Types of Massage
To help clear up any confusion when you’re looking at a menu of massage options, here’s a rundown of the most popular modalities.
Swedish Massage
Characterized by long, gliding strokes and gentle pressure, this modality is meant to relieve superficial muscle tension. It’s best for those new to massage or sensitive to deeper pressure.
Deep Tissue Massage
For this method, therapists use firmer and stronger pressure to try to reach tension in the deeper layers of muscle. If you’ve got chronic tension, try this technique.
Trigger Point Massage
If you’ve got pain that radiates from specific areas, this modality might be the one for you. The strokes will, like deep tissue massage, aim for below-surface tension, and can help with issues such as sciatica.
Thai (or Yoga) Massage
Some call this “lazy man’s yoga” because the therapist also guides the client’s body into deep stretches, often using not just the hands, but elbows and feet. You’ll definitely get closer to your therapist, but you’ll be fully clothed while it happens.
For more information on other types of massage, click here.