Entry-level recognition for MBLEx plus clear distinctions among techniques taught in this program.
| Approach | Recognize it by | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish massage | Effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, tapotement and related flowing techniques | Pressure can vary; “Swedish” does not automatically mean feather-light. |
| Deep tissue | Slower, more specific work targeting deeper or resistant tissues depending on goal | Depth is not measured by pain. In this course, trigger point and MFR are taught as distinct techniques. |
| Myofascial release | Sustained, often slower engagement of skin/fascial layers with direct or indirect approaches | Avoid claims that fascia is permanently “broken up” or lengthened in one session. |
| Trigger point therapy | Focused work on a locally sensitive point associated with local/referred symptoms | Separate from MFR in this curriculum; use symptom-guided pressure, not a pain contest. |
| Sports massage | Massage adapted to training/competition context, timing, recovery and performance goals | Technique selection varies pre-event, post-event and maintenance contexts. |
| Manual lymphatic drainage | Specialized gentle techniques intended to support lymphatic fluid movement | Not ordinary deep massage; lymphedema care requires appropriate training/medical context. |
| Shiatsu | Japanese bodywork tradition using pressure along points/pathways, often without oil | Associated with East Asian energetic concepts. |
| Acupressure | Manual pressure to points used in traditional East Asian frameworks | Manual pressure, not needle insertion. |
| Reflexology | Pressure to mapped areas, commonly feet/hands, traditionally believed to correspond to other body regions | Do not present reflex maps as established anatomical connections. |
| Thai massage | Compression, assisted movement/stretching and traditional energy-line concepts, often clothed/on mat | Requires appropriate training and safe joint handling. |
| Chair massage | Shorter clothed session in specialized seated support | Common in workplaces/events; intake, consent and contraindications still apply. |
| Prenatal massage | Massage adapted to pregnancy comfort, positioning and health considerations | Pregnancy is not itself a pathology; adaptations depend on trimester, symptoms and risks. |
| Hot stone massage | Heated stones used as tools and/or placed according to protocol | Thermal safety, sensation, skin and circulation status are critical. |
| Hydrotherapy | Therapeutic use of water/thermal applications | Includes heat, cold and contrast approaches; contraindications depend on temperature and client status. |
When a question asks about a modality, identify its defining feature first. Then apply the same universal safety principles: informed consent, contraindication screening, appropriate training, communication and scope of practice.