Are There Different Kinds of Massage and Bodywork?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing/gliding strokes, rocking movements, posture (hip) mobilization, application of pressure to specific points (trigger points), stretching, compression, applications of heat, cold, menthol, lidocane, percussive and osscilating devices. Sports massage may include more muscle 'stripping' which lengthens the muscle, tendon and connective tissue. Neuromuscular therapy directly addresses contractures (spasms) in strands of the muscle called trigger points as well as adhesions (fascial binds) in the connective tissue surrounding the trigger points

Touch can be used to bring a persons attention to areas of their body that may be still be holding tension. With continued guided relaxation a person can learn to let go of the stuck areas where unconscious tension exists. Often this type of bodywork is moderate to deep in pressure and is meant to teach a person about holding patterns in their musculo-skelatal system that they were unaware of yet cause discomfort and pain. It can be thought of as a cross between bio-feedback and guided meditation. 

What Are the Benefits of Massage and Bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, eliminate pain, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Deeper tissue massage work can help relieve the pain and tension in tight knotted muscles.

 Wall Street Journal Article on massage as medicine:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304537904577277303049173934.html