8 Popular Types of Massage Therapy
There are many different types of massage, each designed to provide relief and comfort for specific modes of pain. Massages are also the perfect way to experience enhanced relaxation and comfort if you are going through stressful times or as self-care.
The best massage therapy can be determined with the help of a massage therapist who will evaluate your symptoms, whether they be pain, injury, or stress. Your therapist will then recommend a treatment that will offer the highest level of relief.
The type of massage therapy you choose can be very issue-specific. Some people want to relax and enjoy a deep tissue massage after a long day at the office. Others, such as athletes, may relax on different types of massage techniques to deal with an injury or help prepare for a competition.
Benefits of a massage
Massages offer a variety of key health benefits from relaxation to more serious medical treatment for injuries. Not only is getting a massage helpful when you are experiencing stress or pain but there are many holistic benefits to overall health.
- Reduced stress
- Improved sleep
- Improved flexibility and agility
- Better circulation
- Fewer migraines and headaches
Let’s review the different types of massage therapy so you can find the right solution for your sore muscles so you can enjoy comfortable pain-free living.
Swedish Massage
Most people will be familiar with this type of massage. It is a great starting point for people who are trying to determine what level of massage pressure is right for them. Swedish massage is more gentle, while still offering exceptional relief of pain and pressure on the joints and muscles.
Deep Tissue Massage
If you experience chronic or more intense pain, then deep tissue massage may be right for you. During a session, your massage therapist will work specific pressure points, working the muscles and tendons using stronger, guided strokes that help release tension and improve muscle flexibility. Athletes may benefit from regular deep tissue massage to help keep them limber for athletic performance.
Trigger Point Massage
Everyone has likely experienced a ‘knot’ in their shoulder or a stiff neck. Trigger point massage targets specific pain to help relieve the tension and tightness in these areas. Your massage therapist may use their hands or a massage gun to targe these areas using specific massage movements to release built-up tension and relax muscle tissue.
Prenatal Massage
Any mom-to-be will tell you how painful and uncomfortable pregnancy can be. Prenatal massage gently relieves pain in common areas such as the lower back, legs, and other tension points. Your massage therapist will use a special pillow to ensure you are in a comfortable position before beginning. Remember, only a trained massage therapist should perform a prenatal massage.
Sports Massage
Playing sports is a great way to keep in shape and improve your health, but it can also lead to serious injury and stress on the muscles and joints. Professional and amateur athletes can experience significant relief and even prevent future injury with the help of a sports massage.
Your massage therapist can help you develop a plan that ensures you get the right amount of pre and post-game care to reduce the risk of injury and even improve performance.
Hot Stone Massage
Designed to improve circulation and relieve pressure on joints and muscles, a hot stone massage is the perfect form of self-care. Blended with traditional massage therapy techniques, your massage therapist will incorporate warmed stones on key areas of the body to increase relaxation using deep penetrating heat from the stones.
Aromatherapy Massage
Sense of smell is one of the most powerful scenes. It can trigger positive memories and create a sense of relaxation and comfort. Aromatherapy massage uses this methodology to help create a peaceful and calming massage experience. Utilizing traditional massage oils blended with unique and relaxing fragrances such as lavender, peppermint, or rose, an aromatherapy massage is the perfect escape from the stresses of daily life.
Reflexology Massage
Reflexology is a specialized form of massage that concentrates on specific pressure points to stimulate different parts of the body such as the hands and feet. These points release pressure and pain in other parts of the body improving overall physical and mental health.
Experience Relaxation and Relief
You don’t have to live with pain. The professional and friendly team at Knead Wellness can work with you to identify the cause of your pain and find the right massage therapy solutions to prevent it from negatively affecting your life. Get in touch with us for your personalized treatment today!