There are many different techniques and styles of massage and bodywork and that may seem a little daunting when you are trying to find the right treatment for you. Swedish massage, Thai Massage, Salt Scrub, Trigger Point Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Aroma-therapy, Shiatsu Massage, Deep Tissue Massage… the list goes on and on. When you look at a spa menu of services everything sounds amazing (well, mostly everything – Seaweed Wraps may sound questionable) and you want them all, but you have to choose one for today. What you need to know before you choose is simple: Massage in general is simply rubbing or kneading with the intent to ease tension or pain. Something, anything really, is therapeutic when it has a healing or beneficial effect. Since easing tension or pain is beneficial that makes every massage a therapeutic massage.
Swedish Massage vs Deep Tissue Massage
Swedish massage is the core of massage therapy. It uses slower gliding strokes, kneading motions, rhythmic tapping, friction and gentle shaking/vibration to relax the muscles and the mind. If you are feeling burnout, have minor aches and pains, are feeling anxious, or you just want some you time a Swedish massage will help realign your mind and body leaving your refreshed and rejuvenated.
Deep Tissue Massage is massage that focuses on realigning deeper layer of muscle and fascia. Different stressors can cause deep muscle layers to mis-align causing chronic pain. Injuries can cause scar tissue to form which can reduce range of motion. We also hold mental stress all the way down to a cellular level. Many people suffering from mental and physical stress and pain find relief after Deep Tissue Massage.
The Fancy Stuff
Every other specific modality, technique, tool, or material is added to aide in achieving a specific goal. Perhaps you are expecting and are considering a Prenatal Massage. The techniques used are specific to the body and concerns of a pregnant woman. Maybe you are at the end of a cold and want to give your immune system a little boost. A mud wrap or salt scrub with their detoxing affects could give you just what you need. Each essential oil used in Aroma-therapy has certain effects on the body when inhaled or applied topically, and so on, so, be sure to confirm that the practitioner you are considering is trained in the type of massage or bodywork you are interested in trying. They should be happily able to answer more detailed questions for you helping you find the massage that’s just right for you.