What is a massage?
There are several types of massage that concentrate on different parts of the body or recovery techniques. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. Throughout a massage, a massage therapist will use mild or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease discomfort and tension. A massage therapist is an individual trained in giving massages.
Read on to find out about the different types of massage and which type may be best for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle kind of full-body massage that’s ideal for individuals who:
are new to massage
have a great deal of tension
are delicate to touch
It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good option for when you wish to fully relax during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you might pick to keep your underclothing on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while pushing the massage table. The massage therapist will move the sheet to uncover areas that they are actively dealing with.
The massage therapist will use a combination of:
kneading
long, streaming strokes in the instructions of the heart
deep circular motions
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 managing small discomfort.
This type of massage is likewise great for people new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply wish to relax. This type of restorative massage resembles a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It reduces muscle tension, enhances blood circulation, and eases pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may help:
ease muscle stress
enhance blood circulation
minimize pain
promote relaxation
ease tension
Throughout a hot stone massage, heated stones are positioned on different locations around your whole body. Your therapist might hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body utilizing Swedish massage techniques using mild pressure. In some cases cold stones are also utilized.
You don’t use clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfy wearing your underclothing. You will be covered with a sheet. Usually the massage is 90 minutes long.
SUMMARY:
Hot stone massage might alleviate more muscle stress than a Swedish massage because of the included heat.
This type of massage in normally more costly than a Swedish massage
3. Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who wish to have a psychological healing element to their massage. This kind of massage can help:
improve your state of mind
decrease stress and stress and anxiety
lower signs of depression
relieve muscle stress
ease pain
Aromatherapy massages combine soft, mild pressure with the use of necessary oils. Your massage therapist will generally choose which vital oils to use, however you can let them understand if you have a preference. Essential oils are watered down prior to being used to the skin.
Throughout the massage, you’ll be provided a full-body massage while breathing in necessary oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will only concentrate on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t wear any clothes other than underwear, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy combines the mild touches of Swedish massage with the addition of necessary oils.
Do not use this type of massage if you’re sensitive to smell or essential oils.
4. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good alternative if you have chronic muscle issues, such as discomfort, injury, or imbalance. It can assist eliminate tight muscles, chronic muscle discomfort, and anxiety.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use sluggish strokes and deep finger pressure to eliminate stress from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or pain.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a great alternative if you have a lot of muscle tension or persistent pain.
Prevent this type of massage if you’re extremely conscious pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is a good choice if you have a repetitive usage injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a great choice if you’re susceptible to injuries since it can be used to help avoid sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. In addition, sports massage can be utilized to eliminate discomfort, stress and anxiety, and muscle tension.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may concentrate on the parts of the body that require the most attention. Deep pressure might be rotated with relaxing strokes depending upon your requirements.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to use clothing, 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 an excellent option if you have an injury from repeated muscle usage.
This kind of massage may also assist improve versatility and sports efficiency, and lower your threat for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, persistent discomfort, or a particular concern or condition. Often locations of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause discomfort in other parts of the body. By focusing on alleviating trigger points, this kind of massage can decrease pain.
Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are mild and peaceful combined with more powerful, much deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will concentrate on specific areas of your body that requirement to be launched. You can use light-weight clothes for the massage or be totally or partially undressed.
This kind of massage will typically last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point massage can assist you manage chronic pain.
Use lightweight clothing for this type of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is best for people who are seeking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s likewise a good alternative if you aren’t comfy being touched on your whole body. Reflexology utilizes mild to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfy clothing that allows 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 a great choice if you’re uncomfortable being touched over your entire body. You can also be completely outfitted throughout this type of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for individuals who wish to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and stress. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:
promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation
helps to alleviate stress, stress and anxiety, and anxiety
may eliminate headache
reduces muscle tension
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, however your therapist may concentrate on areas of your body that need additional attention. During the massage, your therapist will utilize their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage specific points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be completely clothed during this massage.
Shiatsu massages normally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is an excellent alternative if you’re trying to find a relaxing massage It may likewise help launch minor stress.
You can be fully dressed during this kind of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for individuals who desire a more active form of massage and wish to reduce and alleviate discomfort and stress. It can likewise help improve:
versatility
flow
energy levels
Thai massage works the entire body utilizing a series of motions that resemble yogic stretching. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be extended and twisted into different positions. You can wear loose, comfortable clothes during the massage.
Thai massage lasts for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Thai massage is more active than other types of massage, and the therapist will stretch your body in addition to offering a massage
This is another kind of massage where you remain totally dressed.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe method for ladies to get a massage during pregnancy. It can assist lower pregnancy body aches, reduce tension, and alleviate muscle tension. You can get a massage at any time throughout your pregnancy. However, many facilities, particularly 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 uses mild pressure similar to Swedish massage. The therapist will concentrate on areas such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be completely or partly undressed depending on your convenience level. During the massage, you’ll either rest on your side or on a specially 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 physician prior to you have a massage.
The massage will last for 45– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Prenatal massage is an excellent choice for pregnant females.
This type of massage concentrates on mild pressure and benefits relaxation and moderate tension relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you make with your partner, friend, or family member in the same space. It brings all the advantages of a regular massage and in some cases offers you with access to the couples spa packages‘s hot tubs, saunas, and other facilities. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are sometimes provided as part of a bundle.
You can normally choose which type of massage you want to get, and you and your partner can each get a different kind of massage depending on 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 during the massage if you wish.
SUMMARY:
A couple’s massage is a massage you have in a shared room with a good friend, partner, or household member.
You can generally pick from a range of types of massages to have throughout your appointment. Swedish and hot stone massages are typically provided as an alternative throughout a couple’s massage
12. Chair massage.
A chair massage is best for people who want a fast massage that concentrates on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can also be a way to introduce you to massage if you’ve never had one in the past. Chair massage also assists to ease stress and promote relaxation. This kind of massage utilizes light to medium pressure.
Throughout the massage, you’ll remain totally clothed and being in a specifically designed 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 normally 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is a terrific choice if you’re short on time.
This kind of massage is likewise a great choice if you’re brand-new to massage.
How to find a massage therapist
You can get an individual suggestion for a massage therapist from a physician, buddy, or an online directory site. Or you can schedule a few massages with different therapists to see which one you choose. Ensure it’s someone with whom you feel comfy so that you can fully relax.
Ensure your massage therapist s properly trained and has certificates and state licenses that are current. You might wish to have a short conversation with your therapist before beginning your sessions so that you can interact your expectations and ask any relevant questions.
How much does a massage expense?
Costs vary greatly for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is generally $50–$ 150. The majority of therapists will anticipate a 15– 20 percent idea on top of this. However, some locations don’t accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more pricey than basic massages. Depending upon the place, some specialized massages such as deep tissue, Thai, or sports massages might run a bit higher, too.
You can have a look at a massage school in your location or find a massage therapist who works at house if you want to find massages at a more sensible expense.
Insurance sometimes covers massage therapy if you can show it’s being utilized to treat a medical condition. Often insurer will cover massage therapy if it belongs to chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage may be a method for you to feel much better physically, mentally, and mentally. Experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists to find the type and service provider that is most perfect for you.
Always communicate your expectations and intents with your massage therapist and speak out if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Speak to your physician prior to getting any kind of massage if you have any health issues or conditions