7 Types of Massage for Relaxation and Pain Relief

Swedish massage is the most common type of massage. It is a gentle massage that uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to relax the muscles and improve circulation. Deep tissue massage pays attention to painful problem points on the body. This type of massage uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia.

It is often used to treat chronic pain and muscle tension. Modalities are specialized techniques that have been developed to address specific problems or areas of concern for personalized results. There are many modalities available, but some of the most popular are hot stone massage, prenatal massage, reflexology, Swedish massage, sports massage, acupressure, and aquatic bodywork. Hot stone massage sessions often complement a regular massage experience and do not use exclusively stones for the entire duration.

During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on specific points on the body to relax the muscles and improve circulation. Prenatal massage is a safe way for pregnant women to enjoy the benefits of a massage. It is suggested to opt for this massage after the first trimester to reduce the risk of any mishap. Prenatal massage uses different positions to adapt to your shape while still providing relaxation and relief from pain.

Reflexology is a type of massage that revolves around the traditional Chinese belief that certain pressure points on the hands, feet and ears correspond to other organs in the body. During a reflexology massage, pressure is applied to these points to achieve a wealth of health benefits. Sports massage focuses on the fact that the body needs complete relaxation. The primary focus may be on a certain area of pain or injury or may involve a full body massage.

Techniques alternate with different types of strokes to facilitate proper stress release. Craniosacral therapy sessions also involve an in-depth conversation with your doctor so that you can find the true source of your pain or discomfort. Sessions can last one to two hours and can be performed on patients of any age. A session aims to relax the patient in a state of sacred harmony.

The nerve endings along the spinal cord are designed to work more harmoniously at the end of a session. In fact, some patients are so relaxed at the end of a craniosacral therapy session that they fall asleep or enter a dreamlike state. Acupressure works on principles similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, pressure is applied with the fingers, thumbs, and other parts of the body. Acupressure originated in traditional Chinese medicine, which contains a system of meridians that extend throughout the human body.

Acupressure is often combined with other techniques as part of a Chinese massage. Acupressure has been shown to be effective in preventing nausea, however, many of the other claims about acupressure have not been proven. The aquatic body is becoming more popular in modern times. Used for relaxation, fitness and physical rehabilitation, this type of massage could be a good option for you if you like foot massages.

The client can submerge fully, partially or floating during treatment. There are many techniques that can be used, such as diaphragmatic breathing and active progressive resistance, cardiovascular conditioning (running or jogging in water), and exercises to develop balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance, speed and strength.