There are various kinds of massage available, and they all have distinct effects. Visit our services page to see what Cynosure Care has to offer.
The majority of us have an idea of a traditional massage table with oils on it. But massage doesn’t belong in a single category. Numerous variations exist, sometimes even within a single subset of massage.
Modalities are these various forms of massage and techniques. To achieve customised results, modalities have been developed to focus on particular issues or areas of concern. There are so many modalities that we won’t be able to list them all here, but below are 11 that are widely used and accessible.
You can find a type of massage that is customised to your personal needs and philosophy, which is one of the great things about massage therapy services USA: not all modalities are made for everyone.
10 Types Of Massage Therapy
1. Aromatherapy Massage
2. Craniosacral Therapy
3. Deep Tissue Massage
4. Hot Stone Massage
5. Myofascial Massage
6. Pregnancy Massage
7. Reflexology
8. Reiki
9. Shiatsu
10. Sport Massage
1. Aromatherapy Massage
The application of essential oils is incorporated into aromatherapy massage. The use of essential oils dates back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, who frequently used them to give fragrant massages and baths.
When these two components are combined, you can feel both invigorated and relaxed, depending on the kind of scents your massage therapist selects. To find out what kind of essential oils you prefer, many therapists will first consult with you. For instance, tea tree is used to boost immunity, while cypress is thought to help with muscle soreness.
2. Craniosacral Therapy
A gentle and non-invasive experience might be what craniosacral therapy offers those seeking that. It’s ideal if you feel uncomfortable undressing in front of an unfamiliar person. Using gentle, still strokes, craniosacral therapists will frequently massage you while you are fully clothed.
Experts in this field think that gentle touch can improve erratic sleep patterns and aid in the restoration of the central nervous system. Furthermore, craniosacral sessions frequently begin in a massage chair before moving on to a massage table, in contrast to many traditional massages that either use a chair or a massage table.
Throughout the massage, the therapist will also check in with you to make sure they’re applying the proper amount of pressure.
3. Deep Tissue Massage
The main goal of deep tissue massage is to release extremely tight muscles. It works particularly well if you have chronic muscle tension and pain, postural issues, or musculoskeletal disorders. To really get in there, massage therapists frequently use their hands, elbows, and knuckles.
If you suffer from lupus or other inflammatory joints, stay away from deep tissue massages as they may exacerbate flare-ups due to their intense pressure. Another crucial point to remember is that deep tissue massage differs from deep pressure massage. Deep pressure massage targets all areas of the body, whereas deep tissue massage concentrates on the layers of muscles and fascia.
4. Hot Stone Massage
Are you hoping for something new from your massage? Among massage therapies, hot stone massage is unique. Hot stones are applied to your body by the massage therapist, who frequently uses them for massages. The result enables the therapist to apply less force while still going deeper.
Of course, the right amount of heat can also help you feel more relaxed and release tight muscles. Hot stone massages frequently work in conjunction with conventional massages and don’t always involve the use of stones.
5. Myofascial Massage
In actuality, myofascial massage has nothing to do with your face, despite its possibly misleading name. Fascia is a tissue that connects all of your muscles, arteries, bones, and organs. Using myofascial massage, that connective tissue is worked on. A therapist will identify any stiff spots on you and use manual pressure in that area during a session. This should help alleviate movement restrictions. In addition to using stretching and trigger point therapy, myofascial massage can help reduce pain.
6. Pregnancy Massage
Massage can help relieve the aches and pains associated with pregnancy, as it’s not an easy journey. Numerous advantages come with receiving a massage during pregnancy, such as improved nerve pain management, decreased edoema, lessened back and joint pain, and even improved sleep.
Naturally, especially after the first trimester, you won’t be able to use a regular massage table and lie on your stomach. Several positions are used during pregnancy massage to suit your shape. Finding a therapist who is certified in prenatal massage is also recommended, even though the practise is thought to be safe.
7. Reflexology
In the 1930s, reflexology gained popularity in the United States and is a useful addition to holistic health practises. the technique that applies acupressure to the feet and hands.
The Reflexology Association of America claims that these methods promote the body’s optimal functioning by stimulating neural pathways. Reflexologists stimulate your feet’s reflex points, which typically correspond to an organ. They do this by using techniques like thumb and finger walking. If you’re into foot massages, this kind of massage might be just what you’re looking for.
8. Reiki
The practise of Reiki originated in 1800s Japan, where Dr. Usui taught his students and popularised it. In contrast to the majority of massage techniques mentioned here, reiki does not genuinely require working with tissue. Rather, the practitioners gently transfer energy and warmth to your body by placing their hands above or on it.
A common experience of reiki sessions is a slight tingling or heating sensation from the practitioner’s hands, followed by a feeling of well-being and relaxation. It’s a non-invasive, gentle procedure that won’t make you sore the next day.
9. Shiatsu
Physical therapy known as shiatsu incorporates physical, physiological, and spiritual well-being. Chinese healers have combined shiatsu with acupuncture and herbalism for centuries to help their patients feel better. Since then, there are roughly six different forms of shiatsu, making it more of a distinct practise.
To mention a few, there are therapists who specialise in movement shiatsu, healing shiatsu, and barefoot shiatsu. For instance, healing shiatsu incorporates mindfulness and meditation, while barefoot shiatsu uses vigorous yoga-like stretches to release tightness.
10. Sport Massage
Since athletes put a lot of physical strain on their bodies, a whole industry centred around custom sports massage care services has developed. A sport massage can be beneficial before, during, or after competitive sports. This aids in promoting flexibility, easing pain associated with performance, and even preventing injuries. Massage therapists frequently blend different massage techniques, like acupuncture or deep tissue massage, to meet the specific needs of athletes and sports.
The practices listed above are the highlights, but by no means do they cover all forms of massage therapy. From lymph drainage to rolfing, you’ll find many types of massage therapy under the sun to address your needs.
