The Different Types of Massages: A Detailed Guide

Over 20% of adults in the US are struggling with chronic pain. About 7.4% struggle with pain that limits their life or work activities. If you’re struggling with aches and pains, consider exploring the different types of massages available.

The best massages can ease tension throughout your body, reduce your stress levels, and help you unwind. Easing your pain can benefit your mobility, activity level, mood, and quality of life.

Experience the benefits of a massage firsthand! Read on to discover some of the best massage options available today.  

Deep Tissue

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, consider scheduling a deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massages target deeper layers of muscle and surrounding tissue. Intense treatment can help promote blood flow. As blood and nutrients reach your sore muscles, your body can heal and eliminate toxins. 

According to research, deep tissue massages have helped people with back pain, high blood pressure, and injuries. It could help reduce lower back pain in pregnant women, too. 

Deep tissue massages could help length and relax your deep tissues. They could help you recover from a sports injury or chronic pain as well.

Consider consulting a specialist as you review the different types of massages available. A massage therapist can help you choose the best massage based on your needs and goals. 

Hot Stone

You might want to schedule a hot stone massage if you’re struggling with muscle pain and tension. 

During a hot stone massage, a technician will apply heated stones throughout your body. For example, they might place the stones on your spine, feet, palms, fast, or chest. 

The benefits of a massage using hot stones can include:

• Relaxation
• Reduced muscle tension
• Pain relief
• Improved blood flow
• Stress relief

Some massage therapists use cold stones instead of heating ones. Cold temperatures can help calm swollen blood vessels. If your skin is irritated, cold stone therapy can help soothe your skin as well. 

Talk to your massage therapist to determine if you can benefit from a complementary massage as well. For example, you might want to combine a hot stone massage with a Swedish massage. 

Trigger Point

Chronic pain is associated with:

• Poor perceived health
• Mobility restrictions
• Reduced quality of life
• Restrictions in activity
• Dependence on opioids
• Depression
• Anxiety

Chronic pain also affects more Americans in the US than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined. As a result, it’s among the most common reasons adults seek medical care. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, consider types of massages for pain relief. 

For example, you might want to consider a trigger point massage.

Trigger point massages can help if your tension feels like a marble around existing muscle tension. A trigger point can cause significant, lasting pain.

Trigger point massages involve pressing on and rubbing these points to relieve your tension.

Chronic pain is one of the top reasons for missed days at work. It can impact your range of motion, too. Scheduling trigger point massages could help ease your pain, making it easier for you to get back to work.

The broad, flowing strokes involved with this massage, paired with deep pressure, could ease the trigger points away. Consider this form of massage therapy if you’re injured or in pain. 

Swedish 

Swedish massages are ideal if you want to relax. Using long strokes, a massage therapist will apply light-to-firm pressure to ease your tension.

The benefits of a massage in this style can also include reducing your heart rate and blood pressure. If you’re new to massage therapy, consider starting with a Swedish massage. 

Prenatal

A mom-to-be can experience the benefits of a massage, too. Prenatal massages can help ease mom’s stress, muscle tension, and body aches. Moms can schedule sessions at any point in a pregnancy.

Prenatal massages are similar to Swedish massages. Sessions last about an hour.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage therapy is ideal if you’re struggling with tension, stress, or pain. They involve pulsing, rhythmic pressure. These massages can also help:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Reduce stress, anxiety, or depression
• Ease headaches
• Promote physical and emotional calm

A session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes.

Thai

Thai massages are more active than some of the other types of massages available. They can help relieve the pain and stress you’ve developed over time. These massages can also benefit your energy, flexibility, and circulation.

Thai massages involve using a sequence of movements that are similar to yoga stretches. As you stretch, a massage therapist will apply pressure to your body.

A session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Sport

Consider massage therapy after sustaining a sports injury. Sports therapy could improve your performance and flexibility over time. It could ease any pain or muscle tension you’ve developed as well.

Chair

If you’re new to massage therapy or want a quick, simple massage, schedule a chair massage.

These massages focus on the back, neck, and shoulders. You can schedule a session to ease your stress or muscle tension. Most sessions don’t last above 30 minutes.

Aromatherapy

These massages involve using gentle pressure coupled with the use of essential oils. You can choose your preferred scent like eucalyptus, lavender, or tea tree oil.

Aromatherapy massages can help ease stress, anxiety, pain, and muscle tension. 

Couple’s

Want to enjoy a relaxing massage with a friend, family member, or partner? Consider scheduling a couple’s massage. You can both experience the benefits of a massage in the same room together.

Couple’s massages are often offered at spas. You can choose one of the massage options above based on your own needs.

Healing Hands: The Best Types of Massages for Sweet Relief

Don’t let aches and pains slow you down anymore. Instead, consider the different types of massages you can enjoy. Scheduling a massage therapy session can ease your pain, tension, stress, and more.

Remember to consult a massage therapist to determine which massage options suit your needs and goals.

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