Therapeutic massage therapy – all the different types of massage
Contents
What is therapeutic massage therapy?
Swedish massage
Aromatherapy massage
Sports massage
Hot stone massage
Deep tissue massage
Thai massage
Reflexology
Reiki
Shiatsu massage
Couple’s massage
Lymphatic drainage massage
Trigger point massage
Craniosacral massage
Polarity therapy
Prenatal massage
Abhyanga oil massage
Chair massage
Combine massage therapy with other treatments to optimize its benefits
Are you interested in the world of massage therapy? These treatments come in different forms and have varying benefits. While some focus on relieving stress, others aid your mobility and physical performance.
Learning about different types of body massages prepares you ahead of your session. It helps you choose the best therapy that fits your condition and expectations. It may also influence your selection of a therapist.
Keep reading to discover more about the various types of massages available.
What is therapeutic massage therapy?
Therapeutic massage therapy is a structured manipulation of the soft tissues. It’s a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for loosening tight muscles. The technique can improve your well-being or manage an existing health issue.
The therapy deals with numerous conditions, especially hypertonia. Many individuals with hypertonic muscles experience limited motion range and poor motor skills. They may have stiff arms and legs that affect their quality of life.
This problem causes malformation in your skeletal structure. It triggers pain receptors and may lead to nerve damage. Therapeutic massage could relieve the condition by boosting blood circulation to your tissues.
Although there are various massage techniques, the basic ones are:
- Effleurage
- Friction
- Petrissage
- Vibration
- Tapotement
Therapists master the use of these techniques to offer different types of massages. The treatment may focus on a particular part or your whole body.
When done correctly, therapeutic massage can relieve symptoms of stiffness and injury. It also addresses depression, anxiety, fear, and other mental issues. Combine it with a visit to an IV lounge to combat stress and pain.
Let’s explore the various types of therapeutic massages and their benefits.
Swedish massage
Otherwise called the traditional massage, a Swedish massage is a popular treatment. It’s usually the first type of massage most people experience. It involves gliding, kneading, and stroking to apply pressure to your body.
You lay on a massage table before the procedure starts. The masseur then applies massage oil to your body to ease hand movements.
A Swedish massage often lasts for at least one hour. It provides several benefits, like full body relaxation and increased blood flow. The treatment loosens your muscular tension and boosts your flexibility.
Aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils for their health benefits. When combined with a traditional massage, it’s known as an aromatherapy massage.
While a therapist stimulates your body, you breathe in the oil molecules from diffusers. You also absorb them through your skin.
The plant-based lotions have varying effects on your body. While rosemary and clary sage oils are energizing, lavender and chamomile promote relaxation. Tea tree, pine, and eucalyptus oils can decongest your system. Consider your goals before choosing your preferred option.
The perks of this body therapy include relieving muscle tension, pain, and stress. It may also improve your mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Sports massage
Are you an active professional or an amateur athlete? Continuous and vigorous use of your muscles can cause chronic pain. Those with jobs that require repetitive activities may also have this issue. Consider a sports massage if you fall into any of these categories.
Sports massage combines deep pressure stimulation with gentle strokes. It can be done to your whole body or just a particular area.
The benefits of a therapeutic sports massage help you deal with various problems. The therapy enhances your flexibility, allowing you to perform different activities easily. It may also reduce the risk of many injuries and alleviate discomfort.
Hot stone massage
A hot stone massage uses heated stones to stimulate the body gently and enjoyably. The materials transfer the retained warmth to different parts of your system. The treatment’s impact goes deeper without hurting you. This process boosts blood circulation to various areas.
Prepare to take off most of your clothes when enjoying this massage. Your therapist will cover you with a sheet to ensure you don’t feel naked.
The main target areas of a hot stone massage are the feet, toes, and face. They’re also commonly positioned around your chest, palms, and spine. Some therapists soothe your skin with cold volcanic rocks as the massage ends.
Deep tissue massage
A deep tissue massage is another type of traditional massage. Its distinguishing feature is the use of more pressure to alleviate muscle tension. The therapist uses slow strokes to stimulate deep tissues. Various layers of muscles and fascia feel the effects of the treatment.
Your masseur uses their fingertips, hands, knuckles, and elbows to apply pressure. The treatment is reportedly great for relieving muscle tightness, soreness, and chronic pain. It’s recommended for those with postural defects and musculoskeletal problems.
Since a deep tissue massage is intense, it may worsen some conditions. Avoid it if you have bone fractures, blood clotting disorders, or inflamed joints.
Thai massage
A Thai massage is an age-long bodywork involving the use of feet and hands. While keeping your clothes on, you lie face-down on a mat. Your therapist gently kneels, stands, or walks on you to loosen your muscles. The pressure varies based on your needs and conditions.
This treatment combines techniques like meditation, yoga, acupressure, and energy healing. It doesn’t involve lotions, creams, or oils like most types of massage therapy. Your therapist twists and stretches you to release tension from your body.
The benefits of a Thai massage include relief from headaches, joint stiffness, and pain. It may also alleviate anxiety and increase motion range and flexibility. Other pros are reviving energy and improving blood circulation.
Reflexology
Do you want to enjoy a massage without being touched too much? Reflexology is for you, as it only involves the ears, feet, and hands. It’s based on the belief that these parts connect to the vital organs. Stimulating them may help you achieve good health.
A therapist manipulates the pressure points in these parts to trigger certain responses. The potential advantages of reflexology are promoting relaxation and boosting energy. This massage therapy may improve your mood and reduce fatigue, pain, and anxiety.
Reiki
Originating in Japan, Reiki is a complementary bodywork believed to have energy-healing properties. It’s different from other massages, as the therapist doesn’t manipulate your tissues. They position their hands on you and transfer energy to you.
Reiki features numerous techniques, like beaming, centering, infusing, clearing, and removing harmful energies.
Expect a tingling sensation around your body during this non-invasive therapy. Reiki may lower your stress levels and help you relax. It could assist in treating neurodegenerative disorders, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Shiatsu massage
A shiatsu massage is another body therapy of Japanese origin. It focuses on eliminating barriers to your natural energy flow. The treatment blends numerous methods, like stretching, tapping, kneading, and pressing.
Shiatsu massages have various styles. The most common options are zen, movement, healing, Namikoshi, and barefoot shiatsu. Each type uses a different approach to help you achieve optimal health.
A practitioner uses their fingertips, elbows, and knuckles to manipulate your body. The technique unknots your tight muscles and revives your energy. You may also experience improved blood circulation and emotional calmness.
Couple’s massage
A couple’s massage involves two people. Although the receivers are usually romantic partners, friends can also do it. Both individuals enjoy the service in the same room, but from different therapists.
While providing regular massage perks, this therapy also connects partners. It offers them a tranquil environment to bring their minds and bodies together. They can have a great time and talk about various subjects.
A couple’s massage may include other treatments, like body scrubs and pedicures.
Lymphatic drainage massage
A lymphatic drainage massage helps purify your body. It involves moving lymphatic fluid to the functional lymph node. Your therapist applies gentle pressure to relieve swelling in some tissues.
Lymphatic drainage massages may alleviate lymphedema, fibromyalgia, lipedema, and chronic venous insufficiency. When combined with a visit to a vitamin shot bar, it may boost immunity. The massage therapy reportedly treats fatigue, stress, insomnia, and digestive issues.
Trigger point massage
A trigger point massage is a treatment targeting your trigger points. When you stimulate these small areas, they elicit responses in other parts. The therapy works by sending fresh blood into different components of your body. This process pushes waste products out.
The therapy moves more oxygen to the target areas and releases your muscles. It stimulates the release of endorphins, hormones that relieve pain. These chemical messengers also reduce stress and make you feel better.
Trigger point therapy may alleviate migraines, headaches, shoulder discomfort, and lower back pain. It reportedly aids in the treatment of heel soreness and sciatica.
Craniosacral massage
A craniosacral massage releases pressure in your head, spine, and lower back. Your therapist uses gentle and enjoyable touches to improve your cerebrospinal fluid flow. Light manipulation enhances the function of your central nervous system.
This non-invasive treatment doesn’t require you to undress. It usually begins on a chair before moving you to a massage table. The massage creates a relaxing ambiance and may even make you doze off.
A craniosacral massage may treat irritable bowel syndrome, neck pain, fibromyalgia, and scoliosis. It reportedly helps with mood disorders, sinus infections, migraines, and insomnia.
Polarity therapy
Polarity therapy is a relatively new type of massage that balances your body’s energy flow. It blends techniques like ayurveda, chiropractic, naturopathy, reflexology, osteopathy, and Chinese medicine.
This massage starts by identifying your energy blockages with gentle manipulation. A practitioner stretches you by applying light pleasure. The therapy corrects any imbalances in your body, mind, and spirit.
Many explore this massage for health benefits like treating anxiety, fatigue, and osteoarthritis.
Prenatal massage
Are you experiencing pregnancy-related aches? Prenatal massages are designed for you. This therapy involves using gentle pressure to ease body pain. It requires sitting down on a special table or lying on your side.
It could relieve the tension caused by the baby’s weight and reduce discomfort. The treatment may ease swelling, regulate blood pressure, and lower joint pain.
Although it’s safe for pregnant women, always consult your physician before a session. Ensure you receive this therapy from a well-trained and certified practitioner.
Abhyanga oil massage
An abhyanga oil massage is a part of the traditional Ayurvedic medicine from India. The therapy involves using warm oil to massage your whole body. It’s different from other treatments, as it only requires light caresses.
While a therapist can give you this massage, you can do it yourself. The treatment allegedly reduces stress, muscle stiffness, and blood pressure. It may activate your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing you to relax. The therapy could also enhance your skin health.
Chair massage
A chair massage releases tension in your upper back and neck. The modality of this treatment is quite different from traditional ones. You sit on a special chair with your head positioned in a table hole.
Your therapist works on your back, shoulder, and neck to release pressure points in these areas. This treatment may last for up to 30 minutes. It’s recommended for those who hunch from sitting for too long.
Combine massage therapy with other treatments to optimize its benefits
Although anecdotal evidence suggests these treatments have many benefits, some are debatable. Maximize different types of massages by combining them with other care options, like healthy nutrition, exercise, and conventional medicine.
Want to enhance your well-being? Browse LIVV Natural to find holistic treatment options recommended by expert naturopathic doctors.
Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy
