Back pain? Stress? Headaches?
If you are looking to cure your chronic discomfort, massage therapy is the answer. As many as 88% of consumers find massage therapy effective at reducing pain. And 70% believe it should be considered standard healthcare.
But before you book a massage, familiarize yourself with the different types of massages and determine which one is best suits your needs.
We have outlined some of the most popular massage therapy treatments and their benefits below.
Check out some different type of Massages
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most recognized massage therapy. A massage therapist uses five types of strokes to relieve tension, stiffness, and pain.
A Swedish massage is great for people suffering from chronic pain disorders, like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sciatica. They also stimulate tension relief for better stress management.
These types of massages last between 60 and 90 minutes. It is an ideal starter massage for those who are new to massage therapy.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massages are more intense than Swedish massage. They use acute finger pressure and deep strokes to relieve tension within muscles and connective tissues.
These kinds of massages last between 60 and 90 minutes. They are ideal for people suffering from:
- Imbalance and postural problems
- Sports injuries
- Deep-rooted muscle pains
During a deep tissue massage, qualified massage therapists (like those at https://www.bodyretreatspa.com/) target adhesions (muscle knots) to relieve stress caused by repetitive actions.
While the massage penetrates the muscles and joints, deep tissue massages are not painful.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage incorporates similar strokes to Swedish massage, but it also features essential oils.
A massage therapist dilutes the oils or adds them to lotions. The oils contain healing properties that are inhaled by the patient or absorbed directly into the skin.
Essential oils provide relief for a variety of disorders, including:
- Insomnia
- Chronic back pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Arthritis
- TMJ
- Anxiety, stress, depression
A therapist will utilize specific oils based on what the patient wants out of the massage.
For example, if a patient is dealing with stress, the therapist will incorporate lavender, lemongrass, and chamomile oils into the aromatherapy massage.
Hot Stone Massage
When it comes to the different types of massages, hot stone massages are excellent at targeting specific areas.
A massage therapist will place warm, smooth basalt stones in areas where a patent experience significant pain or tension. The heat relaxes the muscles to relieve tightness.
The heated stones also boost blood flow, promote circulation, and relieve acute stress. Most hot stone massages last about 90 minutes and leave patients feeling rejuvenated and energized.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage comes from Japan. A therapist uses the fingers, hands, and elbows to apply rhythmic pressure sequences along the body. Each pressure is held between two and eight seconds before moving on.
This type of massage stimulates acupuncture pressure points to improve energy flow and restore balance. Researchers have found Shiatsu massages reduce chronic discomfort, insomnia, and nausea.
Types of Massages & More Lifestyle News
There are many types of massages to choose from. Take your time to understand each variation, so you can select the one best suited for your body.
From the benefits of massages to the best drinks for weight loss, keep exploring our blog for more lifestyle tips and tricks.
