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Writer's pictureModern Mindbody Massage

What Are the Different Types of Massage?

Updated: Aug 27


Massage therapy is a popular and effective treatment for a variety of issues, ranging from stress relief to chronic pain management. While most people are familiar with the basic concept of massage, the various types, each with its techniques and benefits, can be overwhelming. 

Here, we explore twelve different types of massage therapy to help you understand which might be right for you.


Key Takeaways:

  • Massage therapy is a popular and effective treatment for a range of physical and mental issues.

  • Benefits of massage therapy include relaxation, injury recovery, stress reduction, and chronic pain management.


Table of Contents


1. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most popular and commonly offered type of massage. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light and rhythmic strokes on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with the movement of the joints to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.

Benefits:

  • Promotes relaxation

  • Reduces muscle tension

  • Enhances blood circulation


2. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but the pressure is generally more intense. It targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissues. It’s especially helpful for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders. 

Benefits:

  • Improves range of motion

  • Breaks down scar tissue

  • Reduces inflammation

3. Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is a gentle massage therapy that incorporates essential oils or lotions. Different oils are used for different therapeutic benefits, and the massage technique can be tailored to the client’s needs and conditions. 

Benefits:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Enhances emotional well-being

  • Improves sleep

4. Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage involves the use of smooth, heated stones. The heat is deeply relaxing and helps to warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply and more quickly. It is, however, often used as an enhancement for a regular massage rather than an exclusive massage treatment.

Benefits:

  • Relieves muscle tension and pain

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • It may help relieve symptoms of chronic diseases 

5. Mother-To-Be Massage

Prenatal massage is tailored specifically for pregnant women. It aims to relax tense muscles, improve circulation and mobility.

Benefits:

  • Enhances mood and relaxation

  • Improves sleep

  • Reduces body aches

6. Trigger Point Massage

Trigger point massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers known as trigger points that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse. It is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain by applying alternate levels of pressure. 

Benefits:

  • Reduces pain in the trigger point area 

  • Improves range of motion

  • Encourages circulation

7. Sports Massage

Designed specifically for athletes, sports massage is a variation of Swedish massage that aims to prepare the muscles for athletic activity and prevent or treat injuries. 

Benefits:

  • Improves performance

  • Reduces recovery time

  • Increases flexibility

8. Couples Massage

Couples massage is a shared experience – a massage for two people, at the same time, in the same private room, but on two separate massage tables and performed by two massage therapists. 

Benefits:

  • Allows people to bond 

  • Reduces stress and muscle tension

  • Provides a shared experience of relaxation

9. Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that uses palms, hands, and thumbs to apply pressure in a rhythmic sequence on certain parts of the body. Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. 

Benefits:

  • Encourages healing by stimulating the body’s energy flow

  • Promotes relaxation

  • Helps relieve headaches

10. Thai Massage

Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. It also includes compressions and stretches that follow a sequence of postures. 

Benefits:

  • Increases flexibility and range of motion

  • Enhances energy and stamina

  • Decreases stress levels

Book Your Massage With Modern Mindbody Massage

Book an unforgettable massage therapy experience with Modern Mindbody Massage. Whether it’s your first time or you are looking to explore different kinds of massage, you'll get a massage treatment that’s completely unique to you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.



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