There are tons of modalities in the world of massage therapy. The majority of LMTs blend together the methods that fit their style, but there are a few who specialize primarily in a single modality. There are a surprising number of these specializations, but we will only outline a few of the most popular in this article.
Thai Massage
This modality is generally done on completely clothed clients, on a large, comfortable floor mat. It involves massage, compression, and repetitive stretches. Its benefits are similar to yoga, but with an additional massage component.
Lymphatic Massage
Also known as "manual lymphatic drainage", this therapy requires a lighter touch than traditional massage. It involves assisting the body in circulating lymph fluid from tissues and through lymph nodes. These specialists assist people suffering from lymphedema (swelling) due to medical issues or surgeries. There are also benefits for people with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Sports Massage
This fast-paced specialty is commonly seen at sporting events. In only 15 minutes or so, a massage therapist will help warm up or cool down an athlete's muscles before or after an event. Rather than treatment or relaxation, the target of this modality is to assure the athlete is able to perform their activity of choice as well as possible. Because of this, there is a focus on stretching, but not overstretching, and not working deep enough into the muscles to cause pain.
Myofascial Release
Our muscles are surrounded by thick tissues which hold everything in place. By targeting these myofascial restrictions rather than the muscle itself during massage, a different effect can be achieved. This modality varies in depth of pressure, but generally includes a slow stretching of the tissue, allowing the fascia to warm up and release over time.
There are many more specializations, but these are only a few of the most common and in high demand! At PNW Massage Academy, we teach all four of the listed modalities, bringing in area specialists to ensure that students are learning from the best in the field.
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