5 Types of Massage Therapy and What They Can Do for Your Body

8/4/2021

5 Types of Massage Therapy and What They Can Do for Your Body

Massage therapy is one of the most popular forms of complementary and alternative treatments in Canada, with more than 40% of people using it. And demand for massage therapists surged during the pandemic, causing many to take on more patients than ever.

The increase in popularity during such a challenging period is no surprise. Massage therapy is a simple but effective way to help:

Reduce stress
Encourage relaxation
Boost circulation and energy
Decrease heart rate
Lower blood pressure
Enhance immune function

A skilled therapist makes each massage a luxurious experience that leaves patients significantly more relaxed and focused. But if you want to try a massage, you might wonder which type is right for you.

In this post, we’ll explore 5 popular forms of massage therapy and the positive effects they can have.

Swedish Massage

A traditional Swedish massage is one of the most common types available at clinics and spas across the globe. This form of massage therapy involves long, soft strokes in different areas to work the soft tissues and muscles. It also stimulates the circulatory system and nerve endings.

Swedish massage therapy can help you feel looser from head to toe. Therapists may use multiple techniques when performing Swedish massage:

Vibration: Light tapping in specific spots to make the body vibrate or shake slightly, improving circulation

Effleurage: Gentle strokes with the hands to create friction and apply gentle pressure, allowing the therapist to identify knots

Hacking: Controlled chopping motions to help stimulate and rejuvenate tired or aching muscles

Petrissage: Kneading the muscles to loosen muscles, work on connective tissues, and prepare the body for the hacking or vibration techniques

Swedish massage therapy is a fantastic option if you’ve never tried massage before. It can be a terrific way to pamper yourself, and find relief from muscular aches and pains.

Treatments are available for couples if you want to experience Swedish massage with a partner or friend.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage focuses on musculoskeletal problems that may contribute to discomfort or flexibility limitations, such as sports injuries. This technique is similar to Swedish massage but your therapist will apply deeper pressure to muscle tissues.

Deep tissue massage concentrates on connective tissues and muscles’ inner layers. This can help you recover from chronic muscular pain and tension, increasing your range of motion.

Applying firm pressure through slow, steady strokes enables the therapist to break up scar tissue and unfold knots. Deep tissue massage can also encourage faster healing due to improved circulation and reduced inflammation.

Deep tissue massage therapy is recommended for patients who have been injured in an accident or while playing sports. It may help if you perform high-intensity exercise frequently and experience consistent discomfort in your muscles.

Your therapist will discuss your current condition and work on key areas to help you find relief, though deep tissue massage can involve the whole body too. They’ll begin by warming your body up with a gentle touch before they work on the deeper layers.

Reflexology (Foot and Leg)

Reflexology massage focuses on the feet and legs but triggers effects throughout the body. Your therapist will apply pressure to reflex areas connected to specific organs and areas.

For example, the tips of the toes correspond to the head, while the ball of the feet relates to the chest and heart. Therapists apply pressure to each region with the thumbs and fingers, using firm but gentle motions.

This form of therapy is designed to reduce stress, enhance blood and lymph circulation, improve your mental and emotional state, and stimulate activity inside targeted organs. It can also help pregnant women find relief from pressure and feel more comfortable.

Prenatal Massage

Moms-to-be will confirm how exhausting and challenging pregnancy is — but a prenatal massage offers some relief.

If you’re expecting, you may notice a real difference throughout your body after a prenatal massage. This is a gentle, safe treatment that can help sore muscles, fatigue, and swelling. It’s also an irresistible chance to get off your feet and be pampered!

Your therapist will help you lie on your side before they begin the massage. They will also use special positioning and cushioning to keep you comfortable and safe throughout the treatment.

Feel free to ask your therapist any questions you may have before your prenatal massage. It’s vital that you can enjoy complete peace of mind and relax from start to finish.

Lymphatic Massage

A lymphatic massage is a form of treatment for lymphedema.

What’s that? This condition occurs when lymph fluid (extra fluid drained from tissues and cells) builds up in one or more areas of the body, such as the legs or arms. It can create swelling and general discomfort.

Lymphatic massage is an extremely gentle form of therapy to ensure you stay comfortable throughout.

Your massage therapist will start the treatment with a gentle massage on the upper body, near your neck. They will apply pressure to the skin in different ways, using strokes, taps, and rubs.

Their movements will all follow the lymphatic system’s structure and encourage lymph fluid that has collected over time to drain through the right pathways. You should notice a reduction in your swelling following treatment.

You may also be advised to drink more water, exercise, and eat healthy foods to stimulate proper function of the lymphatic system.

How to Try Massage Therapy Near You

Massage therapy can help you unwind, find relief from aches and pains, and eliminate musculoskeletal tension. Each of these 5 types involves specific techniques and areas — so at least one should work for you.

Want to try any of these forms of massage therapy? Astra Medicare’s team of experienced specialists offers these and other types of massage, including: