Different Strokes for Different Folks: A Consumer’s Guide to Choosing Bodywork in the Hudson Valley
by Dana Scarano, LMT

Spring is a time of growth, renewal, and rebirth. What better way to “spring forward” out of winter hibernation into the new season than with therapeutic bodywork? Receiving a regular massage has proven to be one of the healthiest things people can do for themselves. It can help bring relief to those who suffer from spring allergies. Other benefits include:

• Dilating the blood vessels to improve circulation and relieve congestion throughout the body

• Flushing metabolic waste from the tissues

• Increasing white & red blood cell production

• Increasing endorphins (“feel good chemicals”)

• Providing an overall sense of well-being

• Reducing inflammation & swelling in the joints

• Relaxing muscle spasm & relieving tension

• Improving muscle tone & preventing atrophy

• Breaking down adhesions and scar tissue in muscle, ligaments, and tendons.

• Relieving and releasing pent-up emotional stress

Below is a survey of just a few of the numerous types of bodywork offered by therapists in our area. Each has its own benefits and some massage therapists use a variety of techniques or a combination of them. Keep in mind that every therapist has a unique style. It is nice to try out as many as you can and discover what styles your body best responds to.

When choosing a massage therapist, it is a good idea to first conduct a brief phone interview. Consider asking the therapist the following questions:

• Are you NY State Licensed? (It is against New York State law to practice massage without a license. Being “Certified” does not count.)

• What technique(s) do you use?

• How long have you been practicing?

• How much do you charge and how long are the sessions?

When booking an appointment for a massage, keep in mind that you might want to schedule one after work or on your day off. Massage relaxes the mind as well as the body so it’s always nice to rest after the session to reap the full benefits!

Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage, the basic technique learned by therapists trained in NY State, was developed in the 18th century by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish fencing master and gymnastics instructor who studied martial arts. Using five basic strokes (Effleurage, Pettrissage, Friction, Vibration and Tapotement) the therapist kneads, rolls and manipulates the muscle tissue to increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products from the tissues (i.e. lactic acid,) circulate lymph fluid, and decrease muscle spasm and inflammation. The therapist works with the client on a padded massage table using oil or lotion to allow the strokes to glide easily across the skin. Clients are undressed but lie under a sheet, towel or blanket to keep them warm and in respect of their modesty. Only the part of the body that is being massaged is uncovered. Swedish Massage is wonderful for anyone who wants to decompress and detoxify their system.

Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is a more detailed massage application to the deeper muscles and connective tissues for relief of chronic pain. Like Swedish Massage the therapist uses oil or lotion but less of it so as to get more friction between their hands and the client’s skin. Deep Tissue is a more intense massage and may have more lasting results. It is very effective for highly active people or people who have very physical jobs.

Trigger Point Massage
Each muscle in the body has specific areas that become hypersensitive and painful when a muscle is in spasm or contraction. That pain can radiate or be “referred” to other parts of the body from that Trigger Point and cause further problems. By applying deep, consistent finger or elbow pressure, the therapist locates the Trigger Points and causes so much stimulation to that point that the muscle is forced to relax and “let go.” This is not necessarily a “relaxing” massage as the work can be very deep and intense. It is however extremely effective in treating specific areas that need release.

Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage incorporates the use of aromatic “essential oils” extracted from flowers, plants, roots and trees into the massage session. The oils have aromatic therapeutic properties when they are inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream. Some oils are used for relaxation, purification, to increase energy or detoxify. Others have antiviral and antibiotic properties. The therapist blends into the base oil one or more additional oils to massage you with.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage is an ancient technique in which the body is massaged with warm, smooth, oiled, basalt stones. The stones are heated in hot water and then gently placed or stroked on areas of the body causing the heat to penetrate into the tissues. Clients often feel as though pain and tension are “melted” away and describe the experience as deeply relaxing. Highly detoxifying and a special treat during cold months!

Shiatsu/Acupressure
Developed in the Far East, Shiatsu is performed using pressure on acupuncture points along meridian lines of the body. Each meridian corresponds to a different organ in the body. The therapist uses his/her fingers, palms, elbows and sometimes feet to apply pressure into the specific points. This technique is effective because it moves and balances the body’s vital energy (Chi) according to the needs of the recipient. Shiatsu is performed on a floor or mat with the client clothed.

Thai Massage
Another Eastern form of bodywork, Thai massage is also done with the recipient clothed and lying on a futon mat on the floor. The practitioner moves and manipulates the client’s body into passive yoga stretches to lengthen and relax the muscles. I describe it to people as “Yoga without the work.”

Myofascial Release
Using slow, penetrative strokes with very little lubrication, the therapist stretches and softens the fascia (connective tissue surrounding the muscles.) Myofascial comes from the Latin words “myo” meaning muscle and “fascia” meaning band. Sheaths of this dense, elastic connective tissue weave around muscles, bones, blood vessels and nerves forming an intricate, 3-D web that supports organs and joints from head to toe and acts as the body’s shock absorber. When there is stress or dis-ease in the body, this tissue becomes taut and congealed, causing pain, loss of range of motion, and imbalance. The myofascial therapist works to stretch and break up any constrictions or snags in the fascia to help the client obtain better range of motion and flexibility.

Structural Integration/”Rolfing”
Structural Integration was developed over 50 years ago by founder Dr. Ida Rolf, Ph.D., who believed that most of us are out of gravitational alignment but can be be brought back into structural alignment through manipulation. Her technique, nicknamed “Rolfing,” goes deeper than either Deep Tissue or Trigger Point Massage, working into specific areas of the body that are restricted or imbalanced. Rolfing is usually given in ten sessions, one to three weeks apart. It is very beneficial to athletes, dancers and anyone dealing with alignment issues. Research has shown that it changes the body’s structure and creates more efficient and refined patterns of moving

Craniosacral Therapy
This therapy consists of very subtle and light manipulation of the joints of the skull and meninges (protective coverings) of the brain. In doing so, it alters the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and through the vertebral column to the sacrum. The purpose is to reduce chronic pain and ailments such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), migraine headaches, depression and ringing in the ears.

Reflexology
An ancient technique based on the theory that reflex zones in the feet, hands and ears correspond to organs and areas in the rest of the body. Reflexology is highly relaxing to the entire body and very effective for people who do not want their entire body massaged or for elderly people who are frail.

Trager
Trager uses a series of gentle rocking and shaking movements that take the body’s joints through their entire range of motion. The technique was founded by Dr. Milton Trager, who discovered that voluntary movement is easier and the body feels lighter experiencing continual, passive motion. This type of treatment has been particularly effective with people who suffer from anxiety/depression, insomnia, arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal problems. Rocking the body is extremely soothing, since the nervous system “remembers” the sensation of being rocked to sleep as an infant.

Lomi Lomi
A vigorous deep tissue technique derived from the ancient Polynesians and developed by master healers in Hawaii. Broad, flowing, continuous strokes are used with the hands and forearms. You may be worked on by one or two practitioners at the same time. Heated stones are sometimes used as additional tools.

Watsu
Watsu, a system of massage done in a pool heated to body temperature, was developed in Northern California in 1980 by Harold Dull. Cradled in the practitioner’s arms, the client is moved, floated and stretched in the water. People have described the sensation as “being in the womb.” It combines the therapeutic properties of being in warm water with greater freedom of movement. While some use it for post-injury or post-surgery rehabilitation, pain syndromes, and specific movement restrictions, others like it because of the relaxation benefits and the quiet meditative stillness it can induce. It is very popular in the western parts of the U.S.

Sports Massage
Sports Massage is designed to help prepare an athlete for an event and/or to help him or her recuperate faster from strenuous sports events. Pre-event massage may also be helpful in preventing injury. Compression, jostling, friction, stretches and Trigger Point Work are commonly used.

Perinatal Massage (Prenatal & Postpartum)
Perinatal Massage addresses the body’s adjustments to pregnancy and the postpartum period. Benefits include reducing swelling, increasing flexibility, promoting relaxation, increasing energy, and restoring length to muscles which may have compensated for postural changes. Massage during pregnancy is effective for the mother as well as the fetus. The therapist works on a regular massage table with the woman in a side-lying position using a cushion system or pillows. (Tables with holes in the center are not recommended.) Massage Therapists who offer prenatal massage should be certified in this technique as it is requires knowledge of specific points on the body which are contraindicated during pregnancy.

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Whatever type of massage you decide on, it is important to acknowledge that you are giving yourself a well-deserved gift. A gift of healing, nourishment and peace. In today’s world of fast-paced living, it is crucial that we all slow down and take time out to nurture ourselves as we all head into spring.

Dana Scarano is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist serving the Rhinebeck-Kingston area of the Hudson Valley. Dana has over 10 years of experience. For any questions relating to this article or other bodywork techniques, she can be contacted by calling: 845-258-7143.