Introduction
Standard Massage Techniques
Deep Tissue Massage/Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
Trigger Point Therapy
Active Release Technique (ART)
Myofascial Release
Positional Release (Strain Counterstrain)
Visceral Manipulation
I combine many other techniques with my chiropractic manipulation. Massage and stretching are vital components of any treatment plan. In the following articles I talk about different hands-on techniques that I use during treatment sessions.
Using Touch to Diagnose
As soon as I touch a patient’s skin, I am feeling the texture of the tissue, paying attention to the problem areas before deciding on the best mode of treatment. I use my knowledge of anatomy combined with touch to diagnose which muscles, ligaments or tendons are tight, damaged or scarred. I also check the attachments of the tissues to work out the appropriate place for treatment. For example, a painful tendon may have been damaged by the muscle pulling it. Therefore, treatment would take place in the muscle body and not at the tendon.
Diagnosis is a combination of knowledge, palpation skills, experience and intuition. Intuition based on sound anatomical knowledge makes for the best individual treatment. Sometimes, my hands are guided by intuition alone, choosing where to work and which technique to use other times I am guided more by my knowledge.
Combining Techniques
There are many different massage techniques ranging from firm and painful, to feather-like gentleness; from scientifically determined to entirely intuitive. I do not go into a session determining to use one specific technique. Rather, my mind and hands determine a combination of techniques in the moment. I may switch from one application to another, from firm to gentle and from intuitive to consciously directive. I record their findings so I can then adapt my techniques based on the results. By trying different techniques, I normally determine which are the most effective within a few sessions. The following articles describe techniques which we use at Back Doctor Chiropractic Clinics.
Introduction
Standard Massage Techniques
Deep Tissue Massage/Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
Trigger Point Therapy
Active Release Technique (ART)
Myofascial Release
Positional Release (Strain Counterstrain)
Visceral Manipulation