Myofascial
A very broad term that could include all of the other techniques listed here. Myofascial techniques will stretch, broaden, and/or loosen fascia, that matrix of muscle, skin, fat, tendons, ligaments, and bones that tend to adhere to each other in our daily, repetitive ways. Normally, this "adhesion" will surface in the form of pain, tightness, and dull aches.
Deep-Tissue
A form of Myofacsial, yet more site specific. It aims to improve structural allignment, range of motion, to decrease pain, and increase circulation. It may use more sustained and increased pressure over a muscle group, incorporating knuckles and elbows.
Trigger point therapy |
Trigger Points are fibrous nodules that form in taut bands of muscle tissue that lead to predictable patterns of pain when compressed. During a treatment, the pain area is found along with the corresponding Trigger Point which is then activated (pressed) for upwards of 60-90 seconds. This could also be called Acupressure, which, is basically acupuncture using fingers rather than needles. Tuina and Shiatsu (see below) activate trigger points or acupoints.
Tuina & Shiatsu
These two practices focus on the flow of Qi (pronounced "Chee")in the body. Practitioners apply pressure to meridians (which run throughout your body) and specific points on those meridians to affect the flow of Qi so that it moves freely and evenly throughout the body. When Qi flow becomes stagnant and stuck, that will cause soreness, stiffness, and pain. Tuina is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (which also includes Acupunture and Herbal Medicine), which translates to "push grasp", It is a more vigorous combination of squeezing, pushing, grasping, and kneading of tissues. When Tuina was learned in Japan, it became known as Shiatsu. It is a more subtle approach using techniques that apply slow, sustained static pressure to the tissues.
