The Difference between types of Massage
Right, i’m in the business – I’ve been a massage therapist for a few years now, and even I find all the different names for types of massage confusing!
I’m going to try to make it clear to you – so that if you are looking for a massage, and you’re new to it, you’ll know what kind to ask for.
I specialise in deep tissue massage. This does what it says on the tin. It is a slower, more precise kind of massage that is designed to locate and treat specific areas of tension. If you have aches and pains that you want to get rid of, this is the kind for you. This kind of massage takes longer, as to treat an area of tension effectively, you need to spend some time there, and maybe go back to the area a couple of times. Therefore, don’t go for a one hour deep tissue massage expecting to get your whole body treated. Deep tissue massage can be painful, but most of my clients describe it as a ‘good pain’. I think this is because it feels good to have someone put some pressure on tense muscles, it is at least a productive pain, and it’s always nice when you know the pain won’t last too long! It is also usual to feel some soreness for one to two days after a treatment. This is a good sign, it’s just your muscles readjusting, and you should feel great afterwards.
Swedish massage is your middle weight kind of massage. If you go for a full body massage in a salon or spa, this is probably the kind you will get. It uses some techniques to help relax the muscles, but doesn’t concentrate in one particular area, or go too deep.
Aromatherapy massage is a very light pressure. It’s main aim is to rub the essential oils into the skin so that they can be absorbed and have the specific effect on the body and mind required. Expect a lot of ‘effleurage’, a basic relaxing stroking kind of technique. Aromatherapy massage will be very relaxing, better if you are stressed rather than sore.
Sports and remedial massage – not that different to deep tissue massage. In deep tissue we are treating ‘overuse symdrome’ in a muscle or part of a muscle. Over use can be caused by sitting at your computer with bad posture, or running ten miles. Your body doesn’t really know the difference. Therefore a lot of the same techniques are used for sports massage. The only specific needs come when you are preparing an athlete just before an event, or when they have a serious injury in the acute stage, something that you wouldn’t normally treat in a non-sports person.
Holistic massage – one of my biggest annoyances in life is the over use of the word ‘holistic’ – the concept of holism means treating the person as a whole. This means considering all of the body, not just the part you are treating and the mind and spirit of the person. This is the guiding principle of just about any complementary and alternative medicine.
My favourite is by far deep tissue. I am a ‘getting the job done’ kind of girl. When I go a massage I want someone to ‘really get in there’. The most frustrating thing is laying with someone gliding over my knots rather than giving them ‘what for’.
Anyway, I hope this helps and enjoy your treatment!
