Massage has been around for a very long time. If you need or want a massage today, you can choose from about 80 types of massage therapy, each with its pressure, movements, and techniques. These involve using your hands and fingers to press, rub, or move muscles and other soft tissues. Forearms, elbows, and even feet are sometimes used.
In 2018, 19% of Americans had a massage, according to AMTA. And they have a vast range of motives for doing so. Massage is gaining popularity, especially among baby boomers. There are different types of massage therapy to choose from and the benefits one can get out of it. They choose different massage modalities to relieve symptoms, heal injuries, and enhance general wellness.
How many types of massage therapy are there?
Different types of massage therapy work on other body parts or in various ways to heal. Massage is when you rub and knot the body with your hands. The therapist will put a light or strong pressure on the muscles and joints during a massage to ease pain and tension. A massage therapist is someone who has been trained to give massages.
Read on to learn about the different types of massage therapies that might be best for you.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage that is great for people with a lot of tension and sensitivity to the touch. It can help eliminate muscle knots and is a good choice for a type of massage therapy when you want to unwind.
You’ll take off your clothes for this massage, but you can keep your underwear on if you want to. While you’re on the massage table, a sheet will cover you. The massage therapist will move the sheet away from the body parts they are working on.
Medical massage
As opposed to ordinary massage, medical massage concentrates on a specific issue, such as a recovering injury, and employs special rehabilitation techniques. Medical massage is not intended to provide muscle and tissue relaxation or pain relief but rather to aid in healing a specific medical condition from which the patient is suffering.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is the best way to focus on your body’s painful, stiff “trouble spots.” The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that pressure layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Deep tissue massage isn’t as rhythmic as different types of massage, but it may help relieve long-term patterns of tension and heal muscle injuries like back sprains.
Sports massage
Sports massage is beneficial for repetitive usage injuries, including those from sports. It can also avoid sports injuries if you’re injury-prone. Massage can boost flexibility and performance. Sports massage relieves pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.
Alternate between deep pressure and strokes that make you feel calm. You can get a sports massage with or without clothes on. If you wear clothes, make sure they are thin and loose so your muscles can show. You can wear a tank top and shorts.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is ideal for vigorous massages that relieve pain and stress. It boosts vitality, flexibility, and circulation.
It stretches the whole body in a way that is similar to yoga. Your therapist will use their hands to push on you. You will be turned and pulled.
Aromatherapy massage
This type of massage combines traditional massage moves with different essential oils. Usually, the customer gets a soft full-body massage while essential oils are mixed with water and put directly on their skin. The back, shoulders, and head are where most aromatherapy massages focus.
Prenatal Massage
Pregnancy massage helps lower anxiety, sadness, exhaustion, headaches, blood pressure, immune system strength, and labor relaxation. It soothes aches and pains. It improves labor and newborn health. Prenatal massage is effective in the second and third trimesters when the mother’s belly weight strains her back.
Where Can I Find a Massage Therapist?
A doctor, a friend, or an online directory can give you a personal recommendation for a massage therapist. You can also schedule a types of massage therapy with different therapists to see which one you like best. Make sure it’s someone you’re comfortable with so you can fully relax.
Ensure your massage therapist has the right training, certification, and license. You can ask to see their most recent qualifications. You might also want to have a short talk with your therapist before your first session so you can explain what you hope to get out of it and ask any questions you have.
In Summary
You might feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally if you get a massage. Try out different types of massage therapy and other massage therapists to find the best combination for you.
Always tell your massage therapist what you want and expect from the types of massage therapy techniques, and speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Before getting a massage, you should talk to your doctor if you are worried about your health.
