What Are the Different Types of Massage Techniques?
There are different types of massage therapy ranging from the classics like the common Swedish massage to deep tissue massage and exotic massages like shiatsu. Because of this, many types of massages, it can be quite difficult to choose the best massage for you if you really don’t know what the massage entails. Here is a list of the most common types of massages to help you choose the right one for you.
Swedish massage therapy
Perhaps the most common type of massage that is normally offered in almost all the clinics, spas, wellness centers and gyms. It is based on the western concepts of physiology and anatomy. Whether you go to for spa or you hire a therapist from My Home Therapy the massage therapist will use lotions or oil and he or she will begin with general strokes before transitioning to specific strokes addressing the areas of concern.
There are five basic strokes in Swedish massage that you should know about and they include: effleurage which are long and smooth strokes, petrissage which involves kneading, rolling and lifting, friction which usually involves smaller circular movements, tapotement involving percussion and vibration which involves rocking and shaking movements. The Swedish massage provides a full body relaxation and it is particularly helpful if you are recovering from a certain injury.
Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy is another popular massage especially in recent years, it is basically a Swedish massage that involves some essential oils like lavender and rose. The essential oils that are extracted from plants will offer you a pleasing scent and most of them are believed to have some healing properties.
For example lavender is known for promoting relaxation. The essential oils are normally selected to address particular needs but typically the essential oils are meant to uplift, energize and relax. The soothing effect provided by this essential oils have many benefits to your body and can help reduce headaches, back pain, insomnia, and even digestive disorders. It is important to ensure that you are not allergic to any of the plants used for the essential oils before you go for an aromatherapy massage.
Hot stone massage
As the name might suggest this type of massage will involve a hot stone. The massage therapist will place a preheated stone on specific points on your body and use the warm stone as he or she is massaging you. The stone that is normally used is basalt which is a volcanic stone known for retaining heat for a longer time.
The warmth of the stone is believed to promote relaxation and loosen tightened muscles which helps the therapist to reach the muscle tension even faster. But if you have some specific health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart diseases you should consult your doctor before going for a hot stone massage therapy session.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is a focused and therapeutic massage that usually targets the knots on your muscles as well as other specific problems that might be within the deeper layers of your muscle tissues. The massage therapist will address chronic tights or painful muscles using friction, deliberate or slow strokes. The pressure on a deep tissue massage is usually deeper than that of a Swedish massage therapy but you should not be sacred because it normally don’t have any painful effect and it is known to be very effective.
However, if you are in any pain, it will be wise to inform your massage therapist so that he or she can reduce the intensity of the massage. Deep tissue massage is a perfect choice for people battling with chronic pain. It is also very effective when it comes to treating the repetitive injuries and it can also be beneficial to people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese bodywork that usually involve the use of the therapist fingers (sometimes elbows or hands) to apply some pressure in a rhythmic sequence along the body. Each point that the pressure is being applied is held for about 4 to eight seconds. Some traditional medicine is usually involved and the goal of the massage is to stimulate your acupressure points which will help improve the flow of energy as well as help regain balance.
In this type of massage there are usually no oils used, you are just required to wear some light clothes. It is normally done on the floor or on a mat or in some cases done on a low massage table in order to reduce stress as well as protect you from the stress related issues. Shiatsu massage is believed to help treat conditions like back pain, neck pain, arthritis and sometimes sinus problems.
Thai massage
This unique type of massage usually assisted with yoga, passive stretching as well as pressing massage movements. This type of massage is believed to be more energizing compared to all types of massage. It is kind of a yoga but you will be having limited movement as the massage therapist moves and stretches you in a sequence of postures.
Like the shiatsu massage, this type of massage is usually done on a mat, low table or on the floor. The massage is also very energizing and it is usually done when you are fully clothed. It can reduce back pain, muscle spasticity and it has proved to be very useful when it comes to treating migraine symptoms and balance problems.
Sports massage
This type of massage is designed to improve flexibility, prevent and treat injuries. It is normally for athletes but it can also be effective for anyone who is usually very active. It is also very useful when it comes to reducing muscle pain. It focuses on manipulating your body’s soft tissues as well as focus on certain group of muscles depending on the sport that you usually participate in.