What are the main types of massage?
Swedish massage
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.
The massage therapist will use a combination of kneading, long flowing strokes in the direction of the heart, deep circular motions, vibration and tapping, passive joint movement techniques
Usually, a Swedish massage will last 60 to 90 minutes.
Hot stone massage
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, promote relaxation, relieve stress.
During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas of the whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques with gentle pressure. Sometimes, cold stones are also used.
You don’t wear clothes for hot stone massage, unless you’d prefer to wear your underwear. You’ll be covered with a sheet.
Usually, the massage is 90 minutes long.
Aromatherapy massage
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.
Aromatherapy massages combine soft, gentle pressure with the use of essential oils. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin.
During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while inhaling essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes, an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing, but underwear is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60 to 90 minutes.
Deep tissue massage
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.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear.
The massage will last 60 to 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.
Sports massage
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, release muscle tension. A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or on specific parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes, depending on your needs.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to wear clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and allows the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are options.
The massage will likely last 60 to 90 minutes.
Trigger point massage
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
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, reduced anxiety, improved mood.
A 2018 review Trusted Source found that reflexology significantly decreased the anxiety of patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures compared with the control group.
You can wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your legs.
A reflexology massage lasts 30 to 60 minutes.
Shiatsu massage
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, may improve mood.
A 2019 study found that shiatsu therapy combined with standard care for lower back pain improved symptoms and quality of life immediately after treatment.
Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas that need extra attention.
During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage.
Shiatsu massages typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
Thai massage
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.
A Thai massage lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Couples massage
A couples massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend, or family member in the same room. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage plus the chance to enjoy a relaxing experience with a partner.
Other treatments, such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs, are sometimes offered as part of a package.
You can usually choose which type of massage you’d like to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different type of massage, depending on your preference and clinic offerings.
You’ll be on tables side-by-side, and you’ll each have your own massage therapist working on your body. You can talk during the massage if you wish.
In some cases, you and your partner may have the chance to learn massage techniques and perform them on each other.
Chair massage
A chair massage is best for people who want a quick massage that focuses on the neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can be a comfortable introduction to massage if you’ve never had one before. Chair massage also helps relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage uses light to medium pressure.
During the massage, you’ll remain fully clothed and sit in a specially designed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest pushes into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are usually 10 to 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Massage may be a way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists to find the type and provider that’s best for you.
Always communicate your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist, and speak up if you’re uncomfortable. Talk with your doctor before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions.
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