Types of Massage

According to the American Massage Therapy Association Website (ww.amtamassage.org), there are many types of massage and sometimes massage techniques become fashionable. Though some consumers may know a specific massage modality or technique they want, it is generally best to ask your massage therapist what massage modality will give you the results you want. Most massage therapists use a variety of massage modalities or types in a massage session to best achieve desired results.

The four most common types of massage are:

• Swedish: The most common type of massage, to relax and energize you.
• Chair: Massage of the upper body, while fully clothed and seated in a special portable chair.
• Sports: To help prevent athletic injury, keep the body flexible and heal the body should injury occur.
• Deep tissue: For muscle damage from an injury, such as whiplash or back strain.

Note: If you are in pain, a Deep Tissue massage may cause intense pain post massage. Communicate effectively with your therapist as to the intensity of massage you require. After receiving this type of massage you may be very sore. The intent is to loosen up muscle tension to allow healing. Thinking during a massage that, "the pain will go away, I should just bear through it is the wrong approach."

Five not so common massage therapies not listed above include:

• Hot Stones: The placement of heated stones on areas, such as acupressure points, and left to provide penetrating heat deep into muscles or the stones can be used as a massage tool.
• Pregnancy Massage: A specialized massage to reduce stress, arm and leg swelling,  and alleviate joint and muscle pain. Can be a welcome alternative when medication options are limited. 
• Reflexology: The use of specific hand, finger, and thumb techniques to stimulate designated areas of the feet.
• Shiatsu Massage: Meaning "Finger Pressure" The therapist uses varied, rhythmic pressure on certain precise "acupressure" points of the body.
• Thai Massage: Therapist manipulates the client into various positions to compress muscles, mobilize joints and apply acupressure.

Ref: American Massage Therapy Association. ww.amtamassage.org Accessed November 27, 2009.