6 Different Types Of Massage Therapy You Should Know About? Most of us know that massage is a practice of rubbing and kneading the body using hands to relieve the pain and ache in the muscles. But do you know that there are several different types of massages? Every message type has a different healing approach and achieves different results. There are dozens of massage variations and types that target different muscle groups in the body.
No one massage therapy is better because their goals vary from person to person. You can choose to get massage therapy from a therapist or simply opt for a small portable massager gun to relieve the pain at home. Nevertheless, it is important to learn different types of massages before visiting any massage therapist. Read on to learn about different types of massages.
1- Swedish Massage
Also known as the western massage, the Swedish massage is the most prominent massage therapy performed all over America. It is the most common form of massage therapy widely seen in spas, health clubs, and private practices. This massage therapy helps to promote blood circulation, relax muscles, improve joint mobility, and induce general relaxation. This form of massage therapy includes various techniques, such as sliding and gliding over skin, friction, vibration, and many others. Each method produces a different effect that aids in relaxing muscle tension.
2- Deep Tissue Massage
The deep tissue massage technique is similar to that of a Swedish massage. However, in deep tissue massage, deeper pressure is applied to the trigger points to aid muscle relaxation. The technique involves identifying the painful fibrous in muscles and connective tissue, called trigger points, and deactivating them. The deactivation of trigger points helps to decrease muscle tension and promote the blood flow to the muscle. Many people also use deep tissue percussion muscle massager to treat muscle pain at home. Although deep muscle therapy can be more intense for some people, it is extremely beneficial for overall health and well-being.
3- Sports Massage
As the name suggests, sports massage therapy is mainly for enhancing the athletic performance of an athlete. The sports massage therapy technique is based on traditional western massage techniques. This massage therapy helps aid the wear and tear and minor injuries sustained during the physical activity. Additionally, certain techniques are used more than others to target certain muscles and tendons.
4- Chair massage
The chair massage is a Swedish massage that focuses on the upper part of the body. In this massage therapy, the customer is seated in a chair designed for massage. The massage therapist massages the head, neck, back, shoulders, arms, and hands to relieve stress and tension. This type of massage therapist is common for office employees who sit for long hours in one place. Additionally, this massage is also quite common in malls, casinos, and other open environments for people.
5- Prenatal Massage
A prenatal massage is a form of massage therapy that is performed on pregnant women to reduce the pains and aches during pregnancy. The prenatal massage works mainly to relieve back and neck pain. The prenatal massage has all kinds of benefits, such as hormone regulation, improvement of nerve pain, reduced back and joint pain, and even better sleep. Although prenatal massage is safe after the first trimester, it is recommended to consult a doctor before engaging in prenatal massage.
6- Percussion Therapy
Percussion therapy is a new form of massage technique designed to soothe sore muscles after an intense workout. Unlike any other massage technique, this therapy does not need assistance from a therapist. This therapy includes the usage of the body massager gun to strike muscle tissues, which in turn promotes the blood flow for faster recovery, pain relief, and improved range of motion. This muscle therapy is quite popular among athletes and people working in the 9 to 5 Job as it is easy to use whenever you like. All you need to do is use the massage gun on the muscle, and the massager gun uses vibration to promote blood circulation.
Key Takeaway
Massage is the best way to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now that you know the various massages worldwide, you can experiment with different messages to find what works best for you. Additionally, always try to communicate your expectations to your therapist. However, if you are not comfortable with a therapist, you can always go with the deep tissue percussion muscle massager. Also, always consult your doctor before getting any massages if you have health concerns or conditions.