“Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body, using varying degrees of pressure and movement, by a trained, licensed professional massage therapist,” says Michaele Colizza, based in Johnston, Rhode Island, who serves as president of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). While this type of bodywork can help you de-stress, there are many other wellness perks associated with massage therapy as well.
If you’ve never had a massage from a professional massage therapist, read on for in-depth information about how it works, possible health benefits, how to stay safe, and what to know before you attend your first appointment.
Types of Massage Therapy
A massage is not just a massage. In fact, there are many different techniques that can be used, according to the Cleveland Clinic:
- Swedish Massage A full-body massage using gentle touch.
- Deep-Tissue Massage Targets tight muscles and tendons.
- Sports Massage A deeper massage targeted at the muscles worked in your sport and to address injuries.
- Trigger-Point Massage Focuses on releasing tight spots in tissues.
- Myofascial Release Targets tight muscles and tendons with massage and stretching.
- Lymphatic Massage A light-touch massage that aims to support the flow of your body’s lymphatic fluid.
- Prenatal Massage A type of massage done on women who are pregnant.
In addition, you can also experience:
- Neuromuscular Massage Focuses on trigger points to release muscle strain, according to the American Institute of Alternative Medicine.
- Shiatsu Applies thumbs, hands, elbows, knees, and feet to acupressure points, notes Gwinnett Colleges and Institute.
- Reflexology Focuses on reflex points on the hands, feet, and ears.
- Hot Stone Massage Applies heated stones to certain places on the body to release muscle stiffness.
- Thai Massage Therapists use their feet, elbows, knees, and hands to apply compression and stretching while you remain fully clothed, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.
- Tuina Massage An ancient, therapeutic form of massage focuses on applying pressure to meridians and acupoints to balance one’s qi (or energy), notes Pacific College of Health and Science.
- Other Types of Massage There are numerous additional types of massage to explore as well.
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