Massage therapy is now seen as a necessity. 70% of Americans undergo massage therapy for health reasons.
Why is professional therapeutic massage so effective? Massage therapists can heal the muscles, tissues, and more in different parts of the body. Most massage therapists rub and knead the problem areas with their hands, but stones and even machines can also be used to decrease pain and stiffness.
There are many types of therapeutic massage — some massage therapies are gentle while others use more pressure to heal any painful areas. Here are 8 types of massage therapy and how they heal the body.
1. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is one of the most well-known types of massage in the world. It’s a gentle type of massage, ideal for those who have a lot of tension but are new to massage therapy. Swedish massage is relaxing but effective techniques can also reduce knots.
Some of the different types of therapeutic massage techniques your massage therapist will use include long strokes, kneading, tapping, circular motions, and joint movements.
The typical Swedish massage lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
2. Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage uses different essential oils to match the massage. This is ideal for those who seek emotional healing; the scented oils can reduce anxiety and decrease depression all while improving your mood.
Like other types of massage, aromatherapy massage can relieve any pain and muscle tension you have. The massage therapist uses gentle pressure to relieve this tension.
They use these massage techniques with the scented essential oils on your skin. You’ll also breathe in the essential oils through an essential oils diffuser.
Your massage therapist will use the specific oils that they think you need. You can usually request which oils to use if desired.
Aromatherapy massage usually focuses on specific areas, such as the shoulders, back, and even the head. The average aromatherapy massage lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
3. Hot Stone Massage
This type of massage is similar to other massage types, such as the Swedish massage, except the massage therapist uses hot stones as opposed to their hands. Hot stone massages target tension and muscle pain, but the warmness of the stones will help people relax.
This type of massage has additional benefits. The heated stones improve blood flow and relieve stress. However, cold stones may be used, as well.
When getting a hot stone massage, the massage therapist will first place hot stones throughout your body. They will then hold a stone as they massage your body, usually applying gentle pressure. Hot stone massages usually last 90 minutes.
4. Sports Massage
Do you regularly use the same muscles or have re-occurring injuries to the same muscles? If so, you’ll benefit from sports massage.
Sports massages are called such because they’re utilized by athletes, but anyone who experiences re-occurring injuries to the same body part can benefit from this type of massage. Sports massage can relieve pain and muscle tension, but it can also reduce anxiety.
You also don’t need to be injured to have a sports massage. Most sports massage therapists focus on a specific problem area, but they can also give a full-body massage. Regular sports massages can increase flexibility, enhancing your performance in sports and fitness.
What makes sports massage different? The massage therapist uses a combination of deep pressure and soothing strokes to expedite healing while inducing relaxation. The average sports massage will last between 60 and 90 minutes.
5. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than other types of massage, such as a Swedish massage. The massage therapist will use deep finger pressure and slow strokes to relieve pressure. They will target the deepest layers of your muscles and tissues to induce healing and reduce pain.
This sounds very intense; however, you shouldn’t experience any soreness or pain during the massage.
This is the best option for those who have chronic muscle problems, especially if you suffer from soreness or imbalance. Those with injured muscles will also benefit from a deep tissue massage. But a deep tissue massage can also relieve other issues, such as anxiety.
The average deep tissue massage lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
6. Reflexology
Reflexology is ideal if you want to restore your energy levels while relaxing. This type of massage only targets the hands, feet, and ears, focusing on pressure points. The massage therapist will use specific techniques such as hook and backup, thumb and finger-walking, and rotating on a point.
Unlike other types of massage, you don’t have to remove your clothes.
The average reflexology session is also shorter than most massages — it only lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
7. Trigger Point Massage
If you have chronic pain, injuries, or other specific issues, you’ll need trigger point massage. Trigger points are the name for tightness in the muscle tissues, and they can cause pain in other parts of the body.
The massage therapist targets the trigger points using a combination of strong pressure and gentle strokes. A trigger point massage focuses on the painful areas but also includes a full body massage. The average trigger point massage lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
8. Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage that relieves pain, stress, and tension. It’s a relaxing massage that calms the body and the mind. Shiatsu massage focuses on the whole body, though the massage therapist will focus on specific areas that are painful.
The techniques that shiatsu massage uses include techniques of the palms, hands, and thumbs. The massage therapist may use rhythmic pressure and even pulsing. The average shiatsu massage lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Experience Healing With These Different Types of Therapeutic Massage Therapy
There are many health benefits of massage. But there are different types of therapeutic massage and everyone benefits from them differently. Use this guide to know which type of massage is right for you!
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