Swedish massage therapy is the most common type of massage therapy. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy. Massage therapists use long, gentle, kneaded, circular movements in the surface layers of the muscle with lotion or massage oil. Arguably Swedish massage is considered the most popular type of massage and appears on most spa menus around the world.
This western massage uses the following techniques: effleurage (stroking), rubbing (rubbing), kneading (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic stings) for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience. It's a good form of massage to book if you're a newbie to the spa. This therapeutic massage is a favorite among athletes and those with tight muscles. A deep tissue massage combines short, slow movements with strong pressure (from the therapist's thumbs, forearms and elbows) to break tight, knotted muscles and eliminate tension.
Thai massage is another popular type of massage therapy. In Thai massage, the therapist has you perform a series of stretches that cover your entire body. Think of it as a great yoga session where someone else does the work. Reflexology is a delightfully healing type of massage that involves kneading the soft, fleshy ball of the foot, pulling the toes, tracing around the heel and pushing deep into the arch.
Much more than a foot massage, your reflexologist will stimulate the points on your feet that correspond to specific organs. Myofascial release is different from most types of massage because it focuses on the fascia, the thin tissue that covers every organ in the body, and not just the muscles. The theory is that when muscle fibers are injured or stressed, the fibers and the fascia that surrounds them shorten and tighten. Myofascial release treats these symptoms by releasing uneven tension in the injured fascia.
An aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage with scented vegetable oils (known as essential oils) added to the massage oil. Extracted from flowers and other parts of the plant, essential oils offer a pleasant scent and are believed to have healing properties. Lavender and rose, for example, are known to promote relaxation. While oils can be selected to meet specific needs, the therapist generally uses premixed oils to relax, energize, or boost energy.
The calming effects of aromatherapy massage can benefit a variety of conditions, such as headaches, insomnia, certain digestive disorders, back pain, and even premenstrual symptoms. Hot stone massage uses hot stones. The therapist places hot, smooth stones at specific points on the body and also holds the hot stones while performing the massage. The stones are usually basalt (a volcanic rock that retains heat well).
The heat from the stones can be relaxing and can relax tense muscles so that the therapist can quickly reach areas of muscle tension. If you have certain medical conditions or take any blood-thinning medications, be sure to get a medical opinion first before getting this type of massage. Deep tissue massage is a focused therapeutic massage that focuses on muscle nodes (also known as “adhesions”) and specific problem areas in the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Through slow, deliberate movements or friction in the grain of the muscle, the therapist addresses chronic tense or painful muscles, repetitive tension, postural problems, or injuries.
While it's true that deep tissue pressure is generally more intense than that of a Swedish massage, it shouldn't have to be painful to be effective. If you feel pain, report it to your massage therapist right away. This type of massage is particularly beneficial for people with chronic pain or persistent injuries that cause limited mobility. It is effective in treating repetitive stress injuries such as tennis elbow syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome and may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Sports massage therapy is aimed at athletes and those who perform repetitive and strenuous physical activities. People who play sports are prone to excessive muscle use causing sprains and strains that can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This type of treatment focuses on relieving muscle tension and promoting muscle healing from strains and sprains caused by muscle overextension. It is also used to help prevent injuries and keep athletes performing at their best.
A sports massage can be given before or after an activity. Let's take a look at these 5 most popular types of massages available and their benefits they provide to patients: Swedish Massage Therapy helps relax tight muscles; Deep Tissue Massage Therapy helps break up scar tissue; Hot Stone Massage Therapy helps reduce stress; Reflexology Massage Therapy helps improve circulation; Aromatherapy Massage Therapy helps relieve headaches; Myofascial Release Massage Therapy helps reduce pain; Sports Massage Therapy helps prevent injuries.
