Type of Massage and Their Benefits

by | Mar 15, 2021 | Massage

The benefits of massage therapy are as varied as the types of massage you can receive, from physical to mental, emotional to healing.

What does massage do for the body? Let’s look at the different types of therapeutic massage:

  • Swedish Massage- This is the most well-known and classic massage that relaxes tight muscles, relaxes the body, and improves circulation. The body is typically stroked, rubbed, vibrated, kneaded and/or tapped using gentle to medium pressure.
  • Tantric Massage- By using sexual energy, the therapist helps the patient achieve a higher state of consciousness which can produce feelings of deep relaxation and a profound sense of well-being.
  • Manipulation- This type of massage is often done in combination with physical therapy exercises and is designed to improve mobility and stop pain. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments are not only massaged, but stretched.
  • Ayurvedic- An ancient and traditional form of massage from India that involves a gentle massage that uses herbal oils and rhythmic strokes.
  • Mobilization- Similar to Manipulation, this massage focuses on the spine, joints, and muscles to improve mobility and improve posture.
  • Thai Massage- By applying a strong, rhythmic pressure, the therapist pulls and stretchiness on the limbs, focusing on the “energy lines” of the body to remove negative energy and stop disease.
  • Connective Tissue- This is generally a deeper massage that applies pressure to the connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons.
  • Manual Lymphatic Massage- Specific areas are targeted with strokes designed to stimulate the lymph nodes into draining the buildup of waste and toxins that can accumulate.
  • Deep Tissue Massage-A very powerful and strong pressure is applied to reach deeper layers of muscles. The benefits of a deep tissue massage are to realign the muscles and fascia. This massage is often used for chronic low back pain or neck pain.
  • Shiatsu- By using the thumbs, this Japanese massage releases trigger points and massages acupuncture points on the body.
  • Myofascial Massage- Often called a trigger point massage because this is what the massage addresses. By releasing trigger point, adhesions and painful nerve endings, patients find relief from pain.
  • Chinese Traditional Massage- This massage uses moderate pressure applied to acupoints on the body with fingertips working in rotating movements. This massage is often a precursor to acupuncture.
  • Hot Stone Massage-This is generally an addition to a Swedish massage. Round, smooth stones are heated and placed on certain areas of the back and neck. When they cool a bit, the therapist uses these to continue to massage tight muscles.

What is the best type of massage to get? That would depend on the health problem you are having or what goals you have for the massage. Your chiropractor and/or massage therapist can help you decide which massage is best for you.