What is the Best Type of Massage for you?
The art of massage therapy has been utilized for centuries to promote healing, provide stress relief and ease the mind. Massage is the practice of rubbing and manipulating the muscles and tendons of the body to ease pain and tension.
As massage therapy developed over centuries, different methods using a combination of various skills, pressures and techniques have been created. Allowing massage enthusiasts to pick the treatment best suited to their needs.
But, how do you know which massage type is best for you?
Let’s review some of the most common massage types, their benefits and who they are best suited for.
Swedish Massage
Likely the most popular type of massage therapy is the Swedish Massage, perfect for beginners as it is a relatively gentle type of full body massage and is a great introduction to a professional massage.
A Swedish massage uses five basic strokes; gliding, kneading, tapping, vibration and deep circular motions, to release muscle knots and create deep relaxation within the body.
Swedish massage therapy sessions typically last between 30 and 90 minutes and are a fantastic way to soothe strained muscles and decrease cortisol (stress) levels.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is very similar to a Swedish massage, in both technique and benefits. However, the deep tissue massage uses sustained, slow, deep strokes with more intense pressure applied, to treat chronic muscle pain or injuries.
This technique is also useful in breaking up scar tissue and may be beneficial in certain areas. This type of massage is popular with athletes, people who work out regularly or those with chronic pain.
While a more intense pressure is applied you should not feel sore once the massage therapy session is over.
Prenatal Massage
A prenatal massage doesn’t truly differ from a regular massage, however, it is designed to be safe and appropriate during pregnancy. As well as being developed to support the physiological systems that are strained, often working overtime to support a growing baby.
Swelling of the legs, headaches, sciatica and cramping are all symptoms a relaxing prenatal massage can help alleviate. Prenatal massage therapists will often have you lie on your side, or provide a massage table specifically designed with an opening for your belly, to allow you to lay comfortably on your stomach.
The mental benefits of prenatal massage are just as important, providing a sense of relaxation, lowered stress levels, and increased happy hormones such as endorphins and serotonin.
Hot Stone, Cupping and Aromatherapy Techniques
These techniques are often used on their own and in combination with each other, as in our signature Balance Massage where we utilize hot stones, cupping and aromatherapy to provide you with a well-rounded treatment for your personal needs.
Hot Stones are used in addition to or instead of the therapist’s hands to provide a therapeutic massage that improves blood flow and eases muscle tension. This is such a popular technique we offer it as its own 30-90 minute massage, as well as part of our Balance Massage.
Cupping has been used for centuries to isolate a super tight or sore part of the body by placing a suction cup over it, allowing blood to rush to the area providing temporary pain relief.
Aromatherapy has also been used in massage therapy for centuries, it is a great addition to massage to improve mood, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Your massage therapist will chat with you to decide on the right blend, to use in both the massage oil and a diffuser located in the treatment room. This will allow you to doubly benefit from the aromatic oils through inhaling and topically absorbing them.
Focused Therapeutic Massage
This style of massage is perfect for specific areas such as the neck, upper back and shoulders to treat chronic pain and migraines. Using targeted medium and deep pressure maneuvers to target trigger points and stretch the muscles provides deep relief, quickly and effectively.
This style of massage is also popular with those who have suffered sports injuries or have strained a specific area of the body.
Couples Massage
While not a specific style or massage technique, couples massages are gaining in popularity as they allow you to spend quality time with a loved one in a calm and relaxed state.
A thoughtful date idea that has many health benefits for you both and your loved one, your massages will be tailored to your unique individual needs.
If you’re looking to book your first massage therapy session or try a new massage therapy technique in Calgary, Alberta – Reach out to us and we’ll help customize a treatment plan that compliments your individual needs.
