What is a massage?
There are a number of kinds of massage that focus on various parts of the body or healing techniques. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a massage therapist will use mild or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to reduce discomfort and stress. A massage therapist is a person trained in providing massages.
Check out on to find out about the different types of massage and which type might be right for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle kind of full-body massage that’s perfect for people who:
are new to massage
have a lot of tension
are delicate to touch
It can assist release muscle knots, and it’s also an excellent option for when you desire to completely unwind during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may pick to keep your underclothing on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while lying on the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover locations that they are actively working on.
The massage therapist will use a combination of:
kneading
long, flowing strokes in the instructions of the heart
deep circular movements
vibration and tapping
passive joint movement techniques
Usually a Swedish massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Choose a Swedish massage for relaxation or handling small discomfort.
This kind of massage is likewise great for individuals new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and stress or who just wish to unwind. This type of healing massage is similar to a Swedish massage, just the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It relieves muscle stress, enhances blood flow, and relieves pain by utilizing heated stones. Hot stone massage might assist:
ease muscle stress
improve blood circulation
ease discomfort
promote relaxation
eliminate tension
Throughout a hot stone massage, heated stones are positioned on different areas around your entire body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body utilizing Swedish massage methods utilizing mild pressure. Sometimes cold stones are likewise utilized.
You do not wear clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable wearing your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Typically the massage is 90 minutes long.
SUMMARY:
Hot stone massage may relieve more muscle tension than a Swedish massage because of the included heat.
This kind of massage in usually more pricey than a Swedish massage
3. Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who desire to have a psychological healing element to their massage. This type of massage can help:
increase your state of mind
decrease tension and stress and anxiety
decrease symptoms of anxiety
alleviate muscle stress
alleviate pain
Aromatherapy massages integrate soft, mild pressure with the use of important oils. Your massage therapist will normally choose which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a choice. Necessary oils are watered down prior to being used to the skin.
During the massage, you’ll be provided a full-body massage while breathing in important oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Often an aromatherapy massage will only concentrate on your back, shoulders, and head. You will not wear any clothes other than underclothing, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy integrates the mild touches of Swedish massage with the addition of necessary oils.
Do not utilize this kind of massage if you’re sensitive to smell or important oils.
4. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as pain, injury, or imbalance. It can assist relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.
Throughout a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will utilize slow strokes and deep finger pressure to alleviate stress from the inmost layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked throughout this massage or use your underwear.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a great alternative if you have a lot of muscle tension or persistent discomfort.
Avoid this type of massage if you’re overly sensitive to pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is a great alternative if you have a recurring use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good choice if you’re prone to injuries because it can be utilized to help prevent sports injuries. You might also utilize sports massage to increase versatility and performance. Furthermore, sports massage can be utilized to ease discomfort, anxiety, and muscle stress.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be rotated with calming strokes depending upon your requirements.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you choose to wear clothing, make sure it’s thin, loose, and permits the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are options.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Sports massage is a great alternative if you have an injury from recurring muscle usage.
This kind of massage may also assist improve flexibility and sports performance, and lower your danger for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best fit for people who have injuries, persistent discomfort, or a specific problem or condition. Sometimes locations of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By concentrating on relieving trigger points, this kind of massage can reduce pain.
Trigger point massage utilizes broad, streaming strokes that are mild and relaxing combined with more powerful, deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be launched. You can use light-weight clothing for the massage or be completely or partly undressed.
This type of massage will usually last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point massage can help you handle persistent discomfort.
Wear lightweight clothing for this kind of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is best for individuals who are aiming to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a great alternative if you aren’t comfortable being discussed your entire body. Reflexology utilizes gentle to firm pressure on various pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfy clothing that permits access to your legs.
A reflexology massage lasts for 30– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Reflexology focuses on pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears.
This is an excellent option if you’re uncomfortable being touched over your whole body. You can likewise be completely dressed throughout this type of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for individuals who wish to feel relaxed and alleviate stress, discomfort, and tension. It’s a Japanese kind of massage that:
promotes psychological and physical calm and relaxation
assists to ease tension, stress and anxiety, and depression
may alleviate headache
minimizes muscle tension
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, however your therapist might focus on areas of your body that require additional attention. During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage specific points of your body. Pulsing or balanced pressure is utilized. You can be fully clothed throughout this massage.
Shiatsu massages generally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is a good option if you’re trying to find a relaxing massage It may likewise assist launch minor stress.
You can be totally outfitted during this kind of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active type of massage and want to minimize and relieve discomfort and tension. It can likewise help improve:
flexibility
circulation
energy levels
Thai massage works the whole body utilizing a series of motions that resemble yogic extending. Your therapist will utilize their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You’ll likewise be extended and twisted into numerous positions. You can wear loose, comfy clothing throughout the massage.
Thai massage lasts for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Thai massage is more active than other forms of massage, and the therapist will stretch your body in addition to providing a massage
This is another type of massage where you stay totally dressed.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe method for women to get a massage throughout pregnancy. It can help in reducing pregnancy body aches, decrease stress, and ease muscle tension. You can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy. However, numerous facilities, specifically in the United States, do not provide massages to women in their very first trimester due to the threat of miscarriage throughout this time.
Prenatal massage uses mild pressure comparable to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on locations such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be completely or partly undressed depending on your comfort level. Throughout the massage, you’ll either rest on your side or on a specifically created table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had discomfort in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a medical professional before you have a massage.
The massage will last for 45– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Prenatal massage is a good alternative for pregnant ladies.
This type of massage focuses on gentle pressure and benefits relaxation and moderate tension relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you finish with your partner, buddy, or member of the family in the same room. It brings all the advantages of a regular massage and in some cases supplies you with access to the spa’s hot tubs, saunas, and other facilities. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are often used as part of a plan.
You can generally select which type of massage you wish to get, and you and your partner can each get a different kind of massage depending on your preference and the offerings at the couples spa. Your partner and you will be on tables side-by-side, and you’ll each have your own massage therapist dealing with your body. You can talk during the massage if you want.
SUMMARY:
A couple’s massage is a massage you have in a shared room with a friend, partner, or member of the family.
You can typically select from a variety of kinds of massages to have throughout your visit. Swedish and hot stone massages are frequently used as an alternative during a couple’s massage
12. Chair massage.
A chair massage is best for individuals who desire a fast massage that concentrates on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can likewise be a way to present you to massage if you’ve never had one in the past. Chair massage also helps to eliminate stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage utilizes light to medium pressure.
During the massage, you’ll remain totally dressed and sit in a specifically created chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest presses into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are usually 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is a fantastic alternative if you’re short on time.
This kind of massage is likewise a great choice if you’re new to massage.
How to find a massage therapist
You can get an individual recommendation for a massage therapist from a medical professional, pal, or an online directory site. Or you can schedule a few massages with various therapists to see which one you prefer. Ensure it’s somebody with whom you feel comfortable so that you can fully unwind.
Make certain your massage therapist s correctly trained and has certificates and state licenses that are up-to-date. You might wish to have a quick conversation with your therapist prior to starting your sessions so that you can communicate your expectations and ask any relevant questions.
How much does a massage cost?
Costs vary significantly for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is usually $50–$ 150. Many therapists will anticipate a 15– 20 percent suggestion on top of this. Nevertheless, some places don’t accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more expensive than standard massages. Depending on the place, some specialized massages such as deep tissue, Thai, or sports massages may run a bit higher, too.
You can have a look at a massage school in your area or find a massage therapist who operates at home if you wish to discover massages at a more reasonable cost.
Insurance coverage sometimes covers massage treatment if you can show it’s being used to deal with a medical condition. In some cases insurance business will cover massage treatment if it’s part of chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage may be a way for you to feel better physically, psychologically, and mentally. Try out various kinds of massage and with various massage therapists to discover the type and supplier that is most perfect for you.
Constantly communicate your expectations and objectives with your massage therapist and speak out if there is something with which you aren’t comfy. Speak to your medical professional before getting any kind of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions