What is the difference between Bodywork and Massage Therapy?
Bodywork is a group of body-based approaches to treatment that emphasize manipulation and realignment of the body’s structure in order to improve its function.
BODYWORKERS ARE LICENSED PROFESSIONALS WHO UNDERSTAND THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE HUMAN BODY AND CAN EMPLOY THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES INTENDED TO BENEFIT THE RECEIVER.
Bodyworkers are trained to access the posture, formulate treatment plans, and apply their specialized knowledge to address physical symptoms based on the principle of their modality.
When a bodyworker does soft tissue work, it is very specific to an area or location. They will use methods that a physiotherapist would incorporate, like working resistance movements and tracking the joints.They focus on stagnant muscles and fascia as well as work on readjusting bones with manipulation somewhat like a chiropractor.In most forms of bodywork, little if any lubrication is used, as the goal of this type of hands-on treatment is to warm, relax and stretch the fascia.
Bodywork should not be equated with massage simply speaking. Massage therapy is one form of bodywork, but in this modality the massage therapist uses oil or lotion to reduce the friction between his or her hands and the client’s skin.
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of muscle tissue, connective tissue, ligaments and tendons to increase the health and well-being of an individual. There are dozens of different methods used within massage therapy called modalities.
Many people will seek massage therapy to help with reducing stress and chronic pain, relaxation, reducing pain, rehabilitation from an injury or simply to promote better health and wellness. Massage therapy has been used for centuries by many cultures around the world to help improve overall wellbeing and health. There are many modalities of massage therapy such as Deep Tissue Massage, prenatal massage, reflexology, shiatsu, sports massage, Swedish-Massage, Thai Massage plus many more.
Rolfing Structural Integration is named after its founder, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, Rolfing® Structural Integration is a type of bodywork that reorganizes the connective tissues, called fascia, that permeate the entire body.
More than fifty years ago, Dr. Rolf recognized that the body is inherently a system of seamless networks of tissues rather than a collection of separate parts. These connective tissues surround, support and penetrate all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. Rolfing Structural Integration works on this web-like complex of connective tissues to release, realign and balance the whole body, thus potentially resolving discomfort, reducing compensations and alleviating pain. Rolfing SI aims to restore flexibility, revitalize your energy and leave you feeling more comfortable in your body.
Essentially, the Rolfing process enables the body to regain the natural integrity of its form, thus enhancing postural efficiency and your freedom of movement.
