COVERED MODALITIES
AMTA members are insured for professional liability. Click here to download a document that lists the modalities that are and are not covered.
Modality DefinitionsAcupressure and Shiatsu: Based on the Chinese theory of the circulation of subtle energy, or Ch'i. There are meridians that run all over the body. Along these meridians are points. When pressed the energy can be effectively manipulated by the therapist. This is done with the client fully clothed and includes stretches and other massage techniques.
Body Mind Centering: Developed by Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, this is an approach to movement training and analysis. The mind is considered the force and the body can be used as a lever to work with the mind.
Cranio-Sacral: A technique for locating and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances, and blockages that may cause sensory, motor, or intellectual dysfunction. Therapists are trained to feel the rhythm of the cranio-sacral system.
Deep Tissue: A technique that releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes using finger pressure on the contracted areas. The objective is to focus on the deeper layers of the tissue.
Effleurage: This is a stroke commonly used in Swedish massage. Long, smooth gliding strokes are used to relax the soft tissue.
Felderkrais Method: A gentle combination of movements to teach awareness through movement. This allows us to enhance our ease of movement and flexibility.
Friction: Use of deep strokes applied to the soft tissue, causing the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. This results in increased blood flow to the area and is also used to break down scar tissue.
Foot Reflexology: The feet map out the entire body through the reflex mechanism. Through this system the body parts or organ of the body can be stimulated. This can result in clearing up deep-seated metabolic irregularities and malfunctions.
Jin Shin Do: This has been described as a type of acupressure. Energy is channeled between two held acupressure points. Light pressure is sued to begin with and deep pressure is used as the area relaxes. Jin Shin Do utilizes ancient oriental meridian theory and modern psychology.
Manual Lymph Drainage: MLD uses a précis, light motion to stimulate the lymphatic system. It is used to many conditions including: edema, sprains, post-surgery mastectomies, fibromyalgia syndrome, and many other conditions. This relaxing technique promotes normal functioning of the lymph system.
Myofascial Release: A form of bodywork that works with the fascia. It seeks to release of tension in the fascia through a system of long stretching strokes that are designed to release the tension.
Myotherapy: A technique to provide pain relief by deactivating trigger points and tender areas where there has been injury, pain, muscle spasm, or cramping. Pressure is applied directly to the trigger points; muscles are then gently stretched.
On-Site Massage (also known as Chair Massage): The client is fully clothed and sits on a specially designed chair. The massage usually lasts between 10 and 15 minutes and is intended to relax and improve circulation.
Petrissage (also called kneading): Involves the squeezing, rolling, and kneading of the muscles.
Polarity Therapy: Teaches that energy must flow freely through the negative and positive poles of the body. It is necessary to maintain this flow of energy to have good mental and physical health. Polarity therapy releases the blocked flow of energy through gentle manipulations and held pressure points.
Reiki: Energy is channeled through the hands of the therapist. This is an ancient form of bodywork and is Japanese in origin. It can be done fully clothed. The energy comes through the healer and is utilized by the client through an intuitive, non-conscious basis. The result is a sense of peace and inner tranquility.
Rosen Method: A gentle touch and verbal communication, which helps the client to release suppressed emotions and, in some instances, subsequent muscular tension.
Sports Massage: Incorporates programs of strengthening and stretching exercises, education and pre- and post-event work. It can reduce the risk of injury, increase flexibility, and maintain the muscles. Injuries can heal faster with the use of these techniques.
Swedish Massage: A system of long flowing strokes, including kneading and friction techniques on the superficial layers of the muscles. It flushes metabolic wastes from the tissue, increases circulation, reduces muscle tension and stress.
Therapeutic Touch: A facilitator unruffles the electromagnetic field that surrounds the person's body. In doing so, she/he helps the person re-pattern their energy. This method is often used in hospitals to relax patients.
Tapotement: A system in which the therapist uses cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand to administer short taps to certain parts of the body.
Thai Massage: An ancient form of body therapy that incorporates movement of yoga and meridians of acupressure. The massage is practiced on a mat on the floor. The client is fully dressed with the exception of the feet.
Trager Psychophysical Integration: Uses a system of light, gentle rhythmic movements so that the recipient experiences the possibility of moving lightly, effortlessly, and freely on his or her own. Reduces stress and chronic tension and increases flexibility.
Trigger Point Therapy (also knows as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy): Applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" to break spasm and pain.
Tuina: A method of manipulating the muscles, joints, and connective tissue to promote healing and improve function. Acupressure is also used in this method.
Marjorie Brook will be offering 16 CEUs on Lower Body Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) at the Stoweflake Spa and Resort in Stowe on November 5-7, 2010.