There are several types of massage therapy. They range from the classics such as deep tissue and Swedish to exotic ones such as shiatsu. It does not matter whether you just want to relax or improve underlying injury or health condition, the process of choosing the right type of massage therapy can be quite confusing. This is the case when you are not sure what a given massage type involves. The following are the common types of massage:
Swedish Massage
This is the common type of massage that is offered in various gyms, spas, clinics, and even wellness centers. This type of massage is quite synonymous with the term massage therapy. It is founded on western concepts of physiology and anatomy. With oil or lotion, the therapist begins with the broad strokes and then to the specific ones. In this way, it addresses the problem areas. This type of massage offers full-body relation and it is quite helpful if you want to recover from an injury.
Aromatherapy Massage
This is a type of Swedish massage that uses scented plant oils commonly known as essential oils. These oils are extracted from different plant parts such as leaves and flowers. The good thing about essential oils is that they provide a pleasing scent known to offer healing properties. Rose and lavender are useful in promoting relaxation. Essential oils can be chosen to address your needs, the therapist can use blended oils to energize, uplift, and relax.
Soothing effects of this massage therapy can benefit a wide range of conditions such as headaches, insomnia, menstrual symptoms, and back pain. Before you receive this type of massage therapy, ensure you are not allergic to the essential oils used.
Hot Stone Massage
In this case, warm stones are used during the therapy session. Your therapist places warm, smooth stones on different points of the body and holds them as he or she gives the massage. The stones used in this case are basalt. This means that they have an excellent ability to retain the heat. The warmth generated by the stones can be quite relaxing. Also, it can help loosen the tight muscles.
If you are suffering from some medication conditions that include diabetes, varicose veins, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you need to check with your doctor before undertaking hot stone massage. Also, if you are using blood-thinning medications, you should seek the advice of your doctor.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage therapy is focused and targets muscle knots. It can also be used for specific problem areas of the connective and muscle tissue. Although the pressure of this therapy is more intense as compared to Swedish massage, it does not have to be painful for it to be considered successful.
Usually, a therapist uses slow strokes across the muscle grains to address painful and chronic tight muscles. Although the pressure of this particular massage is considered quite intense, if you experience pain, you should let the therapist know. Deep tissue massage is quite beneficial for persons suffering from lingering injuries and chronic pain.…