Massages have been around for thousands of years and have proven to be effective in numerous muscle and tension problems. Many people rely on therapy to get them through some difficult injuries or everyday issues. If you’re not familiar with massage types, we’re here to help. Let’s see which technique suits your needs best and how it’ll benefit your issues.
Swedish massage
If you’re new to massage and feel confused about where to start, this is the right choice. Swedish massage is a full-body massage that helps people relax and relieve muscle knots. The massage therapist will not use a lot of pressure but combine longer tapping strokes while also moving parts of your body.
It will help with:
- Tension release
- Pain relief
- Stress release
- Muscle problems (especially lower back)
Sensual massage
Many people have reservations about sensual massage, but it’s far from a taboo topic. It relies on therapeutic techniques to reduce pain and discomfort, leading to the best unwinding experience you can get. The high-intensity technique applies low pressure to the areas that need it. It connects the physical, emotional, and spiritual energy within the body.
It will help with:
- Mood boosts
- Stress release
- Natural sexual stimulation
- Sleep quality
- Circulation enhancement
Hot stone massage
A hot stone massage is a perfect choice for people dealing with muscle injuries, as the technique helps them relax and increases blood flow to that area. The massage therapist will heat the stones in water beforehand and then place them on different body parts. Most stones contain basalt, a volcanic rock high in iron.
It will help with:
- Muscle injuries
- Stiffness and discomfort release
- Blood circulation
- Pain alleviation
- Stress release
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is a good follow-up to Swedish massage once you move past the beginner phase. It aims to reach deeper layers of connective and muscle tissue. The massage therapist will use firm but slow strokes to target deep tissue and relieve stress. Some therapists might specifically work on knots in the muscles occurring due to muscle overuse or even poor posture.
It will help with:
- Pain relief
- Soreness
- Injury
- Tightness
- Chronic muscle pain
Sports massage
As the name suggests, the purpose is to target people who participate in sports regularly and experience discomfort. The biggest struggle is the soft tissue in the body, and it’s the part that needs the most attention. The massage therapist manipulates the soft tissue and uses soothing strokes or deep pressure, depending on the body’s needs. This massage is also a great way to prevent sports injuries by targeting the affected areas regularly.
It will help with:
- Flexibility
- Pain relief
- Anxiety reduction
- Muscle tension
- Athletic performance
- Tendons, ligaments, fascia
Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu massage roughly translates to finger pressure in Japanese. Here, the massage therapist relies on varied, rhythmic stimulation of specific pressure points in the body. You might know these as acupressure points, which are crucial to establishing the body’s vital energy, typically called chi. Shiatsu massage helps eliminate blockages in acupressure points. More on that here.
It will help with:
- Pain treatment
- Fatigue release
- Sleep quality
- Headache treatment
- Bowel function
- Relaxation
- Chronic lower back pain
Reflexology
Reflexology is a different massage type as it focuses on pressure points on hands, feet, and ears to help other body parts. It helps reduce pain and promotes relaxation and is a good choice for people looking to restore their natural energy or those who are not comfortable with a full-body massage.
It will help with:
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Fatigue
- Sleep quality
- Anxiety
- Mood boosts
Thai massage
Thai massage is the oldest massage practice on our list, heavily supported by modern science. This technique combines compression, acupressure, and passive stretching. It is an active form of massage that utilizes movements similar to those used in yoga. A massage therapist will twist you and stretch you in different positions and also use their palms and fingers to apply pressure to your body.
It will help with:
- Circulation
- Energy levels
- Headache relief
- Lower back and joint pain
Adam Mulligan did his degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. He is interested in mental health and well-being.
