Categories of Massage Therapy Schools

In massage therapy school, you'll learn human anatomy and physiology as well as muscle pathology. You'll also study therapeutic techniques and tools to keep your client's body healthy. The method of healing you'll apply in your sessions will depend on the type of massage you studied. According to the online journal "Holistic Junction," as a certified massage therapist you can receive training in up to 80 different massage modalities.

Swedish

• A Swedish massage therapist combines applying gliding, kneading and friction movements to superficial body tissue. Swedish massage techniques increase blood and lymphatic fluid circulation as well as joint range of motion.

Deep Tissue

• In the deep-tissue modality, the therapist works on the layers of tissue that you can't reach with a superficial touch. Besides long, gliding strokes, your bodyworker applies direct and prolonged pressure to the areas of your body that require attention. Her strokes move perpendicular to the muscle fibers to ease muscle tension, relieving pain and increasing movement.

Neuromuscular

• In neuromuscular massage, your therapist works to improve your reflex by focusing on the connection between your nervous and muscular systems. This type of massage includes several types of modalities: trigger point therapy, St. John Method, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, muscle energy and reflexology.

Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy massage combines the health benefits of essential oils with the benefits of a healing touch. It puts less emphasis on technique than other massage modalities since its primary goal centers on helping essential oils penetrate the body to do the healing. According to Margie Hare, author of "Aromatherapy Massage: Essential Oils Explained for Health and Pleasure," this massage will "increase metabolism, speed up the healing process (and) enhance the removal of toxins" in addition to providing many other health benefits.

Shiatsu

• "Shi" means finger and "atsu" pressure. In shiatsu massage, you apply pressure with your fingers and thumbs to the area of the body that requires treatment, aided by the palms of your hands. This modality of massage stimulates blood circulation and eases stress, and it may relieve tension headaches.

Thai

• In traditional Thai massage, a modality that has existed for more than1,000 years, the therapist uses his thumbs, palms, knees, elbows, feet and forearms to manipulate your body. He takes you into yogic stretches, applies pressure and uses energy healing techniques. The work, performed on a mat on the floor, helps improve flexibility, open your energy pathways and put you in a relaxed yet alert state.