tools to break down fascial restrictions and promote healing.

Active Release Technique (ART)

• Overview: Combines precise palpation with patient movement to release tight soft tissues and restore normal function.
• Types:
  • Specific ART: Targets specific muscles or muscle groups to address issues such as muscle adhesions or restrictions.

Cupping Therapy

• Overview: Involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which promotes blood flow and relaxation of soft tissues.
• Types:
  • Dry Cupping: Uses suction alone without any skin puncturing.
  • Wet Cupping: Involves small skin punctures before applying the cups to enhance detoxification.

Strain-Counterstrain

• Overview: Involves positioning the body in a way that shortens and relaxes restricted muscles, followed by gentle pressure to release tension.
• Types:
  • Positional Release: Positions the body to relieve muscle pain and improve function.

Rolfing

• Overview: A form of structural integration that focuses on aligning and balancing the body’s soft tissues.
• Types:
  • Rolfing Structural Integration: Uses deep tissue manipulation to improve posture and movement patterns.

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)

• Overview: Involves assisted stretching to improve the flexibility and elasticity of the fascia and muscles.
• Types:
  • Active Stretching: Utilizes both passive and active movements to enhance flexibility and range of motion.

Soft Tissue Release (STR)

• Overview: Combines stretching and manual pressure to release tight muscles and improve function.
• Types:
  • Static Release: Applies sustained pressure while the muscle is stretched.
  • Dynamic Release: Uses movement and pressure to address soft tissue restrictions.