What is a massage?
There are a number of kinds of massage that concentrate on different parts of the body or recovery methods. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body utilizing the hands. Throughout a massage, a massage therapist will use gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to reduce pain and tension. A massage therapist is an individual trained in providing massages.
Keep reading to discover the various kinds of massage and which type may be ideal for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle type of full-body massage that’s ideal for individuals who:
are new to massage
have a great deal of stress
are sensitive to touch
It can assist release muscle knots, and it’s also a great option for when you wish to totally relax throughout a massage.
For this massage, you’ll eliminate your clothing, though you might select 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 discover areas that they are actively working on.
The massage therapist will utilize a mix of:
kneading
long, flowing strokes in the instructions of the heart
deep circular movements
vibration and tapping
passive joint motion methods
Typically a Swedish massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Pick a Swedish massage for relaxation or managing minor discomfort.
This type of massage is also great for individuals new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle discomfort and stress or who simply desire to unwind. This kind of therapeutic massage resembles a Swedish massage, just the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It relieves muscle tension, improves blood circulation, and alleviates pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage might help:
ease muscle stress
enhance blood flow
ease pain
promote relaxation
relieve stress
During a hot stone massage, heated stones are put on various locations around your whole body. Your therapist might hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques using mild pressure. Sometimes cold stones are likewise utilized.
You do not wear clothing for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfortable wearing your underclothing. You will be covered with a sheet. Generally the massage is 90 minutes long.
SUMMARY:
Hot stone massage might relieve more muscle tension than a Swedish massage since of the added heat.
This kind of massage in typically more expensive than a Swedish massage
3. Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who wish to have an emotional healing component to their massage. This type of massage can help:
increase your mood
reduce tension and anxiety
reduce signs of depression
ease muscle tension
ease discomfort
Aromatherapy massages combine soft, mild pressure with using vital oils. Your massage therapist will normally choose which vital oils to use, however you can let them understand if you have a preference. Vital oils are watered down before being used to the skin.
Throughout the massage, you’ll be provided a full-body massage while inhaling important oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will just concentrate on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothing other than underwear, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy integrates the mild touches of Swedish massage with the addition of essential oils.
Do not use this kind of massage if you’re delicate to smell or vital oils.
4. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s an excellent choice if you have persistent muscle issues, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, persistent muscle discomfort, and stress and anxiety.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve stress from the inmost layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked throughout this massage or use your underclothing.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you should not feel any discomfort or pain.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a great choice if you have a lot of muscle tension or persistent discomfort.
Prevent this kind of massage if you’re extremely conscious pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is an excellent choice if you have a repetitive usage injury to a muscle, such as what you might get from playing a sport. It’s likewise a great choice if you’re prone to injuries due to the fact that it can be utilized to assist avoid sports injuries. You may likewise utilize sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be utilized to alleviate pain, anxiety, and muscle stress.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may concentrate on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be rotated with calming strokes depending on your requirements.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you choose to use clothes, make certain it’s thin, loose, and permits the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are alternatives.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Sports massage is a great choice if you have an injury from repeated muscle use.
This kind of massage might also assist enhance versatility and sports efficiency, and reduce your danger for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best matched for individuals who have injuries, persistent pain, or a specific concern or condition. Often areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, referred to as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By concentrating on alleviating trigger points, this kind of massage can reduce pain.
Trigger point massage utilizes broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and peaceful combined with stronger, much deeper pressure. The massage will include deal with your entire body, though your therapist will focus on particular locations of your body that need to be released. You can use light-weight clothes for the massage or be completely or partly undressed.
This type of massage will generally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point couples massage can help you manage chronic pain.
Use lightweight clothes for this kind of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is finest for people who are aiming to unwind or restore their natural energy levels. It’s likewise a good alternative if you aren’t comfy being touched on your whole body. Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on various pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can use loose, comfy clothes that enables access to your legs.
A reflexology massage lasts for 30– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Reflexology concentrates on pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears.
This is a good choice if you’re uneasy being touched over your whole body. You can also be totally dressed throughout this kind of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and alleviate stress, discomfort, and stress. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:
promotes psychological and physical calm and relaxation
assists to relieve tension, anxiety, and depression
may relieve headache
minimizes muscle stress
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, however your therapist might focus on locations of your body that need additional attention. Throughout the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and Reflexology thumbs to massage specific points of your body. Pulsing or balanced pressure is utilized. You can be completely dressed during this massage.
Shiatsu massages normally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxing massage It might also assist launch minor stress.
You can be completely dressed throughout this kind of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for individuals who desire a more active type of massage and wish to lower and relieve discomfort and tension. It can also assist enhance:
flexibility
flow
energy levels
Thai massage works the entire body using a series of movements that resemble yogic extending. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to use firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be extended and twisted into various positions. You can wear loose, comfortable 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 extend your body in addition to offering a massage
This is another type of massage where you stay completely clothed.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches, lower tension, and alleviate muscle tension. You can get a massage at any time throughout your pregnancy. However, lots of facilities, specifically in the United States, do not offer massages to females in their very first trimester due to the threat of miscarriage during this time.
Prenatal massage utilizes moderate pressure comparable to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on areas such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be fully or partially undressed depending upon your convenience level. During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specifically designed table with a cutout for your stubborn belly. If you’ve had pain 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 choice for pregnant ladies.
This kind of massage concentrates on gentle pressure and is good for relaxation and moderate tension relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you make with your partner, good friend, or member of the family in the exact same room. It brings all the advantages of a regular massage and in some cases offers you with access to the spa’s jacuzzis, saunas, and other facilities. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are often offered as part of a bundle.
You can normally pick which type of massage you ‘d like to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different kind of massage depending upon your preference and the offerings at the spa. Your partner and you will be on tables side-by-side, and you’ll each have your own massage therapist working on your body. You can talk throughout the massage if you want.
SUMMARY:
A couple’s massage is a massage you have in a shared room with a good friend, partner, or relative.
You can generally pick from a variety of kinds of massages to have during your appointment. Swedish and hot stone massages are frequently used as an option throughout 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 introduce you to massage if you’ve never had one in the past. Chair massage also assists to relieve stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage utilizes light to medium pressure.
Throughout the massage, you’ll stay fully dressed and sit in a specifically developed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest presses into the back of the chair, enabling the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are usually 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is a fantastic choice if you’re brief on time.
This type of massage is also a great choice if you’re brand-new to massage.
How to find a massage therapist
You can get a personal recommendation for a massage therapist from a doctor, friend, or an online directory. Or you can schedule a few massages with various therapists to see which one you prefer. Make sure it’s someone with whom you feel comfortable so that you can fully relax.
Make certain your massage therapist s effectively 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 beginning your sessions so that you can interact your expectations and ask any relevant concerns.
How much does a massage cost?
Rates differ significantly for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is usually $50–$ 150. Many therapists will expect a 15– 20 percent pointer on top of this. However, some locations do not accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more expensive than standard massages. Depending on the location, some specialized massages such as deep tissue, Thai, or sports massages might run a bit higher, too.
You can take a look at a massage school in your location or find a massage therapist who works at home if you want to discover massages at a more affordable expense.
Insurance sometimes covers massage treatment if you can reveal it’s being used to deal with a medical condition. In some cases insurer will cover massage treatment if it becomes part of chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage might be a method for you to feel better physically, psychologically, and emotionally. Explore various kinds of massage and with various massage therapists to discover the type and service provider that is most ideal for you.
Constantly interact your expectations and intents with your massage therapist and speak out if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Talk to your physician prior to getting any kind of massage if you have any health issues or conditions