Massage Definitions

Massage therapy is defined as the manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person's health and well-being. 

Webster's Concise Encyclopedia
Systematic, scientific manipulation of body tissues with the hands to relieve pain and reduce swelling, relax muscles, and speed healing after strains and sprains.

Massage is, essentially, creating movement. Circulating blood and lymphatic fluid. Loosening muscle and connective tissue.  Restoring mobility and movement to joints.  All key components for a healthy, self-regulating body.

Massage Styles - Massage Methods 

Shiatsu / Acupressure
Shiatsu = "finger pressure" from the Japanese words "shi" (finger) and "atsu" (pressure).  In Shiatsu, specific points on the body are massaged to restore energetic balance. These points are located along Meridians, the channels through which the body's energy flows (think of them as a type of circuitry).

Treating more than the injured or soar parts, a Shiatsu practitioner addresses whole-body wellness while simultaneously treating specific areas of concern.

Myofascial Release
Fascia is a type of connective tissue that encapsulates and gives form and support to muscles, bones, and joints.  Optimally, the fascia is elastic, pliable, and glides smoothly. These supple properties allow our body parts to move freely. 

Conversely, when the fascia is not supple and smooth-gliding, the muscles and joints feel restricted, tight, and at times, heavy.

Subtle stretching, joint mobilization, and varies massage techniques are used to loosen fascial restrictions, because when the body moves freely, health follows.

More information on Facia here: Understanding Your Fascia.

Sports Massage