What is a massage?
There are several types of massage that concentrate on different parts of the body or recovery approaches. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body utilizing the hands. During a massage, a massage therapist will use gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease discomfort and tension. A massage therapist is a person trained in offering massages.
Continue reading to discover about the different types of massage and which type may be ideal for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a gentle type of full-body massage that’s perfect for people who:
are brand-new to massage
have a great deal of tension
are sensitive to touch
It can assist launch muscle knots, and it’s also a great option for when you desire to fully unwind during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll eliminate your clothes, though you might choose 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 working on.
The massage therapist will use a mix of:
kneading
long, flowing strokes in the instructions of the heart
deep circular movements
vibration and tapping
passive joint movement methods
Generally a Swedish massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Select a Swedish massage for relaxation or handling minor discomfort.
This type of massage is also helpful for individuals brand-new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for individuals who have muscle pain and stress or who just desire to unwind. This kind of restorative massage resembles a Swedish massage, just the massage therapist utilizes heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It reduces muscle tension, enhances blood circulation, and alleviates discomfort by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may assist:
ease muscle tension
enhance blood flow
reduce discomfort
promote relaxation
eliminate tension
During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on various areas around your entire body. Your therapist might hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body utilizing Swedish massage techniques using gentle pressure. Sometimes cold stones are likewise utilized.
You do not use clothes for hot stone massage unless you’ll feel more comfy wearing your underclothing. You will be covered with a sheet. Generally the massage is 90 minutes long.
SUMMARY:
Hot stone massage might relieve more muscle stress than a Swedish massage because of the added heat.
This type of massage in generally more pricey than a Swedish massage
3. Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who desire to have a psychological recovery part to their massage. This kind of massage can help:
boost your mood
lower tension and anxiety
reduce signs of anxiety
ease muscle stress
alleviate pain
Aromatherapy massages integrate soft, gentle pressure with the use of vital oils. Your massage therapist will generally choose which essential oils to utilize, however you can let them know if you have a choice. Vital oils are watered down prior to being applied 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. Often an aromatherapy massage will just concentrate on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t use any clothing besides underclothing, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy integrates the gentle touches of Swedish massage with the addition of necessary oils.
Do not utilize this kind of massage if you’re sensitive to smell or necessary oils.
4. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a great choice if you have chronic muscle problems, such as discomfort, injury, or imbalance. It can help alleviate tight muscles, chronic muscle discomfort, and stress and anxiety.
Throughout a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will utilize sluggish strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve stress from the inmost layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underclothing.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more extreme, you should not feel any pain or soreness.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a good choice if you have a lot of muscle stress or persistent pain.
Prevent this kind of massage if you’re overly conscious pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is an excellent alternative if you have a repeated use injury to a muscle, such as what you may obtain from playing a sport. It’s likewise a great alternative if you’re vulnerable to injuries because it can be used to assist prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase versatility and efficiency. Furthermore, sports massage can be utilized to relieve pain, stress and anxiety, and muscle stress.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may concentrate on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be rotated with soothing strokes depending on your requirements.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you prefer to wear clothes, make sure 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 repeated muscle usage.
This type of massage may also assist improve flexibility and sports performance, and minimize your threat for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best fit for people who have injuries, persistent pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, referred to as trigger points, can trigger discomfort in other parts of the body. By concentrating on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can lower pain.
Trigger point massage utilizes broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and peaceful integrated 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 use lightweight clothes for the massage or be totally or partially undressed.
This kind of massage will usually last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point massage can assist you manage chronic discomfort.
Use light-weight clothes for this type of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is finest for people who are aiming to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a great option if you aren’t comfy being touched on your whole body. Reflexology utilizes mild to firm pressure on various pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfy clothing that permits access to your legs.
A reflexology massage lasts for 30– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Reflexology concentrates on pressure points in your feet, hands, and ears.
This is an excellent option if you’re uneasy being touched over your whole body. You can also be totally dressed during this kind of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for individuals who want to feel unwinded and relieve tension, discomfort, and stress. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:
promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation
helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and anxiety
might relieve headache
decreases muscle stress
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, however your therapist might concentrate on areas of your body that require extra attention. Throughout the massage, your therapist will utilize their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage specific points of your body. Pulsing or balanced pressure is used. You can be fully outfitted throughout this massage.
Shiatsu massages typically last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is a great choice if you’re looking for a relaxing massage It may also assist release small tension.
You can be completely dressed during this type of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for people who want a more active kind of massage and want to lower and relieve pain and stress. It can also help enhance:
flexibility
blood circulation
energy levels
Thai massage works the entire body using a series of movements that resemble yogic stretching. Your therapist will utilize their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You’ll also be stretched and twisted into different positions. You can wear loose, comfy clothes throughout the massage.
Thai massage lasts for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Thai massage is more active than other kinds of massage, and the therapist will extend your body in addition to providing a massage
This is another kind of massage where you remain totally clothed.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe method for women to get a massage throughout pregnancy. It can assist minimize pregnancy body pains, lower stress, and ease muscle stress. You can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy. However, many centers, particularly in the United States, do not provide massages to women in their very first trimester due to the threat of miscarriage during this time.
Prenatal massage utilizes moderate 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 upon your comfort level. During the massage, you’ll either push your side or on a specifically created table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a medical professional before you have a massage.
The massage will last for 45– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Prenatal massage is an excellent option for pregnant women.
This kind of massage focuses on mild pressure and benefits relaxation and mild tension relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you finish with your partner, pal, or family member in the same space. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage and often offers you with access to the spa’s jacuzzis, saunas, and other facilities. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are often provided as part of a bundle.
You can typically select which type of massage you wish to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different type 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 throughout the massage if you want.
SUMMARY:
A couple’s massage is a massage you have in a shared room with a pal, partner, or family member.
You can generally select from a variety of kinds of massages to have throughout your consultation. Swedish and hot stone massages are typically used as an alternative during a couple’s massage
12. Chair massage.
A chair massage is best for people who desire a fast massage that focuses on your neck, shoulders, and back. A chair massage can also be a way to present you to massage if you’ve never had one in the past. Chair massage likewise assists to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. This kind of massage utilizes light to medium pressure.
Throughout the massage, you’ll remain completely clothed and being in a specifically designed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest pushes into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are normally 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is an excellent alternative if you’re brief on time.
This type of massage is also a great alternative if you’re new to massage.
How to discover a massage therapist
You can get an individual suggestion for a massage therapist from a medical professional, good friend, or an online directory. Or you can schedule a couple of massages with various therapists to see which one you prefer. Make sure it’s someone with whom you feel comfortable so that you can totally relax.
Make certain your massage therapist s appropriately trained and has certificates and state licenses that are current. You may wish to have a brief conversation with your therapist prior to starting your sessions so that you can interact your expectations and ask any pertinent questions.
How much does a massage expense?
Rates vary considerably for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is usually $50–$ 150. A lot of therapists will expect a 15– 20 percent tip on top of this. However, some places do not accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more expensive than standard massages. Depending upon the place, some specialty massages such as deep tissue, Thai, or sports massages might run a bit greater, too.
You can have a look at a massage school in your area or find a licensed massage therapist therapist who operates at home if you want to find massages at a more reasonable cost.
Insurance in some cases covers massage treatment if you can show it’s being used to deal with a medical condition. Sometimes insurer will cover massage treatment if it belongs to chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage may be a method for you to feel better physically, psychologically, and mentally. Try out different kinds of massage and with different massage therapists to discover the type and company that is most perfect for Reflexology you.
Constantly interact your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist and speak up if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Speak to your medical professional before getting any kind of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions
