What has been your experience with receiving massages and bodywork? Do you know there are several different types? I never knew the amazing benefits of massage therapy until I actually received it for myself and back then still didn’t know much about the industry. I always assumed that massages were just offered at a spa for relaxation and a special luxury treat when you had some extra money. Well, I was wrong! It wasn’t really my fault. I was never educated about the benefits of bodywork and how many different types of care out there.
Indications of Massage Therapy
There are endless reasons one would go for a massage. Besides just having some quiet time to yourself to unwind and control stress, below is a list of some good reasons to schedule regular massages. Click here to see a more detailed list. I recommend going once per month for wellness visits and more often if you have any chronic pain or injuries.
- Chronic Neck, Shoulder and Back Pain
- Migraines, Tension, and Sinus Headaches
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Orthopedic Problems
- Chronic Fatigue
- Anxiety and Depression
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
4 Types of Massages to Consider
Swedish Massage utilizes gentle pressure to ease muscle tension, increase circulation and relieve stress on the nervous system. The benefits of this type of bodywork include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels, enhanced mental clarity, and greater flexibility. Classic smooth, gliding techniques are used to induce a state of complete relaxation. Choose a Swedish massage if you need to calm down and like a soft and relaxing touch.
Sports Massage is a type of massage designed for highly active people. It enhances athletic performance by helping to prevent injury, reduce pain and swelling in the body, increase flexibility, and dramatically improve recovery rates. Choose a Sports Massage if you are very active in the gym or with a sport, need relief from sore muscles and want to feel more flexible.
Orthopedic Massage is a style of massage therapy focused on treating painful conditions that affect the soft tissues of the body. It involves releasing tense muscles, helping to stretch and lengthen tight muscles and tendons, and decompress rigid joints. Choose an Orthopedic Massage if you suffer from a chronic or acute musculoskeletal condition and need pain relief.
Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. It is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Choose a Deep Tissue Massage if you have chronically tense areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, sore shoulders and if you can handle a firmer touch.
2 Must Try Types of Bodywork
Myofascial Therapy is a form of soft tissue therapy intended to eliminate pain, increase range of motion, and rebalance the entire body. This highly specialized stretching technique provides sustained pressure into connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. Â Fascia is elastic connective tissue very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all of our internal organs including the heart, lungs, liver, brain and spinal cord.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system- comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and is effective for a wide range of medical problems.
Add To Your Bucket List
There are so many other types of massage and bodywork to explore!
Hot Stone, Aromatherapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Trigger Point, Prenatal, Acupressure, Lomi Lomi, Neuromuscular, Chair Massage, Thai, Shiatsu, and several more!
Massage Therapy for Self Care
Adding massage therapy and bodywork to your wellness plan will help you cope with the stresses of life as well as help your body stay active, improve mobility, relieve acute and chronic pain and reduce stress on the body. At one time or another, we all feel muscular tension and stiffness in our muscles and joints. This type of bodywork will help to restore normal movement, prevent injuries and give you a sense of balance in your mind and body. I wish that I discovered massage sooner in my life because it has been a lifesaver for me to deal with Anxiety and several injuries I have had in the past. Most of all I need it every 3 to 4 weeks for pain reduction, mobility and anxiety relief.
Don’t let yourself think it is just for a special occasion or to treat yourself once per year. There is plenty of scientific evidence to prove massage works extremely well for pain and stress management so think about adding it to your wellness plan. It is worth saving up for so value yourself and your health! You would be surprised if you cut out other non-essential expenses you can afford the things you value most.
When you set your health goals, be sure to make your regular massage sessions part of your plan. This is a form of health maintenance that can pay you big benefits in the way you feel and can contribute to improved body function in the future.
Find the Best Therapists
If you need any help finding a qualified practitioner, I suggest looking at the American Massage Therapy Association website to find someone in your area. Just as a gentle reminder…please don’t call us masseuses because it has a negative connotation and that term is associated with massage parlors that are less than desirable. We like to be called Massage Therapists because the majority of us are well educated and licensed (in most states) and we take our profession very seriously. For more information on the benefits of massage therapy and research click here. Tell me about your experience and what your favorite type of massage is!
Jill DeMasi is a Lifestyle Blogger, Licensed Massage Therapist and a Certified Wellness Coach with a passion for helping others manage stress, chronic pain, and anxiety. Learn more about her journey and wellness practice that offers natural solutions to stress at www.AtTheHeartofWellness.com.
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So true- self-care is so important!
What a great breakdown of different massage types and what they work well for. I really should go more often than I do. My sister is a LMT and teaches me all sorts of cool info also. I think a lot of the philosophy surrounding massages are so interesting.
Thanks Adrienne! That is awesome that your sister shares her knowledge with you. It is definitely a very interesting field 🙂
Yes it is! We often forget to take time out for ourselves 🙂
Very informational. I would love a massage but it is not in my budget right now.
Thanks Alice. You may want to check into 30 or even 45 minutes which are less money. It is so worth saving up for 🙂
All of this is now on my bucket list!
Awesome Cindy! Let me know which ones you try 🙂
I have always believed in massages for their health benefits and not just for a pampering day at a spa. I need to make time to get them more often. Maybe I’ll try them all!
That is great Eva! There are so many to choose from so you are bound to find one you really love 🙂
Could use a good massage! I don’t get them often enough.
Hope you find the time soon! You usually never regret going 🙂
informative. nice review of the differences in massage
Thanks Jen!
I’ve always wanted to try hot stone massage and Reiki. Oh, and reflexology. Everything is better after a massage. I would get one every day if I could!
Haha I know right me too! Reiki is a helpful healing tool and is very relaxing 🙂
I’m so glad I came across this today! I deal with daily pain from brain surgery and four bulging disks in my neck. I’ve been through physical therapy, injections, etc., but nothing is helping. I did try a massage several months ago, but I didn’t choose the right therapist. And I know now, after reading your post, that I didn’t know what kind of massage to ask for. I’m going to talk to my doctors to see if they can point me in the right direction and see if my insurance would cover this treatment. Thank you!
Yes definitely keep looking for the right match and let me know if you have any questions because I specialize in pain management 🙂
I love trying different types of massage. Thank you for inspiring me to book soon! lol
Hope you go soon Tricia 🙂
Great post!! hank you so much, I struggle from chronic illnesses and pain, I am going to think about this!
Thanks Holly! If you have pain, you may want to try myofascial work or a lighter technique. Let me know if you have questions because people who have chronic pain are my focus 🙂
Love the different types of massages – I try to get one at least once a month – it really does make a difference!
That’s a great schedule to keep 🙂
I could def use a massage right now! even though I’m ticklish, i still love them!
I have some clients that are ticklish- usually using more pressure helps 🙂
Could definitely use a deep tissue massage right about, NOW! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Thanks Angela! Hope you make an appointment to go soon 🙂
I regularly visit a Remedial Therapist here.
That’s great Jennifer! I am sure you notice a positive difference in your body with going often 🙂
I’m so passed due to a good massage. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Time goes by so fast and I often let it go too long myself. It is best to schedule ahead so you have it to look forward to 🙂
Great post. I could use a massage now, any kind would be great 🙂
Thanks Jenny! Hope you plan to go soon 🙂
I need a message after reading this! I think a sports massage would be perfect!
Love a good sports massage! Ask for stretching if you want because it feels so great to have someone else stretch you out 🙂
I really need to put massages in my budget! I see a chiropractor every two weeks, but a massage will help!
Oh yes put it in the budget! You would be surprised just giving up a few things will free up the money for massages 🙂
Oh yes put it in the budget! You would be surprised just giving up a few things will free up the money for massages 🙂
One of each for me, please. I’ve had most, except the hot stone and I can’t wait to experience it. Thanks for explaining them…I just know I feel great afterwards.
Haha I feel the same! I still haven’t experienced some of them but I can tell you the hot stone massage is so relaxing and pampering 🙂
I never realized all of the different types of massages before. I realyl need to go more regularly! I always feel so much better after I’ve had a massage.
Yes you should go more regularly for sure! Try a different type next time 🙂
I’ve never had a massage, but it’s been on my mind. This teacher could use a deep tissue massage for sure! I’m feeling so tired and achy right now.
You deserve it! Just do some research to find the right match for you. It is best to look for someone with some experience especially for your first massage so they can explain to you what to expect. Let me know if you go and how it goes 🙂
This makes me want a massage, and pronto!
I want them ALL the time- like every week! It is never a bad time to go for a massage 🙂
This was very helpful! I have often wondered about the different types of massage.
Thanks Karla!
I get a sports massage on my legs every month. Worth every penny!
That is awesome Heather! I love giving and receiving sports massages too 🙂
I would love to try a massage again! I tried it once on my honeymoon and was disappointed, but I think we just ordered the wrong one.
Definitely keep trying to find the type and therapist you like 🙂
This is a great and informative post! We all deserve to treat ourselves to a massage for self care.
Thanks Brianna! We do all DESERVE it 🙂
A massage sounds like a great way to manage stress!
OH yes, one of my favorites 🙂
Oh I love massages…I am still looking for the right massage therapist though.
It helps to go through a professional organization when looking like the AMTA… American Massage Therapy Association. Keep trying 🙂
I’ve only had two or three massages in my life and each of them caused me significant pain after. It’s sad because I love the idea ~ especially the relaxing and working out toxins part…but it just hasn’t worked for me over the years.
I am sorry you haven’t had good experiences with massage therapy. Perhaps they were not trained enough to use more gentle techniques. No one should be in pain during or after! I hope you try it again someday and find someone who can change your mind about it 🙂