Clients sometimes ask about different types of massage and what would be best for them. If they are new to massage therapy, haven’t had a massage in a while or seeing a new massage therapist for the first time, a medical history will help the therapist decide what techniques to use. Also taken into consideration is the client’s preference or tolerance to pressure and their desired outcome from the massage. For some it is pain relief or easing muscle soreness but for others it may simply be relaxation.
Here’s a brief overview of four overall categories of therapeutic massage based on desired outcome.
1) Relaxation: Includes Swedish, Aromatherapy, sugar scrubs, etc.
2) Corrective: Includes Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Medical, etc.
3) Conditioning: Includes Sports Massage, Resistance Stretching. (Seeks to improve the texture, flexibility, and strength of healthy soft tissue with the overall goal of enhancing performance and endurance)
4) Energetic: Includes Shiatsu, Reiki, other forms of energy work.
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