There are many types of massage therapy, from Swedish and deep tissue to shiatsu. Whether you’d like to branch out a bit or have a health condition or injury. Choosing a style of massage can be confusing if you’re not quite sure what it involves. Here is a list of the most popular types of massage.
Swedish Massage Therapy – Swedish massage is the standard type of massage offered in most clinics, gyms, spas, and wellness centers. Using lotion or oil, massage therapists typically begin with broad general strokes and then transition to specific strokes to address problem areas.
Aromatherapy Massage – An aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage with scented plant oils (known as essential oils) added to the massage oil. Extracted from flowers and other plant parts, essential oils offer a pleasing scent.
Hot Stone Massage – As the name implies, a hot stone massage uses heated stones. The massage therapist places warm, smooth stones on specific points on the body also holds the stones while giving the massage. The stones are usually basalt (a volcanic rock that retains heat well).
Deep Tissue Massage or Shiatsu Massage – Shiatsu massage involves localized pressure using the therapist’s fingers (or sometimes hands and elbows), applied in a rhythmic sequence along the body. Each point is held for about two to eight seconds. With roots in traditional, the goal of shiatsu is to stimulate acupressure points on the body to improve the flow of energy and help regain balance. Since no oil or lotion is used, you wear loose clothing. Shiatsu is normally done on a mat on the floor or on a low massage table and is often used to reduce stress and protect against stress-related health issues.
Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It’s a little bit like yoga without doing the work. The therapist moves and stretches you in a sequence of postures, usually on a mat on the floor. Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body.
The massage therapist uses rhythmic compression. Along the body’s energy lines to reduce stress and improve flexibility and range of motion. It is done fully clothed. lower back pain and swollen ankles especially in the later months, prenatal massage is a relatively safe, drug-free way to provide relief.
Reflexology – The therapist uses finger pressure and techniques such as kneading and rubbing to promote relaxation and healing in the body. Reflexology is based on “reflex areas” on the hands and feet. Energy is believed to be connected to organs and other body parts.
Sports Massage – Designed to prevent and treat injuries, improve flexibility, and enhance athletic performance. Sports massage can be used by athletes of all abilities to prepare for or recover from sporting events. The idea behind sports massage is to manipulate the body’s soft tissues. Focus on certain muscle groups depending on which sport the athlete plays. In sports massage, the strokes are generally faster than a typical Swedish massage. The therapist may also include compression, pressure point therapy, friction, and joint mobilization.
When considering a therapist, always ask about their certifications and training, particularly in the specific technique(s) you are considering. For example, not all therapists are trained to perform prenatal massage. You might also check reviews of our business. However, the cost for a massage can vary widely and depend not only on the length of the massage, but the technician providing the service and/or their employer, the technique, and your location.
There may also be limits on the number of appointments or cost that is covered. When you are looking for massage therapy, be sure to check which type of massage a practitioner can provide. Match that with the benefits you hope to get from the massage session. You may want to chat with us to find the one who understands your needs. Be sure to discuss any allergies, such as scents or plant oils, so your massage will be relaxing and beneficial without any concerns.