Different patients experience different aches and pains. Fortunately, there are plenty of massage therapy specialties to help each patient find relief. While all the different types of massage therapy consist of rubbing and kneading the body, each offers a different healing approach or focuses on different parts of the body to relieve tension and ease pain.
Learn the different types of massage therapy to find the right one for your unique needs. Here are the thirteen types of massage therapy specialties:
Type #1: Chair Massage Therapy
You’ll often find this type of massage therapy specialties on beaches or in malls. It’s a great option if you’re short on time.
You can get a quick massage to relieve tension in your shoulders. Chair massage therapy is also excellent for alleviating tension in the neck and back.
Type #2: Aromatherapy Massage Therapy
The ultimate in relaxation, the aromatherapy massage can improve a patient’s mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve symptoms of depression, all while relieving pain and muscle tension.
What makes this type of massage therapy unique is that essential oils are applied to the body, so they’re absorbed through the skin. Sometimes, a diffuser is used so you inhale the essential oils as well.
A different blend of essential oils is used based on the results you’re seeking, but you can request a specific blend if you have a preference. This full-body massage or back massage focuses on soft, gentle strokes and pressure.
Type #3: Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
When you’re suffering from a muscle injury, imbalance, or soreness, you often need more pressure during a massage in order to feel adequate relief. When this is the case, a deep tissue massage is often used.
It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking to relieve chronic muscle pain or very tight muscles since the massage therapist will use deep finger pressure to reach the deepest layers of your connective tissue and muscles to relieve tension.
Type #4: Trigger Point Massage Therapy
If you have a specific area of muscle pain or tightness, trigger point massage might be the best choice for you. It’s well-suited to those with specific conditions or issues, with injuries, or with chronic pain in one area of the body.
In this case, the massage therapist focuses on relieving trigger points through broad strokes and both gentle and deep pressure to reduce pain.
Type #5: Swedish Massage Therapy
This gentle type of massage therapy is great for beginners, those who are sensitive to touch, those with only minor pain, and those who simply need to unwind and relax during treatment.
The gentle kneading, deep circular motions, and long, flowing strokes used during a Swedish massage will effectively relieve tension all over the body.
Type #6: Shiatsu Massage Therapy
Relieve stress, tension, and pain with this Japanese massage that’s known to promote physical calm and emotional relaxation.
It’s good for reducing muscle tension and relieving headaches, and it can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, too. This full-body massage uses rhythmic or pulsing pressure.
Type #7: Thai Massage Therapy
Looking to improve your energy levels, your circulation, or your flexibility? A Thai massage might be the right choice.
During this active form of massage, the massage therapist uses firm pressure and promotes a sequence of movements that’s similar to yoga. You’ll be twisted and stretched in various positions to release tension.
Type #8: Hot Stone Massage Therapy
This unique type of massage is great for relaxation, as well as the relief of tension and muscle pain. While it’s gentle and similar to Swedish massage, hot stones are placed on different parts of the body during this treatment type.
Cold stones may also be used. The heat of the stones improves blood flood, relaxes tense muscles and stress, and relieves minor pain.
Type #9: Sports Massage Therapy
As the name suggests, this type of massage therapy is for athletes who suffer from injuries caused by playing sports, such as a repetitive use injury. You can also get regular sports massages to reduce your risk of getting sports injuries before they occur, to increase performance, and to boost flexibility.
This massage may focus on the part of the body that requires the most attention or it may be a full-body massage. The massage therapist will alternative between soothing strokes and deep pressure.
Type #10: Reflexology Massage Therapy
If you’re seeking massage therapy to restore your natural energy level or relax your mind, consider reflexology.
This is a unique type of massage since pressure is only applied to specific pressure points located on the ears, feet, and hands.
Type #11: Prenatal Massage Therapy
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your body, causing stress, muscle tension, and body aches. A prenatal massage is a safe option to relieve mild muscle pain during pregnancy.
During this treatment, you lie on your side rather than your stomach, and mild pressure is used on specific areas, including your hips, legs, and lower back. Sometimes, a special table is used that has a cutout for your belly.
Type #12: Couple’s Massage Therapy
A romantic option, the couple’s massage is often requested on Valentine’s Day and on anniversaries, though it’s not just for couples.
You can get a couple’s massage with a friend or family member as well. You both receive messages side by side in the same room.
Type #13: Geriatric Massage Therapy
This treatment type is specifically designed for older patients and is often used to improve mobility. The massage is highly individualized to the patient’s needs.