What is a massage?
There are several kinds of massage that focus 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 discomfort and tension. A massage therapist is an individual trained in providing massages.
Continue reading to discover the different types of massage and which type might be best for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle kind of full-body massage that’s perfect for people who:
are new to massage have a lot of stress are sensitive to touch It can help launch muscle knots, and it’s also an excellent option for when you desire to completely unwind during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll remove your clothing, though you might choose 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 use a combination of:
kneading
long, flowing strokes in the instructions of the heart
deep circular motions
vibration and tapping
passive joint motion methods
Normally a Swedish massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Select a Swedish massage for relaxation or managing minor pain.
This type of massage is also great for people brand-new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for individuals who have muscle pain and stress or who merely wish to unwind. This kind of restorative massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It relieves muscle stress, enhances blood circulation, and alleviates discomfort by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may assist:
ease muscle tension
enhance blood flow
alleviate pain
promote relaxation
ease tension
Throughout a hot stone massage, heated stones are put on various locations around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage various parts of your body using Swedish massage strategies utilizing mild pressure. Sometimes cold stones are also utilized.
You do not use clothing for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfy using your underwear. You will be covered with a sheet. Typically the massage is 90 minutes long.
SUMMARY:
Hot stone massage may relieve more muscle tension than a Swedish massage due to the fact that of the added heat.
This type of massage in generally 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:
boost your mood
lower stress and anxiety
minimize signs of anxiety
ease muscle stress
eliminate discomfort
Aromatherapy massages integrate soft, gentle pressure with the usage of important oils. Your massage therapist will usually choose which vital oils to utilize, but you can let them know if you have a choice. Important oils are diluted before being used to the skin.
During the massage, you’ll be provided a full-body massage while inhaling important oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. In some cases an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t use any clothes besides underclothing, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy combines the gentle touches of Swedish massage with the addition of vital oils.
Do not utilize 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 chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can assist eliminate tight muscles, persistent muscle discomfort, and stress and anxiety.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will utilize slow strokes and deep finger pressure to eliminate stress from the inmost layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or use your underclothing.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue might be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort or discomfort.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a good option if you have a great deal of muscle tension or persistent discomfort.
Avoid this kind of massage if you’re excessively conscious pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is an excellent option 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 vulnerable to injuries since it can be utilized to assist avoid sports injuries. You may likewise utilize sports massage to increase flexibility and efficiency. In addition, sports massage can be used to ease pain, anxiety, and muscle stress.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist might concentrate on the parts of the body that require the most attention. Deep pressure might be rotated with calming strokes depending on your requirements.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you choose to use clothing, ensure it’s thin, loose, and allows 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 alternative if you have an injury from recurring muscle use.
This type of massage may also help enhance versatility and sports performance, and minimize your danger for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best fit for individuals who have injuries, chronic discomfort, or a specific concern or condition. Sometimes 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 type of massage can decrease discomfort.
Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with more powerful, deeper pressure. The massage will consist of work on your whole body, though your therapist will concentrate on particular locations of your body that requirement to be launched. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be completely or partly undressed.
This type of massage will typically last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point massage can help you manage chronic discomfort.
Wear light-weight clothes for this type of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is finest for individuals who are looking to unwind or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also an excellent choice if you aren’t comfortable being touched on your entire body. Reflexology utilizes gentle to firm pressure on various pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfy clothes 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 good choice if you’re uneasy being touched over your whole body. You can also be completely outfitted during this type of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for people who wish to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and stress. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:
promotes psychological and physical calm and relaxation
assists to relieve stress, anxiety, and anxiety
may eliminate headache
minimizes muscle tension
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, however your therapist may concentrate on areas of your body that need extra attention. Throughout the massage, your therapist will utilize their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage particular points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed throughout this massage.
Shiatsu massages generally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is an excellent alternative if you’re searching for a relaxing massage It might likewise help release small tension.
You can be totally dressed throughout this kind of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for individuals who want a more active form of massage and desire to reduce and alleviate discomfort and stress. It can likewise assist improve:
flexibility
flow
energy levels
Thai massage works the entire body utilizing a sequence of movements that are comparable to yogic extending. Your therapist will utilize their palms and fingers to use firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be extended and twisted into different positions. You can use loose, comfortable clothing during the massage.
Thai massage lasts for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Thai massage is more active than other forms of massage, and the therapist will stretch your body in addition to offering a massage
This is another type of massage where you stay totally clothed.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe way for ladies to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help in reducing pregnancy body pains, reduce stress, and alleviate muscle tension. You can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy. Nevertheless, lots of facilities, especially in the United States, do not use massages to ladies in their first trimester due to the risk 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 partially undressed depending on your convenience level. During the massage, you’ll either rest on your side or on a specifically developed table with a cutout for your stubborn belly. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a doctor prior to you have a massage.
The massage will last for 45– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Prenatal massage is a great alternative for pregnant ladies.
This kind of massage focuses on gentle pressure and is good for relaxation and mild stress relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend, or household member in the very same space. It brings all the benefits of a routine massage and in some cases supplies you with access to the spa’s jacuzzis, saunas, and other centers. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are sometimes provided as part of a plan.
You can normally choose which kind of massage you wish 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 dealing with your body. You can talk during the massage if you want.
SUMMARY:
A couple’s massage is a massage you have in a shared space with a pal, partner, or family member.
You can usually pick from a variety of types of massages to have throughout your visit. Swedish and hot stone massages are typically used as a choice during a couple’s massage
12. Chair massage.
A chair massage is best for individuals who desire a quick massage that concentrates on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can also be a method to present you to massage if you’ve never had one previously. Chair massage also assists to ease stress and promote relaxation. This type of massage utilizes light to medium pressure.
During the massage, you’ll stay completely clothed and sit in a specially developed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest presses into the back of the chair, permitting the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are generally 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is a great choice if you’re short on time.
This kind of massage is likewise a great option if you’re new to massage.
How to find a massage therapist
You can get a personal suggestion for a massage therapist from a medical professional, friend, or an online directory. Or you can book a few massages with various therapists to see which one you prefer. Ensure it’s somebody with whom you feel comfy so that you can totally unwind.
Ensure your massage therapist s appropriately trained and has certificates and state licenses that are updated. You might wish to have a brief conversation with your therapist prior to starting your sessions so that you can interact your expectations and ask any relevant questions.
How much does a massage expense?
Rates differ greatly for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is typically $50–$ 150. A lot of therapists will anticipate a 15– 20 percent pointer on top of this. Nevertheless, some locations don’t accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more expensive 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 take a look at a massage school in your location or find a massage therapist who works at house if you wish to discover massages at a more reasonable cost.
Insurance in some cases covers massage treatment if you can reveal it’s being used to treat a medical condition. In some cases insurance coverage business will cover massage therapy if it’s part of chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage may be a method for you to feel much better physically, psychologically, and mentally. Explore different types of massage and with various massage therapists to find the type and supplier that is most perfect for you.
Always communicate your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist and speak out if there is something with which you aren’t comfy. Speak to your doctor prior to getting any kind of massage if you have any health issues or conditions
