Different types of massage – MNO

Mayan Abdominal Massage

Touching The Core The Heart and Intelligence of Mayan Abdominal Massage By Diane McDonald. Massage and Bodywork Magazine

Medical Massage– There is no such thing as medical massage.

Myofascial Release- There are many methods of myofascial release.  It is used to evaluate an treat restrictions in the body’s connective tissue (muscles and fascia).  Connective tissue includes tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fascia, periosteum, joint capsules and the surface linings of the organs and vessels in the body.  Connective tissue forms a continuous net throughout the body.

Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body that affects all components of the muscloskeletal, nervous and visceral systems.  Myofascial release can be used to treat chronic pain, injuries, general aches and pains.

Fascial restrictions occur after after injuries, chronic contraction of the muscles due to stress or repetitive contractions.
Book resources:
Soft Tissue Manipulation by Leon Chaitow 
(December 1990)
Astrologers Library; ISBN: 0892812761

Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction 2 volume set by Janet Travel
Endless Web; Fascial Anatomy and Physical Reality by Louis Schultz, Phd.
Web Resources:
Myofascial Release–  The John Barnes method.

Key elements of connective tissue massage by John Latz

Myotherapy–  Bonnie Pruden’s trigger point release therapy that is followed by re-education of affected muscles to its normal resting state.  Extensive 1300 hour training program with 45 hours of training every 2 years to maintain certification.
Book resources:
Pain Erasure- by Bonnie Pruden
Web resources:
Myotherapy.com

Naprapathy– A system of bodywork founded in 1905 by chiropractic professor Oakley G. Smith, author of Modernized Chiropractic (1906). It includes nutritional, postural, and exercise counseling. Naprapathic theory holds: (a) that soft connective tissue in a state of contraction can cause “neurovascular interference,” (b) that this “interference” may cause “circulatory congestion” and “nerve irritation,” and (c) that reducing this “interference” (primarily by hand) paves the way for optimal homeostasis.  Treatment focuses on the contracted connective tissues mainly near the spine.  Uses repetitive, rhythmic, thrusts to gently stretch the contracted tissues.
Web resources:
National College of Naprapathy

Neuromuscular therapy (sometimes referred to as trigger point therapy)– Uses advanced concepts in triggerpoint therapy to return the body to normal neuromuscular balance.  Has both European and American origins. In Europe, Stanley Leif started the work in the 1930’s and passed it on to his cousin Boris Chaitow, his son Peter Lief and Leon Chaitow.  The American version comes from Raymond Nimmo, DC,(The Receptor Tonus Method 1996), Janet Travel and later Paul St. John and Judith Walker Delaney.


Book resources:
Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction 2 volume set by Janet Travel
Web resources:
St. John Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars- Triggerpoint, Bach flower remedies
Judith Walker Delany Method -Neuromuscular Massage Therapy Center -American Version.  There is a brief history of the work and an explanation of the differences of the various types.

On-site/Chair Massage–  Massage done fully clothed and seated; Generally geared toward corporate  or business settings. 

 The ideal situation is to persuade the company to pay for this service for their employees on a regular basis.  Much can be done to reduce repetitive strain injuries and mental motivation.  The Massage Bar is one of the most successful business setting up stations in airports such as Seattle/Tacoma International Airport.
Web resources:
Touch Pro Institute- David Palmer – founder of onsite massage
MassageBar– Most successful onsite operation offering seated massage in major airports

Ortho-bionomy– System of working with reflexes developed by Arthur Lincoln Pauls in the 1970’s, who was a Osteopath and Judo instructor.  He studied the work of Lawrence Jones.  Orthobionomy  means “correct life study” or ” science of laws pertaining to life”.  The system uses gentle, relaxing movements and comfortable postures to ease the body into positions that unblock tensions and release muscular patterns.  Gentle, non-intrusive, non-forceful movements encourage natural structural realignment and balance. In Ortho-bionomy, movements and gentle manipulations find the position of comfort in response to a pain then accentuate that release. When in pain, the body tends to adopt certain positions to accommodate. Ortho-bionomy places the client in the most comfortable position that helps alleviate the pain, then works from there to release the core problem.
Home exercises and body awareness exercises are given to the client to be done at home to reinforce the treatment. Training is a 500 hour program.

Society of Ortho-bionomy International

Orthopedic Massage– Massage systems developed by Osteopathic techniques.
Web resources:
Ursa Foundation– Loren Rex D.O. classes in Orthopedic techniques for medical professionals and massage therapists.  Edmonds, WA
Institute of Orthopedic Massage- Thomas Hendrickson: studied with Lauren Berry, Rich Phaigh, Paul St. John along with chiropractic training to name a few. Wonderful manual with extensive techniques and photos: ; great treatments, preventative techniques
Orthopedic Massage Education and research– Whitney Lowe: Injury treatments, orthopedic assessments: 100 hour course taught over three weekends