Congratulations! You have made the decision to attend of the great massage therapy schools in Chicago. Performing massage is a great and rewarding career move. Massage methods are much more than simply rubbing your hands across someone’s back! There is a great variety of techniques that can be performed and each person may want to take specialty in one or more of the following areas.
Swedish Massage – When you think of “typical” massage, it is likely your mind will come to this one. Swedish massage combines oil and long strokes in order to promote relaxation and a healthier body.
Hot Stone Massage – Another popular form of massage. Aimed at relaxation, the performer will use hot stones combined with oil across the body in order to release tense muscles and provide overall well-being.
Deep Tissue Massage – Combining pressure and time to locate problem areas and thoroughly work them out.
Aromatherapy – Not so much of a typical technique but more of an aid. Aromatherapy can be used to enhance relaxation and in some cases improve the skin.
Acupressure – The process of applying pressure to points throughout the body that are known to knot up and contain stress. Applying pressure to these points (the same points used in acupuncture) is known to release this pressure and provide relief to the muscles in the surrounding area.
Pathology – Knowing the ailments that cause the issues you are working with is essential. This will allow you to target specific areas of the body based on the lifestyle and habits of the client.
Thai Massage – Thai Massage involves the process of incorporating yogic-type stretches of the body in order to enhance well-being and provide relaxation.
Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy is hard on the body and massage during pregnancy can be a real benefit. However, one will want to take into consideration the specific positions and movements that should be avoided and encouraged in order to enhance the massage experience and benefit.
You will learn these and many more techniques while attending massage therapy schools in Chicago.