Massage Therapy is when a trained professional rubs the client’s skin and soft tissue to enhance healing, promote relaxation and advance physical healing. It is both a medical application and a luxury.
Different Types of Massage Therapy
There are 12 different kinds of massage:
- 1. Swedish
- 2. Deep Tissue
- 3. Sports
- 4. Hot Stone
- 5. Thai
- 6. Shiatsu
- 7. Prenatal
- 8. Craniosacral
- 9. Reflexology
- 10. Lymphatic
- 11. Aromatherapy
- 12. Chakra
- Swedish massage is most common that entails kneading, long strokes, medium pressure and tapping.
- Deep Tissue is simulated to Swedish Massage but applied harder pressure to manipulate deeper layers of soft tissue.
- Sports massage is more centered on athletes before and after an activity to reduce stress and strain. The technique is a faster application to manipulate the superficial muscle layer to increase blood flow and improve flexibility. This is not a soothing and relaxing massage.
- Hot Stone is a technique usually applied with Swedish massage by applying heated rocks to specific locations on the body to promote relaxation.
- Thai Massage is a technique that applies Acupressure and Yoga. The client is placed in various yoga poses to stretch muscle and target trigger points.
- Shiatsu Massage is a Japanese technique used to apply pressure to trigger points that promote specific reactions and promote relaxation.
- Prenatal Massage is specifically for expecting Mothers to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety detrimental to pregnancy. Applied AFTER the first trimester to prevent potential pregnancy loss.
- Craniosacral Massage is bodywork which applies gentle pressure to decrease compression to the spine and pelvis.
- Reflexology involves the feet where the practitioner applies pressure to specific areas of the feet (or “Zones”) to promote wellness from increasing energy to improving sleep.
- Lymphatic Massage is more of a medicinal application. The practitioner is applying light strokes, tapping and circular motions to increase lymphatic drainage in all extremities.
- Aromatherapy is usually used with Swedish massage. It includes the use of various oils during the massage application to promote healing. Oils used include Peppermint, lavender, lemon, Ginger, and multiple other oils that enhance different reactions for the client.
- Chakra Massage is a Japanese technique where the practitioner applies light touch or holds their hand above a specific area of the body to manipulate their energy.
Why Massage Therapy Is Growing in Popularity
These diverse types of massage are used in varied environments and compliment the need by the client. Massage is now more predominant in health care and has demonstrated significant improvements for people suffering from pain. Pain management doctors have been promoting the use of massage when medicinal factors have been unsuccessful. An increase in Massage Therapy establishments have been predominant. According to “Clinic Sense” the rate of growth for Massage Therapy has increased 8.6%. “Future Market Insights” has said between 2019 and 2023 the Massage Therapy has demonstrated a CAGR of 7.8%. These statistics show how we are all in need to relieve stress, decrease pain, improve our health, and become…better. Where do you go to alleviate these issues? A Massage Therapist.
