Which Type of Massage Is Right for Me?

Whether you have been getting massages for years or you are seeking to try your first one, it can be difficult to narrow down the perfect massage for you.

Choosing the best type of massage all depends on what you are trying to address in your body. A few common reasons that people seek out massages are for stress relief, muscle tension relief, and pain relief.

Massage can be an ongoing treatment that you get or just a one-time stress reliever.

Are you interested in learning about the best type of massage for you? Then read on!

Chiropractic Massage

Chiropractic massage is a massage that you can receive at your chiropractic office.

What is especially beneficial about a chiropractic massage is that you will be receiving the massage in a facility that is familiar with your medical background and that has an existing plan to help you live pain-free.

If you are seeing a chiropractor for any reason, adding massage to your treatment is a great way to target trouble spots in your area.

The beauty of chiropractic care and massage is that it uses pressure and force to trigger the body’s natural healing response. After you go through both a chiropractic and massage treatment, your body can begin the restoration process to relieve aches and pains.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is one of the most common types of massage you can receive.

If you are new to massages and unsure of what to start with, Swedish massage is your best option. The purpose of Swedish massage is to promote relaxation and help relieve muscle tension.

If you hold a lot of tension in your lower back, neck, and shoulders then Swedish massage is the perfect way to gently release that tension.

Deep Tissue

You can think of a deep tissue massage as a graduated form of a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage applies firm pressure and serves the purpose of targeting trouble spots in people’s bodies.

Deep tissue massage is best for athletes and people that have suffered an injury. It can also assist people that have chronic low back pain or conditions such as fibromyalgia.

While this massage helps your body heal, it can sometimes be painful throughout the massage. If you are just seeking a bit of stress relief, this massage is not for you.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is where smooth, heated rocks are strategically placed on your body to help with tension relief.

Here are a few places the stones may be placed:

• Spine
• Palms
• Face
• Stomach
• Chest

Sometimes, the massage therapist will hold the stones in their hands while they perform Swedish massage techniques on your body. The stones used are typically made of basalt which is known for retaining their heat. The stones can be heated anywhere between 130-145℉.

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Oftentimes, the hot stones are counteracted with cold stones which can help your body calm down after the heat is applied. This type of massage can help you relax and release the tension that you have been carrying.

Reflexology

If the idea of a full-body massage doesn’t appeal to you, then you can try reflexology!

Reflexology is a massage practice that focuses on pressure points in three main areas:

• Hands
• Ears
• Feet

You are able to remain clothed during this massage and your reflexologist will help you by applying a certain amount of pressure to different points on your body. This practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the idea that certain points in your body are connected to different organs and body systems.

There are a ton of potential benefits to reflexology, here are just a few:

• Stress and anxiety reduction
• Pain reduction
• Improvement of your overall well-being

More studies need to be completed to confirm other benefits, but people have claimed that reflexology has also helped them with the following:

• A boosted immune system
• Better digestion
• Correction of hormonal imbalances
• Ease arthritis pain

And much more!

A typical reflexology treatment lasts between 45-60 minutes. During a session, you can either lie down or be seated in a recliner.

Prenatal Massage

If you are pregnant, then a prenatal massage is for you. Pregnancy is an incredible time, but it can also be stress-inducing and exhausting.

Prenatal massage is designed specifically for expecting mothers to help reduce pain and tension and relieve their stress.

If you are having an uncomfortable pregnancy, you should definitely look into prenatal massage options near you to get some relief. If you are interested in a prenatal massage to help alleviate some discomfort, make sure to speak with your OB/GYN first to see if this treatment is right for you.

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Thai Massage

Thai massage uses both pressure and gentle stretching techniques to help you relax.

This is an ancient practice that has been practiced for thousands of years!

This massage is more active than deep tissue or Swedish massages, meaning that your body will be put into different positions to help you stretch and receive the full benefits.

Here are just a few of the perceived benefits:

• Stress and tension reduction
• Improved circulation
• Improved range of motion
• Headache relief
• Energy boosts

Before receiving your first Thai massage, you may want to watch an introductory video to have a better idea of what to expect.

The Best Type of Massage For You

Now you know the different types of massage and the best type of massage for you.

This will help you seek out the best massage for your body and start seeing results. Whether you are looking for stress relief, help with muscle tension, or are trying to reduce your pain, then massage can help you achieve that.

Interested in learning more about health? Check out our blog for more information!