Top 25 Terms Massage Therapy Students Should Know

During massage therapy school, students will have to use many terms. The following are the top 25 general massage therapy career terms a student should know:

• Amma: Chinese massage technique of locating the most effective points for movement and manipulation.
• Asian Bodywork Therapies: Bodywork learned during a massage therapy program that is focused on traditional Asian medicine.
• Ayurvedic Massage: Soft tissue manipulation influenced by Indian theories of health and disease.
• Clinical Massage Therapy: Using massage to treat medical
• Cryotherapy: Applying cold for therapeutic purposes.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Using one finger, thumb, several fingers, or the entire hand to deeply massage tissues.
• Direct Pressure: Applying force with thumb, finger, elbow or knuckle to compress tissues.
• Esalen Massage: Simplified form of Swedish massage that connects one’s inner self with others; coursework often offered to those seeking a massage therapy major.
• Hydrotherapy: Using water for therapeutic purposes.
• Lomilomi: Ancient Hawaiian massage therapy meant for healing.
• Myofascial Massage: Techniques used to restore mobility in fascia and soften rigid connective tissue.
• Neuromuscular Therapy: Massage used to deactivate myofascial trigger points.
• Polarity Therapy: Bodywork that balances life energy and encourages relaxation using touch and gentle rocking.
• Pregnancy Massage: Bodywork that you may learn while getting a massage therapy degree and that is meant to relieve pain and meet the special needs of pregnant women.
• Reflexology: Zone therapy bodywork in which pressing the feet or hands relieves corresponding body parts.
• Shiatsu: Japanese bodywork that balances the flow of energy.
• Sports Massage: Massage therapy techniques for health, wellbeing and increased performance of athletes.
• Stone Massage: Using hot or cold stones to massage the body.
• Swedish Massage: A common variety of massage therapy in health clubs, resorts and spas.
• Thai Massage: Passive or assisted yoga that focuses on stretching and loosening.
• Thermal Therapy: Applying heat or cold modalities for therapy.
• Tui Na: Chinese massage focused on kneading, pushing and stretching.
• Western Massage: American and European techniques including effleurage, friction, joint movements, petrissage, tapotement, touch-without-movement and vibration.
• Zen Shiatsu: Asian bodywork developed by Shizuto Masunaga of Japan.
• Zhi Ya: Chinese massage based on acupressure.