The act of massaging the body with the hands is known as massage.
A competent massage therapist will use light to strong pressure on the body’s muscles and joints during a massage to relieve pain and tension.
Continue reading to find out more about the various massage styles and which one could be best for you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ You could possibly feel better physically, intellectually, and emotionally by getting a massage.
✅ Find the type and provider that are ideal for you by experimenting with different massage styles and massage therapists.
✅ Always be clear with your massage therapist about your goals and expectations, and don’t be afraid to voice any concerns.
✅ If you have any health issues or illnesses, consult your doctor before obtaining any kind of massage.
Swedish massage
A gentle full-body massage called a Swedish massage is ideal for persons who:
- are not massage veterans
- intend to decompress
- a longing for the soft touch
It can aid in the release of muscle knots and is an excellent option when you want to completely unwind during a massage.
You will undress for this massage, though you are free to wear your underwear. A sheet will be placed over you as you lay on the massage table. To reveal the areas they are working on, the massage therapist will move the sheet.
The masseuse will combine the following techniques:
- kneading
- lengthy, flowing strokes toward the heart’s direction
- deep circling movements
- tapping and vibrating
- methods for passive joint movement
A Swedish massage typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Warm stone massage
People who want to relax or who have muscle pain and tension should get a hot stone massage.
The only difference between this therapeutic massage and a Swedish massage is that heated stones are used instead of or in addition to the hands by the massage therapist.
Hot stone massage might be beneficial for:
- relax the muscles
- increase in blood flow
- relieve pain
- bolster tranquility
- reduce tension
Heated stones are applied to various parts of the body during a hot stone massage. While applying mild pressure and Swedish massage techniques to various places of your body, your therapist might hold a stone. Cold stones are also employed occasionally.
Unless you want to, you can receive a hot stone massage in your underpants. You’ll have a sheet over you.
The typical massage lasts 90 minutes.
Massage using aromatherapy
The greatest candidates for aromatherapy massages are those who like the scent and want their treatment to include a component for emotional healing. This kind of massage therapy can:
- improve your mood
- lessen your tension and stress
- lessen depression’s symptoms
- Muscle tension reduction
- relieve pain
Massages using essential oils and mild, gentle pressure are known as aromatherapy massages. You can let your massage therapist know if you have a preference even though they will often choose which essential oils to use. Before applying essential oils to the skin, a dilution step is required.
You’ll receive a full-body massage while breathing in essential oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin during the procedure.
Your back, shoulders, and head may occasionally receive the only attention during an aromatherapy massage. You won’t be wearing any clothing, but it’s not required.
A 60- to 90-minute aromatherapy massage lasts.
Deep tissue massage
Compared to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage applies more pressure. If you suffer from issues with your muscles, such as:
- soreness
- injury
- imbalance
- tightness
- persistent muscular ache
To release tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues, your massage therapist will utilize gentle strokes and intense finger pressure. While receiving this message, you are welcome to remain undressed.
60 to 90 minutes will pass between the massages.
You shouldn’t have any pain or soreness, though deep tissue may be more severe.
Sports massage
If you have a muscle injury caused by repetitive use, such as what you could acquire from playing a sport, sports massage is a suitable alternative. It can be used to assist prevent injuries, so it’s a smart alternative if you’re prone to them.
Massage for athletes can:
- greater adaptability
- enhancing athletic performance
- lessen pain
- lessen anxiety
- relax your muscles
A sports massage can be performed on the entire body or just on the body sections that require the most attention. Depending on your needs, deep pressure and gentle strokes may alternate.
A sports massage can be received either dressed or barefoot. In order to provide the therapist access to your muscles if you choose to wear clothing, make sure it is thin, loose, and comfortable. You might wear a tank top and loose shorts.
Most likely, the massage will last 60 to 90 minutes.
Trigger point massage
The greatest candidates for trigger point massage are those with injuries, persistent pain, or a particular problem or condition.
Other portions of the body may experience discomfort from trigger points, which are locations of stiffness in the muscles. This kind of massage might lessen the discomfort by concentrating on releasing trigger points.
A 2018 study revealed that, although additional research is required, treating the head and neck muscles using trigger point therapy may help to lessen the frequency, severity, and duration of tension and migraine headaches.
In order to reduce stress, trigger point massage applies varying pressure levels to the affected area.
The entire body will be worked on during the massage, however, your therapist will concentrate on particular tension points. For the massage, you can either be fully or partially nude or wear light clothing.
Typically, this kind of massage lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Reflexology
Reflexology involves applying light to hard pressure to various pressure points on the hands, feet, and ears. It works best for those who want to unwind or regain their natural vigor. It’s also an excellent alternative for people who don’t like having their full body touched.
Reflexology may be particularly advantageous for:
- relaxation
- decreased pain
- decreased tiredness
- enhanced slumber
- decreased anxiety
- better mood
Reflexology dramatically reduced patients’ anxiety during cardiovascular procedures when compared to the control group, according to a 2018 study.
In a 2019 scientific experiment, it was discovered that reflexology could help lymphoma patients sleep better and with less discomfort and exhaustion.
You can dress comfortably in loose attire that reveals your legs.
A 30- to 60-minute reflexology massage is typical.
Shiatsu massage
The best candidates for shiatsu massage are those who desire to unwind and relieve stress, discomfort, and tension. It is a style of Japanese massage that:
- encourages mental and bodily relaxation
- alleviates discomfort
- possible headache relief
- relaxes tense muscles
- enhances rest and weariness
- may elevate feeling
A 2019 study discovered that shiatsu therapy used in conjunction with normal care for lower back pain rapidly improved symptoms and quality of life.
Self-shiatsu dramatically reduced daily weariness and enhanced sleep quality in a group of young athletes with sports-related concussions, according to a 2018 study.
Shiatsu massage treats the entire body, however, your therapist might concentrate on trouble spots.
Your massage therapist will work on certain body parts during the session using their hands, palms, and thumbs. It uses rhythmic or pulsing pressure. During this massage, you can remain fully covered.
Normally, shiatsu massages last 60 to 90 minutes.
Thai massage
The greatest massage to lessen and relieve pain and tension is Thai massage, which is more active than other types of massage. It can also facilitate:
- flexibility
- circulation
- vigor levels
Thai massage uses a series of stretching-like motions from yoga to work the entire body. Your therapist will exert forceful pressure on your body using their hands and fingers. Additionally, you’ll be bent and twisted into different postures.
During the massage, you can put on loose, comfortable clothing.
60 to 90 minutes are spent on a Thai massage.
Maternity massage
Women who are expecting can have a massage safely using prenatal massage. It can relax tension in the muscles, lessen stress, and lessen physical aches associated with pregnancy.
However, due to the possibility of miscarriage during the first trimester, many facilities, particularly in the US, do not provide massages to pregnant women. Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you’re expecting.
Similar to Swedish massage, prenatal massage involves little pressure. The therapist will concentrate on parts of your body including your legs, hips, and lower back. Depending on how comfortable you are, you may be partially or completely undressed.
You will either lay on your side or on a table with a belly cutout while receiving the massage. Before getting a massage, visit the doctor if you’ve experienced pain in your calves or other areas of your leg.
Typically, the massage lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
Couples massage
A couples massage is a massage that you receive in the same room as your lover, a friend, or a member of your family. It offers all the advantages of a typical massage in addition to the opportunity to unwind with a partner.
Some packages may include additional services like body cleanses, facials, and pedicures.
Depending on your preferences and the services offered by the clinic, you may typically choose the style of massage you’d want to receive. You and your spouse can even enjoy separate massages.
Your bodies will be being worked on by separate massage therapists while you are seated side by side on tables. If you want to, you can speak while getting a massage.
You and your spouse might get the chance to practice massage techniques on each other after learning them.
Chair massage
The greatest option for folks who want a fast massage that concentrates on the neck, shoulders, and back is a chair massage.
If you’ve never had a massage before, a chair massage can be a relaxing way to try one. Additionally, chair massage encourages relaxation and reduces stress. Light to medium pressure is used during this kind of massage.
You’ll sit on a chair that has been particularly made while remaining completely dressed throughout the massage. To give the massage therapist access to your back, you will straddle the chair such that your chest pushes onto the back of the seat.
Typically, these massages last 10 to 30 minutes.
Lymphatic drainage massage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), commonly referred to as lymphatic drainage massage, is a mild massage technique that promotes the movement of lymph fluids throughout the body.
The lymphatic system aids in toxin removal, and better circulation can benefit a number of ailments, including:
- lymphedema
- fibromyalgia
- edema
- skin conditions
- fatigue
- insomnia
- stress
- digestion issues
- arthritis
- migraine
A 2014 study found that lymphatic drainage massage was superior to connective tissue massage at enhancing fibromyalgia patients’ quality of life.
The early stages after breast cancer surgery may help avoid the progression to clinical lymphedema, according to some evidence reported in a 2021 evaluation of 17 research; however, MLD may not be beneficial for moderate to severe lymphedema.
If you have any of the following conditions, lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended for you:
- enlarged heart failure
- stroke or blood clot history
- currently contagious
- liver issues
- kidney issues
You can either seek out a professional or execute a lymphatic drainage massage on yourself at home. Always with your doctor before attempting it.
The typical length of these massages is 60 minutes or more.
CST (cranial-sacral treatment)
A form of bodywork called craniosacral treatment or craniosacral massage aids in releasing compression in the brain, low back, and spine bones.
The concept behind cranial sacral therapy is that by gently manipulating the bones in the pelvis, spine, and skull, the cerebrospinal fluid that fills the central nervous system can flow more freely. Additionally, it can have extremely calming effects.
The following conditions may respond well to cranial sacral therapy:
- migraine
- headaches
- constipation
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
- irregular sleep patterns and insomnia
- scoliosis
- sinus problems
- a stiff neck
- fibromyalgia
- infants with persistent ear infections or colic
- abnormalities of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- healing from trauma, including whiplash-related trauma
- mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety
- arduous pregnancies
According to a review published in 2019, cranial sacral therapy reduced non-specific neck pain sufferers’ pain levels more effectively than sham treatment.
The following symptoms may make cranial sacral treatment inappropriate for you:
- extreme bleeding issues
- an identified aneurysm
- a history of recent catastrophic head traumas, possibly including skull fractures or cranial hemorrhage
To find out if this therapy is suitable for your needs, consult a healthcare practitioner.
The typical length of these massages is 60 minutes or more.
Ayurvedic oil massage
Ayurvedic medicine uses an oil massage technique called abhyanga. All over the body, heated oil is gently rubbed. Instead of deeply stroking the muscles, this kind of massage concentrates on feeding the skin.
According to the studies stated above and a smaller study, advantages include:
- less stress
- parasympathetic nervous system activation (rest and digest)
- enhanced hydration and skin health
- low blood pressure
- lessening muscular stiffness
You can perform abhyanga on your own or with the help of a certified professional.
The typical length of these massages is 60 minutes or more.
Therapy using Myofascial release
Another form of bodywork called myofascial release therapy includes relieving stiffness in the fascia, the connective tissue structure that surrounds each muscle in the body. Any tight spots will be lightly massaged and stretched by your therapist.
The following conditions are examples of those that myofascial treatment may help:
- the syndrome of myofascial pain
- headaches
- insufficient veins
The typical length of these massages is 60 minutes or more.
Where to look for a massage therapist
You might ask your doctor, a friend, or an online directory for a personal referral for a massage therapist. Additionally, you can schedule a few massages with various therapists to choose which one you like most.
Make sure you are comfortable with them so you can unwind completely.
Make sure your massage therapist has the necessary education, credentials, and licenses. Ask to view their most recent credentials.
Additionally, you might want to have a brief discussion with your therapist before the session starts so you can express your expectations and ask about any pertinent concerns.
What is the average price of a massage?
In the United States, massage costs range widely. Typically, a 60-minute massage costs $60 to $150. The majority of therapists will also anticipate receiving a 15–20% gratuity. However, certain establishments do not accept tips.
These massages could cost more than a standard massage:
- aromatherapy
- hot rock
- prenatal
- sports
- therapeutic, such as myofascial release and cranial sacral therapy
If you want to discover massages at a more affordable price, you might look into local massage schools or locate a massage therapist who works from home.
If you can demonstrate that massage treatment is being utilized to treat a medical issue, insurance may occasionally pay for it. Insurance companies will occasionally pay for massage treatment if it is a component of chiropractic care.