Did you know, for example, that the American Massage Therapy Association lists more than 65 different types of massage and bodywork modalities? Just as there are all different kinds of massages to choose from, there are all different reasons for consumers to seek a massage. Meanwhile, other consumers sought massages for pain relief or pain management, for pampering, or for relaxation and stress reduction.
For consumers, the best massage therapy option might depend on their ultimate goals for undergoing bodywork. Because so many different types of massage exist, it can be difficult to understand the differences in massage therapy practices without having a full overview: What are the different types of massages?
What is Shiatsu massage vs. Swedish massage vs. Some modalities are more popular in the United States than others; below, we list the top 10 different massages you may encounter as a consumer or want to learn in massage therapy school: 1. Shiatsu massage β Also called finger pressure massage, Shiatsu massage is a form of acupressure bodywork from Japan.
Shiatsu massage can help recipients relieve stress, manage pain, and feel a heightened sense of overall well-being. Swedish massage β Sometimes called a classic massage, Swedish massage is probably the most common type of massage. The goal of Swedish massage is to release muscle tension in order to promote relaxation and stress relief. The ultimate effect is both relaxation and reinvigoration.
Deep tissue massage β Employing this massage modality, the massage therapist applies slow, firm pressure to the deepest layers of the muscles and connective tissues in order to release muscle tension. Compared with Swedish massage, this is a more forceful technique. Benefits of deep tissue massage include stress relief, pain reduction, improved heart health, muscle injury rehabilitation, and more. This allows the massage therapist to provide a deeper-pressure massage without causing discomfort.
