Seven Most Popular Types of Massage

The Wonderful Default: Swedish Massage

Let’s start with the Swedish massage modality, which we’ll call the wonderful default because it is, in fact, the type of massage that most people think of when they hear the word massage. The chances are good that if you’ve done an online search for “massage near me,” some of the first results to pop up included Swedish massage, possibly in association with other massage services.

There’s a good reason Swedish massage is the default modality of massage service: it is deeply relaxing and feels wonderful. Swedish massage is good for beginners and massage devotees alike because it includes several different techniques: long, sweeping strokes over muscles; kneading muscles to yield deeper relaxation; rhythmic tapping; friction and rapid rubbing for warmth, and vibration to loosen tissue.

So, to summarize: Swedish massage is a versatile, deeply relaxing, general-purpose and very wonderful default massage service! If you’re looking into types of massage, this is a good one to start with.

The Deep Specialist: Deep Tissue Massage

If you’ve ever had chronic aches and pains, you might want to consider the deep tissue massage. We’ll call this massage service modality the deep specialist, because that’s exactly what it is: a more specialized type of massage than Swedish massage, deep tissue massage service is designed to address the kinds of aches, pains, stiffness, tightness, and soreness people tend to find deeply uncomfortable and painful.

People who have suffered from a very wide range of conditions, from lower back pain to tennis elbow to limited mobility to fibromyalgia have claimed to feel much better as a result of deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage techniques include lighter pressure at the beginning to warm up the muscles, followed by two main types of deeper techniques: stripping of knots in the muscle, which is characterized by deep, gliding pressure applied lengthwise to the muscle fibers, and friction, which is characterized by pressure across the grain of a muscle.

The Point Therapist: Trigger Point Therapy

Have you ever had a sensitive, painful feeling in one particular point, perhaps your back or neck? If so, you might want to consider trigger point massage, or trigger point therapy, which is essentially the point specialist of massage service modalities.

The term “trigger point” is used to describe sensitive, painful muscle knots which can develop in different parts of the body, but are particularly noted for their role in back and neck pain. We’re still not entirely sure how these points develop, but trigger point massage therapy can provide tremendous relief through rubbing and pressure-based techniques.

So, if you have that one painful spot that’s driving you crazy, try searching for “trigger point massage near me.”

The Japanese Barefoot Treatment: Ashiatsu Massage

If you’re looking for a deep massage, try Ashiatsu, a Japanese massage service known for its relaxing, deep pressure. The name itself means “foot pressure,” and that is exactly what Ashiatsu is: the therapist stands over you with the aid of a series of bars mounted across the ceiling, and carefully applies deep but gentle pressure to your muscles, stroking and kneading them.

Here we should emphasize that Ashiatsu does not entail your therapist walking on your back, but rather a very relaxing deep pressure treatment. By using their feet, your massage therapist can apply compressive pressure to soft tissue, releasing tension and dealing with muscle spasms.

The thing that many people like about Ashiatsu is that not only does it produce great results, it does so remarkably quickly. So, if you’re looking for deep relaxation now, keep Ashiatsu in mind when you look for massage services nearby.

The Lower Back Pain Specialist: Neuromuscular Therapy

If you have a particularly bad problem with lower back pain or other muscle spasms, try neuromuscular therapy. This is a massage modality designed specifically for very painful muscle spasms, and it works by using concentrated pressure to restore the flow of blood to a muscle.

When a muscle goes into spasm, it is no longer able to receive proper blood flow. This means it can no longer get sufficient oxygen, and a muscle that cannot get enough oxygen will start producing lactic acid. This is what causes muscles to feel sore after activity—but a spasm can produce the same effect at a level that is pathological and painful.

Neuromuscular therapy uses pressure to force the muscle to relax. A gentle warning: this may hurt initially, but it produces relief, and can save you a great deal of pain down the road.

Ready to Book Your Experience?

To learn more about a massage experience, contact About Touch Massage & Acupuncture today. Discuss your preferences, sensitivities, and specific areas of focus. Many spas and wellness centers offer a variety of essential oil options, allowing you to customize your aromatic journey. In the pursuit of holistic well-being, the addition of aromatherapy to a massage proves to be a harmonious union. The therapeutic benefits, ranging from stress relief to enhanced sleep quality, make it a valuable enhancement to the massage experience. As you sink into the massage table, enveloped in the soothing scents of carefully selected essential oils, you embark on a sensory journey that not only rejuvenates the body but also nourishes the soul. At About Touch, we use aromatherapy to transform a routine massage into an aromatic symphony, inviting you to escape, relax, and indulge in the holistic benefits of this sensory delight. Our top-reviewed massage and acupuncture clinic also provides massage therapy for stiff muscles, muscle knots, injuries, and relaxation.  Book your appointment now or call 541-484-3055.