Popular Types of Massage

Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you.

1) Swedish Massage Therapy

This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy.

Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

2) Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.

The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component.

3) Hot Stone Massage

Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.

The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.

4) Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.

5) Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians.

Each point is held for for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.

People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.

6) Thai Massage

Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches.

You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.

7) Pregnancy Massage

Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.

Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs.

8) Reflexology

Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.

9) Sports Massage

Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

10) Back Massage

Some massage clinics and spas offer 30-minute back massages. If a back massage is not expressly advertised, you can also book a 30- or 40-minute massage and ask that the massage therapist to focus on your back.

Massage Tips

10 Tips to Get the Most From Your Massage 

 1.     Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.

2.     Don’t eat just before a massage session.  Let your body digest your meal first.

3.     Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.

4.     Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing.

5.     Communicate with your massage therapist

·         Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.

·         Some massage therapists play recorded music during the massage session. Others find music distracting. If it’s provided, let your massage therapist know if you have any music preferences or if you would prefer they turn off the music.

·         Some people like to talk during a massage, while others remain silent. Tell your massage therapist what you prefer.

·         During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it’s from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.

·         Give feedback to the massage therapist during the massage on the amount of pressure, speed of hand movement, etc.

6.     Remember to breathe normally. Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.

7.     Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive.

8.     Drink extra water after your massage.

9.     Don’t get up too quickly and do allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session. If you’re dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast. It also may take a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session. 

10.   Be prepared to schedule several massage sessions. Massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond.

Solase Couples Massage

It was a cold and rainy day outside, but a warm and inviting day inside Solase. My husband and I had scheduled a couples massage and were promptly and enthusiastically greeted as we entered the establishment. We started our stay there with 30 minutes in the massage chair. My previous experience with the massage chair had been almost nightmare-ish, so I was prompt to ask for a setting that was more soothing- and I was definitely given what I asked for. I believe the technician called it the "dream wave". We were directed to a waiting area, after our 30 minutes were complete, and were quickly greeted by our two massage therapists. They introduced themselves, asked what we were concerned about, how light/heavy of touch we preferred and answered any other questions we had. The one hour seemed to pass very quickly and the soft music and dim lights made the experience very relaxing. After dressing, using the restroom and obtaining a drink from the water cooler, we spent 15 minutes at the oxygen bar. I am not a big fan of the oxygen bar, but it is a good transition between the massage and “reality”. I would recommend the services that Solase offers.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage treats the whole body and mind

Many of today's health problems can benefit from massage therapy because the manipulation of soft tissues affects so many of our bodily systems.

The benefits of massage are extensive. Massage therapy treatments will have a therapeutic affect and improve health by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune) systems.

Massage treatments aim to:

    * Develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function - Massage therapy has become a staple of many professional athletes' training regimens. But not just athletes. Lifestyle factors, such as long work hours or physically taxing tasks, lead many members of the workforce to seek the assistance of a massage therapist. A seemingly minor injury can have a profound impact on a person's ability to stay physically active, participate fully in life, or even make a living if it becomes chronic. Massage therapy can be one of the ways of preventing that kind of outcome.

    * Relieve or prevent physical dysfunction and pain - Some massage therapy techniques are specifically recommended for sore muscle tissues. An overly sore muscle cannot function properly. By alleviating or preventing pain, dysfunction can be combated.

    * Relax tight and tense muscles - Many people don't realize how much a tight muscle impacts on vital things such as posture. A tense muscle can throw off your body's balance. Before long, muscles that were not initially tight begin to tense as they compensate for other parts of the body. It becomes a chain reaction that can spread far from the initial problem spot. A talented massage therapist can identify the source of the problem and start working to alleviate the problem where it started.

    * Improve circulation, recovery time and immune system function - The movements of massage cause blood to flush in and out of muscles and joints. This flushing process - enhancing circulation in the affected areas - can, in some cases, aid recovery time from injuries.

    * Reduce overall stress - We're all becoming more aware of the role stress plays in health. People who are stressed, all other things being equal, are less healthy than people who are relaxed. Stress, for example, increases the risk of heart disease. Massage therapy is an effective and enjoyable way to reduce stress.

Massage therapy is also effective in the control of pain, chronic or acute, in stress reduction, and in creating a sense of relaxation and well-being. A licensed, skilled practitioner can become an important and integral part of your health care team.

Solase - June 2011

My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Solase Massage and Oxygen Bar the other day.  We were there to enjoy their package that includes a Chair Massage, a 1-Hour Relaxation Massage and some time at the Oxygen Bar.  We were greeted and led to their 2 Massage Chairs.  The massage chair is a great way to get ready for the hands-on massage.  I started on the setting called ‘Dream Wave’.  There was a lot of gentle rocking and kneading all over my body.  The chair does a lot of inflating and moving around the feet and legs, arms, back, hips and shoulders.  It is all synchronized into different programs that can be selected.  We still had some time when that one ended, so they turned on another program called ‘Stretch’.  This program did a lot of stretching of legs, arms, and back.  It was a little more active and helped me get all stretched and ready for what was to come next.

After our time was up on the chairs, we were led to the small waiting room until our room was ready.  A few minutes later we were greeted by Meredith and Jordan.  They took us to the Couples Massage Room where we had a brief consultation to discuss any specific needs that we had.  The room was plenty large for the 2 of us and was beautifully decorated.

Meredith began with gentle strokes on my back and shoulders.  I generally feel the most tension in my neck and shoulders which was soon obvious.  She worked out sore spots in a gentle but effective way.  She worked her way down my entire back with nice relaxing moves.  The treatment included placing hot towels on areas of my body as part of the massage.  This included my back, feet, and neck.  Next each arm and hand was massaged in a very refreshing manner.  Then she worked each foot and leg separately.  I like how the therapists each have their own massage lotion strapped to their waist like a holster, always ready for action.  That way they can get lotion quickly without having to leave the table and break the contact with the client.

                Turning on my back I enjoyed additional massage of feet and legs.  This is when the hot towels were wrapped around my feet for the rest of the time.  The massage concluded with neck and head treatment.  Sometimes I tense up during a massage and unknowingly fight against what the therapist is trying to do.  When the therapist pushes in one direction, I unconsciously tense my muscles and push back.  Meredith helped me relax a number of times when I was tensing up.  She did a great job of working with me.

                We finished off our time with a trip to the Oxygen Bar.  The scent of Citrus, Beach and Eucalyptus was a refreshing way to end our visit.  They are promoting their Membership where you receive a massage and other services Each Month.  If you want to receive a massage each month, it sounds like a great deal.

                Solase Massage & Oxygen Bar is conveniently located in Orem on University Parkway.  You can see their information on our Friends Page.  We had a great time and hope to be able to visit again soon.