Massage therapy is the physical action of relaxing and manipulating tissue. This allows manipulation of soft tissues and structures. Click for more Two main types of massage therapy are available: manual or mechanical. Manual massage is massage that uses hands, fingers, palms and elbows. Mechanical massage, on the other hand, involves the application of pressure with a device, such as rolling brushes, heated oils, heated water, or vacuum devices.

Massage therapy is based on the principle that relaxation of a muscle leads to a decrease in muscular tension and an increase in range of motion. The application of pressure to one specific spot on the body is an effective massage technique. Applying pressure to a specific point on the body increases blood flow and improves flexibility. Myofascial releases are another therapy option that may be useful in the treatment of chronic pain or muscle immobility. They relax tight contractions, increase blood and lymphatic circulation, and increase the stretch response in tight muscles.

Trigger Point Massage Therapists are professionals who use specific massage techniques to treat particular areas of the body. They focus on increasing range of motion, relieving chronic pain, and reducing muscle stiffness and spasm. A trigger point is the location where a nerve or muscle has a painful "knot" or "taut band" formed around a particular area.

Myofascial Massage therapists use myofascial massage techniques to release knots, reduce chronic tension, decrease soreness, increase range and flexibility, and reduce soreness. When myofascial release massage therapist apply pressure to a specific point along the myofascial chain, myofascial tapes and triggers are used to release these knots. These triggers may be either manual, electric, hydraulic, or a combination of both. Trigger point therapy has been proven to not only relieve pain, but help with muscle repair, and strengthen the body's immune system.

Deep Tissue massage This type of massage treats deeper layers beneath the superficial muscle and joint tissue layers. This technique does not require the use of trigger points, myofascial release, or deep tissue stretching. A massage therapist uses her hands in this technique to tighten and compress stressed muscles. The tension that builds up over time is released through this technique. This technique is described by many as having an urge to throw up. However, it releases chronic tension.

Trigger Point Therapy uses mechanical devices to stimulate points along the myofascia, or connective tissue, to increase flexibility and relieve tension. The device activates trigger points that are found in muscle, tendons and ligaments. The trigger point is depressed when the pressure is applied, which causes the muscles to contract. This technique does not employ massage therapy techniques such deep tissue stretching and myofascial relief. When the muscles are contracted, the therapist can deliver continuous pressure without interruption.

Soft Tissue release A massage therapist uses slow pressure and hands-on techniques to soften the tissue. The massage therapist uses soft tissue release to loosen adhesions (or scar tissue) from joints and other areas. When the skin is stretched too much, like after intense sports, adhesions can form in the soft tissues. Adhesions (or scar tissue) can cause pain and stiffness.

Manual Pressure and Acupressure Massage therapists can also use manual pressure to relieve pain and treat painful conditions. This technique is known as acupressure, and it has been used for hundreds years in China and Europe. This method involves using the thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms, or even elbows to apply gentle direct pressure over specific acupoints. Acupressure can relieve pain by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles and increasing circulation. It also provides relief from a wide range of conditions. People who have tried this type of massage claim that it is the best method to relieve their pain.