Getting a massage therapy session is a wonderful experience. But, have you ever wanted to go for a massage therapy session and didn’t know what type of massage to get? What are the common types of massage that you should consider?
Massage therapy uses numerous techniques. These range from full-body stress relief to highly targeted methods that relieve a wide range of muscular pains and dysfunction.
Five common types of massage that rank among the most popular are
- Chair Massage,
- Medical Massage,
- Pregnancy Massage,
- Trigger Point Therapy,
- Aromatherapy Massage.
5 common types of massage for different conditions
1. Chair Massage
This is also known as seated massage. It’s performed while you remain fully clothed and seated in a specially designed massage chair. The massage chair allows the massage therapist to massage your head, neck, back, and arms. A typical session lasts 10-15 minutes and uses a variety of kneading, percussion, friction, and movement techniques.
The high portability of the massage chair and the fact that you are fully clothed means that massage sessions can be completed nearly anywhere. Chair massage makes a great gift for employees or special clients. If you are lucky your employer may organize massage sessions at work.
Receiving chair massage in the office has been shown to reduce stress and increase employee productivity. Chair massage is also a popular attraction at charity events, trade shows, and conventions. You may have tried this yourself at a show. I’m always amazed at how relaxed it makes people look amidst the chaos of an exhibition.
2. Medical Massage
During medical massage the massage therapist treats specific muscular and connective tissue problems. Specific techniques are directed at achieving specific outcomes under the supervision and written orders of your physician.
A medical massage therapist has advanced training in the assessment of soft tissue dysfunction. They will treat you in conjunction with your doctor. You may get this to relieve pain and improve function and range of motion of your joints. They can also improve your posture if needed. Medical massage is usually a short session that’s targeted to one or two areas.
3. Pregnancy Massage
This has gained tremendous popularity by helping mothers-to-be remain comfortable during pregnancy. And in many cases it can lead to an easier delivery. Pregnancy massage relieves muscle spasms and cramps associated with the stress of extra weight-bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.
4. Trigger Point Therapy
This type of massage directly targets trigger points and the muscles in which they’re found. In trigger point therapy the therapist carefully seeks out the trigger points in your muscle with their fingers, knuckles, or elbows. They use specific compression techniques, friction strokes, and stretches. This makes your trigger points release and pain seemingly melt away.
The release of the trigger point usually results in a rapid decrease or complete elimination of muscular pain. Trigger point therapy is a versatile technique. It is often used to treat back pain, jaw pain, headaches and migraines, whiplash, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome among others.
5. Aromatherapy Massage
A combination of benefits leads to a very relaxing and therapeutic massage. It incorporates the healthy benefits of massage and the powerful effects of essential oils. This combination delivers an incredible effect you’re going to love. Depending on your needs the massage therapist will adjust the massage and the varieties of essential oils for the desired effect.
All of these common types of massage techniques described here can deliver the health benefits of massage. Of course, there are more massage therapy techniques available. These are just 5 of the common types. Massage can be relaxing, stress-reducing, or relieve chronic tension and pain.
You might also like this article on foot massage therapy techniques.
In reality you actually don’t have to know what type of massage to ask for. You just need to know what result you want to achieve. Do you just want to relax? Reduce muscle soreness? Relieve pain? Improve posture? Ask your massage therapist what they recommend for your particular health needs and get massaged today. You are bound to find one that will suit you.
