Read on to find out about the different massage therapies and their intended uses. We also provide tips on how to prepare for a massage session. Swedish massage forms the basis of deep tissue massage. However, there are some distinct differences between the two massage therapies. These include:. Swedish massage uses a series of light, long strokes to ease surface tension and stimulate circulation in the muscles.
Deep tissue massage may include strokes similar to those of Swedish massage, but the therapist will apply the strokes more forcefully. This intensity helps release tension in the deeper layers of muscle and in the connective tissues, or fascia, beneath the muscles. Swedish massage involves long strokes using light-to-firm pressure. This style generally provides a more relaxing experience, but the pressure may not be enough for some people. In contrast, deep tissue massage applies much more pressure to release tension deep within the muscles and fascia.
It may be too strong for people who simply want a relaxing massage. Swedish massage is a popular massage for relaxation. The light-to-moderate pressure is good for relieving light muscle tension and stress.
It can leave a person feeling rejuvenated. Deep tissue massage is mainly for working out deep muscle tension or aiding recovery from a muscle strain.
To achieve this, the therapist must apply greater pressure, and this can cause some discomfort. As a result, deep tissue massage is typically not for relaxation or stress relief. Swedish massage involves long, gliding strokes in combination with kneading and friction to release surface tension. Swedish massage uses five basic strokes, which form the basis of many other types of massage therapy. The five basic strokes are:. Swedish massage is a lighter form of massage. It may be best for people who simply require stress relief.
Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder GAD. A study investigated whether Swedish massage could reduce symptoms of GAD in people who were not receiving treatment for the disorder.
Over 6 weeks, some participants received Swedish massage twice a week, while a control group received light touch only. Your massage therapist will usually decide which essential oils to use, but you can let them know if you have a preference.
Essential oils are diluted before being applied to the skin. Sometimes an aromatherapy massage will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety. During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. You can be naked during this massage or wear your underwear.
Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension. A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention.
Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs. You can have a sports massage while clothed or naked. Loose shorts and a tank top are options. Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points , can cause pain in other parts of the body.
By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain. Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure. The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be fully or partially undressed.
Reflexology is best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet , hands , and ears.
You can wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your legs. Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas of your body that need extra attention.
During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage. Thai massage is best for people who want a more active form of massage and want to reduce and relieve pain and stress.
It can also help improve:. Thai massage works the entire body using a sequence of movements that are similar to yogic stretching. Your therapist will use their palms and fingers to apply firm pressure to your body. You can wear loose, comfortable clothing during the massage.
Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches, reduce stress, and ease muscle tension. Benefits : Eases pain caused by sciatica, rotator cuff issues, stiff joints, plantar fasciitis, and other specific issues. Try it if : you suffer from any of the above ailments AND you can handle some tough love trigger point massage has a reputation for being a little painful.
Shop for trigger point massages near you. Massage therapists knead two clients side-by-side in the same room. Swedish massage is the typical modality used, but you may also request other types of massages, such as deep-tissue or hot stone.
Read our guide to planning the perfect couples spa day. Shop for couples massages near you. This massage style aims to relieve pregnancy pains for expecting mothers. Instead of lying on her back, the client will either recline on her side or use a massage table with a hole cut in it that allows her to recline on her stomach. Benefits : Reduces pain brought on by pregnancy, and also may help with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Try it if : your pregnancy is causing you significant lower back pain just make sure to check with your doctor first.
Read our guide to prenatal massage and other ways to beat pregnancy pains. Shop for prenatal massages near you. Reflexology is a specialized form of foot massage, during which, practitioners stimulate precise points on the feet that are believed to correlate to other organs and bodily systems. Benefits : Traditionally, reflexology is believed to help correct imbalances throughout the body.
Read our guide to reflexology. Shop for reflexology massages near you. Benefits : Improved flexibility, greater range of motion, and temporary relief from pain are just a few of the reported benefits of Thai massage.
Try it if : you want help achieving deeper stretches and like the idea of remaining totally clothed during a massage. Shop for Thai massages near you. Benefits : Unlike reflexology, which specifically aims to target other areas of the body, a traditional foot massage simply aims to provide relaxation to overworked feet.
Read our guide to the best at-home foot massagers. Shop for foot massages near you. Groupon Editors August 20, In the Know. Share on facebook. Share on pinterest. Share on email. Share on twitter. Swedish Massage This relaxation-focused session is what most people think of first when they think about massage.
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