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See also Alternative Therapies

Swedish Massage:
The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. Usually done while lying on a massage table with just a pair of shorts on. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.

Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems. This medically oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin.

Sports Massage
Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during, or after sports events.

Chair Massage
Common at malls, fairs etc. Onsite, chair massages are done while you're seated fully clothed in a portable, specially designed chair. They usually involve a massage of your neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands.
Chair Massage DVD - YouTube

Source: Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits | webmd.com


Self-Massage with balls:
You can use several types of balls between your back and a chair, floor or wall to give yourself a massage.
An active 30 year old attending crossfit 3+ times a week may require dense hard balls to effectively treat most of their body, and a 55 year old that sits at a desk for hours may require softer balls to achieve the best therapy.

       
Tennis Balls | Squash Balls (softer and smaller) | Dog Kong Toy | MELT Therapy balls
Myo Balls

Links:
Self-massage with balls:
Tennis Ball Therapy
Simple Health Ideas: 5 Super Tennis Ball Self Massage Spots
How to Massage Your Back with Tennis Balls | eHow.com
Angela Robertson Massage Therapy San Diego Tennis Ball Massage


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last updated 9 jan 2013