What is a massage?
There are several types of massage that concentrate on different parts of the body or healing techniques. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body utilizing the hands. During a massage, a massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension. A massage therapist is an individual trained in providing massages.
Continue reading to discover about the various kinds of massage and which type may be best for you.
1. Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a mild kind of full-body massage that’s perfect for people who:
are brand-new to massage
have a lot of stress
are sensitive to touch
It can help launch muscle knots, and it’s likewise an excellent choice for when you desire to totally unwind during a massage.
For this massage, you’ll remove your clothes, though you may choose to keep your underwear on. You’ll be covered with a sheet while resting on the massage table. The lymphatic drainage massage therapist will move the sheet to reveal locations that they are actively working on.
The massage therapist will utilize a mix of:
kneading
long, streaming strokes in the direction of the heart
deep circular movements
vibration and tapping
passive joint motion techniques
Normally a Swedish massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Pick a Swedish massage for relaxation or handling minor pain.
This type of massage is likewise great for people new to massage
2. Hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is best for individuals who have muscle pain and tension or who merely want to unwind. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, just the massage therapist utilizes heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It alleviates muscle tension, enhances blood circulation, and alleviates discomfort by utilizing heated stones. Hot stone massage may help:
ease muscle tension
enhance blood flow
alleviate pain
promote relaxation
ease stress
During a hot stone massage, heated stones are positioned on different locations around your entire body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body utilizing Swedish massage strategies utilizing mild pressure. In some cases cold stones are likewise utilized.
You don’t use clothing 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 may ease more muscle tension than a Swedish massage since of the added heat.
This kind of massage in usually more costly than a Swedish massage
3. Aromatherapy massage.
Aromatherapy massages are best for people who wish to have a psychological recovery part to their massage. This kind of massage can assist:
enhance your mood
lower stress and anxiety
lower symptoms of depression
alleviate muscle tension
eliminate pain
Aromatherapy massages integrate soft, mild pressure with the use of necessary oils. Your massage therapist will usually choose which necessary oils to utilize, but you can let them know if you have a preference. Important oils are watered down before being used to the skin.
During the massage, you’ll be given a full-body massage while breathing in necessary oils through a diffuser and absorbing them through your skin. Often an aromatherapy massage will only concentrate on your back, shoulders, and head. You won’t use any clothes besides underwear, which is optional.
An aromatherapy massage is 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Aromatherapy integrates the gentle touches of Swedish massage with the addition of important oils.
Do not utilize this kind of massage if you’re delicate to smell or vital oils.
4. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage utilizes more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s an excellent option if you have persistent muscle issues, such as discomfort, injury, or imbalance. It can help alleviate tight muscles, persistent muscle pain, and stress and anxiety.
Throughout a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will utilize sluggish strokes and deep finger pressure to eliminate stress from the inmost layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked throughout this massage or use your underwear.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
While deep tissue may be more extreme, you shouldn’t feel any pain or pain.
SUMMARY:
Deep tissue massage is a great option if you have a great deal of muscle stress or persistent discomfort.
Avoid this type of massage if you’re excessively sensitive to pressure.
5. Sports massage
Sports massage is a great alternative if you have a repeated usage injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s likewise a good choice if you’re susceptible to injuries due to the fact that it can be utilized to help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Furthermore, sports massage can be used to ease pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.
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 may be alternated with calming strokes depending upon your requirements.
You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. If you choose to wear clothing, make certain it’s thin, loose, and enables the therapist access to your muscles. Loose shorts and a tank top are choices.
The massage will last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Sports massage is a good alternative if you have an injury from repeated muscle usage.
This kind of massage may also help improve flexibility and sports performance, and decrease your danger for injury.
6. Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best fit for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes locations of tightness in the muscle tissues, called trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By concentrating on easing trigger points, this kind of massage can reduce pain.
Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, much deeper pressure. The massage will consist of work on your whole body, though your therapist will focus on particular areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothes for the massage or be completely or partially undressed.
This kind of massage will normally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Trigger point massage can help you manage persistent pain.
Use lightweight clothes for this type of massage.
7. Reflexology
Reflexology is best for individuals who are aiming to unwind or restore their natural energy levels. It’s likewise a good choice if you aren’t comfy being discussed your entire body. Reflexology utilizes gentle to firm pressure on various pressure points of the feet massage, hands, and ears. You can wear loose, comfy clothes 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 a great alternative if you’re uncomfortable being touched over your entire body. You can also be totally dressed throughout this type of massage
8. Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu massage is best for individuals who want to feel relaxed and alleviate stress, discomfort, and stress. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:
promotes psychological and physical calm and relaxation
assists to relieve tension, anxiety, and depression
may eliminate headache
minimizes muscle tension
Shiatsu massage works the entire body, but your therapist may concentrate on locations of your body that require additional attention. During the massage, your therapist will utilize their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is utilized. You can be completely outfitted throughout this massage.
Shiatsu massages generally last for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Shiatsu is an excellent alternative if you’re trying to find a relaxing massage It may also help launch minor tension.
You can be totally clothed during this kind of massage.
9. Thai massage.
Thai massage is best for people who desire a more active form of massage and wish to lower and eliminate pain and stress. It can also assist enhance:
versatility
flow
energy levels
Thai massage works the whole body using a series of motions that are comparable to yogic extending. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to use firm pressure to your body. You’ll likewise be stretched and twisted into various positions. You can use loose, comfortable clothes throughout the massage.
Thai massage lasts for 60– 90 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Thai massage is more active than other types of massage, and the therapist will extend your body in addition to providing a massage
This is another type of massage where you remain completely outfitted.
10. Prenatal massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe way for females to get a massage throughout pregnancy. It can assist lower pregnancy body aches, minimize tension, and alleviate muscle stress. You can get a massage at any time throughout your pregnancy. However, many centers, especially in the United States, do not offer massages to ladies in their first trimester due to the danger of miscarriage throughout this time.
Prenatal massage uses moderate pressure similar to Swedish massage. The therapist will concentrate on locations such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be totally or partly undressed depending upon your comfort level. During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your tummy. If you’ve had discomfort in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a medical professional prior to you have a massage.
The massage will last for 45– 60 minutes.
SUMMARY:
Prenatal massage is a great alternative for pregnant women.
This type of massage concentrates on gentle pressure and benefits relaxation and mild tension relief.
11. Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage is a massage that you make with your partner, buddy, or relative in the exact same space. It brings all the advantages of a routine massage and in some cases provides you with access to the spa’s hot tubs, saunas, and other centers. Other treatments such as pedicures, facials, and body scrubs are in some cases used as part of a plan.
You can generally choose which type of massage you want to get, and you and your partner can each get a different kind of massage depending upon your choice 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 throughout 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 member of the family.
You can usually choose from a variety of kinds of massages to have during your consultation. 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 people who want 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 likewise helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation. This kind of massage uses light to medium pressure.
Throughout the massage, you’ll stay completely clothed and sit in a specifically developed chair. You’ll straddle the chair so that your chest presses into the back of the chair, allowing the massage therapist to have access to your back.
These massages are generally 10– 30 minutes.
SUMMARY:
A chair massage is a great option if you’re short on time.
This type of massage is likewise a good choice if you’re new to massage.
How to discover a massage therapist
You can get a personal recommendation for a massage therapist from a medical professional, buddy, or an online directory site. Or you can book a few massages with different therapists to see which one you prefer. Make certain it’s someone with whom you feel comfortable so that you can totally relax.
Ensure your massage therapist s effectively trained and has certificates and state licenses that are current. You may wish to have a short discussion with your therapist prior to beginning your sessions so that you can interact your expectations and ask any pertinent concerns.
Just how much does a massage cost?
Costs differ greatly for massages in the United States. An hourlong massage is normally $50–$ 150. The majority of therapists will anticipate a 15– 20 percent tip on top of this. However, some locations don’t accept gratuity.
Aromatherapy, hot stone, and prenatal massages tend to be more costly than basic massages. Depending on the place, some specialized massages such as deep tissue, Thai, or sports massages may run a bit greater, too.
You can have a look at a massage school in your location or discover a massage therapist who works at home if you wish to find massages at a more affordable expense.
Insurance coverage sometimes covers massage therapy if you can show it’s being used to treat a medical condition. Sometimes insurer will cover massage treatment if it belongs to chiropractic care.
The takeaway
Massage might be a way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and mentally. Explore various types of massage and with different massage therapists to find the type and provider that is most perfect for you.
Constantly communicate your expectations and intents with your massage therapist and speak out if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Talk to your medical professional before getting any type of massage if you have any health issues or conditions