Five Common Types Of Massage

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Have you ever wanted to go for a massage therapy session but didn't know what type of massage toget? Massage therapy is a very diverse field of work and there are many types of massage to choosefrom that range from full-body stress relief to highly targeted methods that relieve muscular painand dysfunction. Five of the most popular types of massage are Swedish massage, Deep TissueMassage, Hot Stone Massage, Sports Massage, and Neuromuscular Therapy.

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1. Swedish Massage - this is the most common type of massage in the United States and perhaps theworld. Swedish massage is known for its long gliding strokes, kneading strokes, friction strokes, andpercussion as well as joint movements that feel great while improving range of motion. It's mostoften thought of as a "spa" type of massage but it's much more than that. Swedish massage is greatfor reducing stress, improving circulation, improving range of motion of your joints, and helping youactually feel better in your own skin. Swedish massage can range from light pressure to a heavierpressure depending on your comfort level. It's more than just a "feel good" massage it is verytherapeutic.

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2. Deep Tissue Massage - right behind Swedish massage in popularity and availability, Deep TissueMassage is one of the best known and most often requested types of massage. This massage sharessome strokes and techniques with Swedish massage and is used to root out chronic tension in thedeeper musculature and connective tissues that contribute to pain and loss of range of motion injoints. While some massage therapy practitioners use a heavier, sometimes uncomfortable pressurein Deep Tissue Massage it should be noted that a more moderate pressure can reach deep tissuesand achieve great results with little discomfort.

3. Hot Stone Massage - this type of massage is probably the most relaxing and luxurious massagebeing given today. Heated basalt stones are added to the massage and are used by the massagetherapist to perform a mini heat treatment as well as gliding massage strokes that seem to meltaway stress and tension.

4. Sports Massage - just like it sounds, Sports Massage is geared toward athletes at every level fromprofessional to the "weekend warrior" and those who strive for a higher level of fitness. Rather thana specific form of massage, Sports Massage is generally a combination of massage techniquestailored to the athlete's needs. The Sports Massage might be applied to one area to relieve pain ormight be more general in nature to assure overall performance.

5. Neuromuscular Therapy - also called "NMT" or Neuromuscular Massage, Neuromuscular Therapyis a well known massage technique for relieving muscular pain, and muscle spasm throughout thebody. Neuromuscular Therapy is effective with myofascial trigger points causing "referred" pain that

originates from someplace other than where it's felt. This technique uses very targeted compressionand friction massage techniques, positioning, and stretching to release the myofascial trigger pointsin muscles as well as restrictions in tendons, muscular attachments, and sometimes fasciasurrounding the muscle.

All of the massage techniques described here can help you receive the health benefits of massage.Of course there are many more massage therapy techniques available that are relaxing, stressreducing, and that relieve chronic tension and pain. You actually don't have to know what type ofmassage to ask for, you just need to know what you want to achieve. Do you just want to relax?Reduce muscle soreness? Relieve pain? Improve posture? Ask your massage therapist what theyrecommend for your particular health needs and get massaged today.