Massage Types

Swedish Massage Therapy

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and widely known type of massage therapy. It refers to a variety of massage techniques specifically designed to relax muscles.  With Swedish massage, long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements are used on superficial layers of muscles. Swedish massage therapy is a gentle and relaxing massage therapy.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to heal, alleviate pain and regulate mood. Essential oils are a volatile, highly concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers. Aromatherapy massage uses these essential oils, but they can also be used in hydrotherapy baths, facials and body treatments.

Hot Stone Massage

Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.   The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots. It is aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians.  Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.

Thai Massage

Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches.  Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman’s body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.  Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression.

Reflexology

Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. It helps atheletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training.  The focus isn’t on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular Therapy is the utilization of static pressure on specific myofascial points to relieve pain. This technique manipulates the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system. Neuromuscular therapy is used to address chronic pain, trigger points, ischemia, nerve compression or entrapment, postural distortion and biomechanical dysfunction.

Reiki

Reiki healing is the usage of spiritual energy to heal a person's aura or situation. The word "Reiki" actually translates to "Universal Life Force Energy." Massage is the process of rubbing or kneading different parts of the body for therapeutic reasons or purposes.

In Call Massage

Incall massages require that the customer go the therapist's location or spa.

Outcall Massage

Outcall massage is a type of massage in which a massage therapist travels to a client, rather than the other way around. Many massage therapists offer massage therapy in people's homes, hotel rooms, and businesses, among other places, bringing any necessary equipment with them to the session and packing it up at the end of the day. Just as with massage in a spa or massage studio, outcall massage can offer a number of different styles and options, with most therapists being happy to recommend alternate therapists if they are unable to meet the needs of their clients.