What Types of Massages Are There?

What types of massages are there?

There are many types of massages, including Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Lymph Drainage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular and Swedish. Depending on the outcomes you desire and the amount of pressure you enjoy will determine which type of massage you should get.

Massage Types

Deep tissue massages target the deep layers of the muscle and tissue. The therapist uses slow strokes across the grain of the muscle. This type of massage is for those with chronically tight and painful muscles. A sports massage is used for treating sports-related pain, and is focused on the soft tissue aches and areas of injury to decrease tension and improve relaxation.

Another type of massage is the Cranio-Sacral Therapy massage, which is a gentler massage that releases tension deep within the body by using touch to release restrictions in tissue around the central nervous system. Lymph Drainage Therapy massage is another gentle massage where the therapist works the lymphatic system to activate body fluid circulation and stimulate functioning of the nervous systems.

Myofascial Release is a type of massage used to equalize muscle tension, and the Neuromuscular massage is used to balance the central nervous system. Finally, the most common massage, the Swedish massage, is a full body massage where the therapist uses strokes and kneading movements to release muscle tension.

How Should I Decide What’s Right for Me?

Before determining what type of massage you should get, you should discuss your history, pain points, injuries and goals with your therapist.