8 Most Popular Types of Massage and When You Need Each

Back pain is one of the world’s biggest health issues. In fact, about 80% of Americans struggle with back pain at some point in their lives. It’s even one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

Americans now spend $50 billion every year trying to treat their back pain. Not everyone thinks to schedule a soothing massage, though.

What are the different types of massage you can use to treat health concerns like back pain? Read on to find out!

After reading this guide, you can choose between the different types of therapeutic massage based on your distinct needs.

1. Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage therapy is ideal if you’re struggling with muscle pain or tension.

During hot stone massages, a technician places heated stones on various points of the body. You can focus on treatment areas like your spine, palms, face, chest, and feet. Hot stone massage therapy can help provide:

• Stress relief
• Pain relief
• Relaxation
• Improved blood flow

It can also help ease your muscle pain and tension, which could improve your ability to function throughout the day.

You can also choose between hot or cold stone massage therapy.

For example, you might consider cold stones if you want to calm swollen blood vessels or soothe aggravated skin. You might use hot stones to ease pain symptoms instead. Either way, these massages usually last for about 90 minutes.

When reviewing these different types of massages, consider scheduling a consultation first. You can work with a massage therapist to choose between massages based on your needs. You can also determine how to best combine different messages.

For example, you might consider combining hot stone massages with techniques used for Swedish massages.

2. Swedish Massage

Swedish massages are one of the most popular types of massage therapy you can choose from. This form of massage uses different techniques, including:

• Percussion
• Kneading
• Flowing strokes toward the heart
• Passive joint movement techniques
• Vibration and tapping
• Deep circular motions
• Effleurage

A Swedish massage can help improve your blood circulation while easing tension. You might walk away from the massage table with an improved mood, too.

Swedish massages are one of the gentler types of massage used today, meaning you won’t have to worry about pain or discomfort. As a result, this form of massage is ideal for anyone who is new to massages or prefers a gentle touch.

If you’re struggling with muscle knots, consider scheduling your first Swedish massage.

Most full-body Swedish massage sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes.

3. Sports Massage

If you recently sustained a sports injury, consider exploring types of therapeutic massage therapy based on your needs. Sports massages can help if you have a repetitive use injury. It can also help prevent injuries in the future.

With repeat sessions, these massages could:

• Relieve muscle tension
• Ease pain symptoms
• Increase your flexibility
• Improve your athletic performance
• Reduce anxiety

You can choose to schedule a full-body massage or focus on the injured area.

Your massage therapist will alternate between deep pressure and soothing strokes during your treatment. Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes.

Consider pairing massage therapy with chiropractic treatment. You can learn more about massage and chiropractic care here.

Scheduling regular sessions could improve your recovery time, especially if you’re struggling with a long-term injury.

4. Deep Tissue Massage

As you explore these different types of massage therapies, you might want to consider a deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massages are ideal if you want more pressure than what you would receive during a Swedish massage.

These massages suit people who are struggling with muscle problems, including tightness, soreness, or chronic pain. Deep tissue massages can help if you recently sustained an injury, too.

Your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep pressure during your sessions. The additional pressure can help relieve muscle tension. It could help relieve tension in deep connective tissues, too.

Despite the additional pressure, you shouldn’t feel pain or soreness during these massages.

Each session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes.

5. Aromatherapy Massage

If you enjoy aromatherapy in your own home, consider combining your favorite scents with a soothing massage. Aromatherapy massages can add an emotional healing component to the experience, too.

These massages involve using gentle, soft pressure and essential oils during your massage sessions.

These massages are ideal for:

• Improving your mood
• Relieving pain symptoms
• Easing stress and anxiety
• Reducing depression symptoms
• Easing muscle tension

You can talk to your massage therapist to determine which oils you want to use during a session. The oil is then diluted before it’s applied to your skin. You might also inhale essential oils that are released from a diffuser.

Your massage therapist can focus on your head, shoulders, or back during a session. Each massage is about 60 to 90 minutes long.

6. Trigger Point Massage

You might also consider a trigger point massage if you’re struggling with a lasting injury. Trigger point massages are ideal for people with chronic pain and specific conditions, too.

Trigger points can develop throughout the body. These areas of tightness in your muscle tissues can cause lasting pain. Trigger point massages use levels of pressure to ease the tension.

Relieving the tension in these areas could end your pain symptoms. It could decrease the intensity and duration of your pain symptoms, too.

Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes.

7. Shiatsu Massage

If you want to feel relaxed after a long day, consider a shiatsu massage. These types of massages can help:

• Relieve headaches
• Ease pain
• Improve your mood
• Improve sleep and fatigue
• Ease muscle tension
• Promote emotional and physical calm/relaxation

Improving your sleep quality could improve your overall health and wellbeing.

These sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes.

8. Thai Massage

As you explore these types of body massage, you might decide you want something that’s more active. Thai massages can help ease your pain and stress. They can also improve your energy levels, flexibility, and circulation.

These types of massages involve a sequence of movements. Sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Ease the Pain: Explore the Different Types of Massage Today

Don’t let pain impact your health or quality of life. Instead, consider exploring these different types of massage therapy. Regular massages can improve your mood, pain, and circulation.

Experience these benefits firsthand by scheduling your first massage today.

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