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- Therapeutic massages focus on healing specific issues, while regular massages aim to relax and soothe the body and mind. Knowing which type best suits your goals can enhance your experience and provide maximum benefits. With the proper knowledge, you can select a massage that perfectly aligns with your health and wellness goals.
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Oct 30, 2017 · In order to help you understand the many different options, let’s break them all down by defining the many types of massage therapy and bodywork available and then explaining which one might be best for your personal wellness goals.
- Overview
- Swedish massage
- Hot stone massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Sports massage
- Trigger point massage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu massage
- Thai massage
Swedish, hot stone, and deep tissue are just a few massage types. The best option for you will depend on personal preference and the type of relief you’re seeking.
Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a trained massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension.
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that’s great for people who:
•are new to massage
•want to release tension
•desire gentle touch
It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may choose to keep your underwear on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while lying on the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively working on.
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax.
This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands.
Hot stone massage may help:
•ease muscle tension
•improve blood flow
•alleviate pain
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who enjoy scent and want to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help:
•boost your mood
•reduce stress and anxiety
•reduce symptoms of depression
•relieve muscle tension
•relieve pain
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have muscle problems, such as:
•soreness
•injury
•imbalance
•tightness
•chronic muscle pain
Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries, because it can be used to help prevent them.
Sports massage can:
•increase flexibility
•improve athletic performance
•relieve pain
•reduce anxiety
Trigger point massage is best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition.
Sometimes, areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain.
A 2018 review found that treatment of head and neck muscles with trigger point therapy may reduce frequency, intensity, and duration of tension and migraine headaches, though more research is needed.
Trigger point massage uses alternating levels of pressure in the area of the trigger point to alleviate tension.
The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage, or you can be fully or partially undressed.
This type of massage will usually last 60 to 90 minutes.
Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. It’s best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option for those who aren’t comfortable being touched on the entire body.
Reflexology may be especially beneficial for:
•relaxation
•reduced pain
•reduced fatigue
•improved sleep
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:
•promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation
•helps relieve pain
•may relieve headache
•reduces muscle tension
•improves sleep and fatigue
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress. It can also help improve:
•flexibility
•circulation
•energy levels
Thai massage works the entire body using a sequence of movements that are similar to yogic stretching. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be stretched and twisted into various positions.
You can wear loose, comfortable clothing during the massage.
- Laura Dorwart
- Swedish Massage. Swedish massage—one of the most common types of massage therapy—involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues with long strokes, light pressure, and kneading or tapping.
- Deep Tissue Massage. Deep tissue massage aims to release tension in your muscles by manipulating deeper layers of soft tissue. It involves much firmer pressure than Swedish massage.
- Hot Stone Massage. Usually combined with Swedish massage, hot stone massage therapy aims to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension through the strategic placement of smooth, hot stones on certain parts of the body.
- Sports Massage. Sports massage is popular among athletes and people who exercise frequently. It is specifically designed to prevent and treat sports injuries.
Aug 2, 2023 · Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves moving soft tissues in the body to reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation and overall well-being.
- Annie Stuart
May 27, 2022 · What types of massage therapies are best? Massage has been used for centuries to help people with a wide range of ailments, from headaches to arthritis. It can also be used as a form of relaxation and stress relief. However, there is no single type of massage that is best for everyone.
May 7, 2019 · What Type of Massage Is Right for You? Here’s a Closer Look at 6 Different Types of Massage Therapy: The choices might seem a bit overwhelming. But, each style of massage offers unique benefits. Try a few and see what the best fit is, or weave different therapies into your regular routine. 1. Swedish Massage
Nov 11, 2021 · Massage is a great tool for relaxation, pain relief, easing muscle tension and more. Learn more about the common types of massage therapy and their benefits.
