A Quick Comparison Of Massage Styles
October 16, 2018
At Amazing Hands Day Spa, we offer a variety of massage types that can help with a variety of issues. Massages are great for relaxing, soothing sore muscles, getting your blood flowing, and so much more. But how are you supposed to know which type of massage will be most beneficial for you?
In this blog, we are going to give a quick comparison of the massages we offer and the benefits they provide.
Swedish Massage
This is the most common type of massage that uses five basic strokes and movements. These include:
- Effleurage- long, smooth strokes
- Petrissage- kneading and rolling muscles
- Friction- small circular movements
- Tapotement- rhythmic tapping
- Vibration- rocking and shaking
This massage is best for relieving stress, soothing tight muscles, relaxing, or for someone’s first massage. This is the type of massage that most people picture and try to do themselves.
Hot Stone Massage
During this massage, hot stones are placed on your body in specific points. The massage therapist will also use the hot stones to give the massage. The heat from the stones helps release tension so that your muscles can work more effectively. This type of massage is great for relaxation, relieving tense muscles, and “centering” yourself.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is used to target knots in the muscle. This massage type uses slow, deep strokes and friction across the grain of the muscle to help with different issues. This massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage but it should not be painful. It is effective for those with chronic pain or injuries in the muscles.
Aromatherapy Massage
This massage type is the same as a Swedish massage, but it utilizes essential oils as well. While these oils smell delightful, they are also thought to have healing properties. Different oils can be used to target different needs and problems, or a blend can be used to help you relax and give you more energy. An aromatherapy massage can offer many benefits including soothing headaches, insomnia, pain, and more.
Trigger Point Massage
A trigger point massage focuses on specific areas of the body and is used to target problem areas and muscles. Deep pressure is used to help these problem muscles relax. Specific points are massaged with deep pressure to help relax an entire area, which may be nowhere near the location being massaged. If you have chronic pain, this is a good choice for you!
Sports Massage
This massage type is used to help prevent and treat injuries. It can also be used to improve flexibility and athletic performance. These massages are not just for athletes. They are also great for those struggling with a range of motions and muscle pain. This massage is concentrated on areas that are related to the physical activity you do. If you are an athlete and often find your muscles tense after a workout and want to prevent injury, this is a good massage type!
These are a few of our most popular massage types. Some of the others include bamboo massage, couples massage, prenatal massage, myofascial release, hot candle massage, and lymphatic massage! You can learn more about each by clicking the links or contact us to get questions answered. Schedule your massage at Amazing Hands Day Spa in Bartlett today!
