The movements are longer and slower than with many other forms of massage. Whether it's your first massage or number 50, you may not be aware of the many types of massages that exist. There are a variety of types of massage therapy that have incredible mental and physical health benefits (usually under the title of therapeutic massage), while serving different functions. Today, we'll explore seven of the most common types of massage and the differences between them.
After reading, not only will you be more informed about the benefits of massage and choosing the best massage for you, but you will also be one step closer to relaxation. Swedish massage is the most common type of massage. Known for its smooth, long, kneading movements combined with shorter, more rhythmic strokes, this type of massage uses light to moderate pressure to adapt to your comfort level. Swedish massage therapy includes five different types of strokes.
Deep tissue massage pays attention to painful problem points on the body. It focuses on muscle knots (areas of tension within the muscle fiber) and problem areas in the deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. Massage therapists will use slow, firm, and intense movements or friction to help relieve pain from repetitive tension, postural problems, injuries, and tense or painful muscles. Deep tissue massage should never hurt, even if stroking is more intense.
Hot stone massages involve hot stones (usually a volcanic rock called basalt that retains heat) placed on different parts of the body. The stones can be left in place or used as massage tools by a massage therapist. This heat on the muscles of the body has a relaxing and healing effect and increases blood flow to the area, as well as relaxing the muscles. Hot stone massage can be used to treat muscle injuries by reducing stiffness and discomfort.
Sports massages manipulate the soft tissues of the body and focus on certain muscle groups that depend on the athlete's sport. Usually used for people who play sports or exercise regularly, sports massage helps prevent and treat injuries, reduce muscle pain, correct muscle imbalances, improve flexibility and improve sports performance. Sports massage involves faster movements than Swedish massage and may include other massage techniques, such as compression, pressure point therapy, friction, and joint mobilization. Reflexology is based on the concept of “reflex areas” on the hands and feet, whose energy is thought to be connected to other parts of the body.
In a reflexology session, a massage therapist will use hand, thumb, and finger techniques, such as kneading and rubbing certain areas of the feet. Shiatsu massage has a history in traditional Chinese medicine, but it is a form of Japanese bodywork. Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese. This is a massage therapist who applies rhythmic and localized pressure with the fingers, hands or elbows to certain acupressure points of the body.
These points are believed to improve the body's energy flow and restore balance. Shiatsu massage can be useful for increasing energy, recovering from injury, and stimulating the digestive system. Commonly used to reduce stress and stress-related health problems, Shiatsu massage can be effective for conditions such as arthritis, insomnia, and sinus problems. Thai massage is a more energizing form of massage, incorporating assisted yoga, passive stretching, and pressure massage movements.
Thai massage tries to align the energies of the body and during a session, the masseur will move and stretch it in different positions. Thai massage uses rhythmic muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure to reduce stress and improve flexibility. It can help treat back pain, balance problems, and even migraine symptoms. The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy.
It involves gentle, long and kneading movements, as well as light, rhythmic and tapping strokes, on the upper layers of the muscles. This is also combined with joint movement. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be relaxing and energizing. And it can even help after an injury.
Deep tissue massage is best for paying attention to certain painful and stiff problem points of the body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate movements that focus pressure on the layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under the skin. Although it is less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be therapeutic, as it relieves chronic tension patterns and helps with muscle injuries, such as a sprained back. Read our complete guide to Swedish massages.
Buy Swedish massages near you. As the name suggests, deep tissue massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. Because of this, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish ones. Buy deep tissue massages near you.
Buy hot stone massages near you. Specifically designed with athletes in mind, sports massage is a variation of Swedish massage that aims to address pain caused by repetitive movements and help active people recover more quickly from stress and injury. Read our guide to sports massages. Buy sports massages near you.
A Japanese style of massage rooted in Chinese medicine, shiatsu massage aims to eliminate blockages that prevent the body's energy force, or Qi, from flowing freely. Therapists use many different techniques, often using the elbows, knees and even the feet, while working on tension in the back, joints, and extremities. Read our Shiatsu massage guide. Buy Shiatsu massages near you.
Like deep tissue massage, trigger point massage aims to dissipate chronic tension located deep within the muscles. But while deep tissue is ideal for tension to spread over a large area, the trigger point is best for pain that radiates from a very specific point (or several points). Massage therapists knead two clients side by side in the same room. Swedish massage is the typical modality used, but you can also request other types of massages, such as deep tissue massage or hot stone massage.
Buy couples massages near you. Read our guide to prenatal massages and other ways to combat pregnancy pains. Buy prenatal massages near you. Massages are one of life's simple but sometimes confusing pleasures.
With so many different varieties, it can be difficult to know which type would be best for your needs. A good massage is truly a delight and can offer many health benefits, but there are more than 200 different massage techniques and types, all of which treat different needs and provide various benefits. Which one should you choose? Here are 10 of the most popular types of massages to meet your varied needs. This type of massage can be useful for treating repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain conditions, and injuries that cause limited mobility.
Talk to your doctor before receiving any type of massage if you have any health problems or conditions. While all of the above massages should make you feel better, some specific types of massage may be better for an overall energy boost. The frequency of massages really depends on the type of massage you want, the area you want to treat and your budget. Biomechanical Stimulation is unlike any other type of massage therapy, specifically because the professional does not use their hands for the procedure.
Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), is a type of gentle massage that stimulates the circulation of lymphatic fluids throughout the body. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only that the massage therapist uses hot stones instead of or in addition to their hands. Being aware of what different types of massages can do for you is an important first step in maximizing the benefits that derive from them. You can usually choose what type of massage you want to receive, and you and your partner can receive a different type of massage, depending on your preferences and the clinic's offerings.
Craniosacral therapy or craniosacral massage is a type of bodywork that helps release compression in the bones of the head, lower back, and spine. But did you know that in addition to putting you in a totally zen state, this type of massage can relieve headaches, reduce feelings of stress and even stimulate hair growth?. With specially designed massage pillows, the massage therapist will help you get into a comfortable position for this type of massage. If you are new to the world of massage or have never ventured beyond your normal Swedish session, it can be confusing to navigate the different types of massages that exist.
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