12 Types of Massage - Yahoo Life

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Medically reviewed by Katrina Carter, DPT

Editor’s Note: This article informs you about possible observed health changes related to the use of complementary or alternative medicine based on limited available research. Not all complementary and alternative medicines have been evaluated for safety and efficacy in clinical trials. You should consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment for any health conditions and inform them about any change you make to your regimen.

Massage therapy refers to the manipulation of soft tissue, usually by applying soothing pressure to different parts of the body with the hands and fingers. It is commonly used for a variety of reasons in both Eastern and Western cultures.

Massage has many potential benefits, including pain relief and stress reduction. It can also help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality. Massage may be particularly beneficial for people with chronic conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. It can also help with cancer-related pain, fatigue, and distress.

There are many different types of massage therapy. Learn more about the different kinds of massage, from shiatsu and reflexology to Swedish massage, deep tissue, and more.

Forms of Massage​

Massage therapy comes in many forms. Each type of massage therapy has different potential benefits and risks.

Swedish Massage​

Swedish massage—one of the most common types of massage therapy—involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues with long strokes, light pressure, and kneading or tapping. It’s designed to promote relaxation, loosen up tight muscles, and improve circulation.

Researchers have found that Swedish massage can help to:

Deep Tissue Massage​

Deep tissue massage aims to release tension in your muscles by manipulating deeper layers of soft tissue. It involves much firmer pressure than Swedish massage. This type of massage therapy may be right for you if you have chronic pain, underlying conditions, or sports injuries.

Studies indicate that deep tissue massage can help to improve flexibility and range of motion and significantly reduce pain, especially among people who are recovering from an injury.

Hot Stone Massage​

Usually combined with Swedish massage, hot stone massage therapy aims to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension through the strategic placement of smooth, hot stones on certain parts of the body. Your massage therapist may also use massage oil to allow for smoother strokes and a more soothing experience.

Hot stone massage has many of the same benefits as other kinds of massage therapy, from reducing inflammation and relieving anxiety to boosting energy levels and mood. One 2019 study found that hot stone massage significantly improved sleep quality among people undergoing kidney dialysis.

Sports Massage​

Sports massage is popular among athletes and people who exercise frequently. It is specifically designed to prevent and treat sports injuries. The techniques used can vary what muscles are most affected by the sport and where you've experienced an injury.

Sports massage can help with various aspects of athletic performance and muscle recovery. According to a meta-analysis, sports massage effectively improves flexibility and reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) among elite and amateur athletes alike.

Shiatsu​

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. There are various forms of shiatsu, but they all involve acupressure (applying pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body).

This technique has been found to improve quality of life and wellness in many respects, such as enhancing sleep quality and reducing tension. A recent study even noted that shiatsu helped children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and/or behavioral disorders in a number of ways—from reducing aggressive behavior to relieving trauma symptoms and improving focus.

Thai Massage​

Thai massage is a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that combines the principles of acupressure and yoga. During a Thai massage, you’ll be placed into various passive yoga poses with the help of a trained practitioner, who will stretch your muscles and target trigger points.

Thai massage is more “active” than other kinds of massage. You may prefer it if you’d like to stay clothed (in light, loose, comfy clothing) during your massage session.

This kind of massage has been found to:

Pregnancy (Prenatal) Massage​

Massage therapy is popular during pregnancy, when many people deal with increased levels of stress, pain, and insomnia.

Researchers have found that prenatal massage can improve many aspects of overall well-being during pregnancy. Benefits include:

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  Higher levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are known as "feel-good" hormones
  
  
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  Reduced stress
  
  
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  Pain relief, especially for leg and back pain
  
  
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  Fewer depression and anxiety symptoms
  
  
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  Stronger immune function
  
  
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  Lower risk of premature labor
  
  
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  High fetal birth weight
  

Meanwhile, massage can also be beneficial in the postpartum period and even during labor. Some women report that massage helped them manage the pain of childbirth.

However, most experts recommend waiting until after the first trimester to get a prenatal massage as they can be potentially lead to pregnancy loss. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about getting a prenatal massage.

Craniosacral Therapy​

Craniosacral therapy, also known as sacral massage or cranial osteopathy, is a form of bodywork that uses gentle touch to decrease compression in the spine, skull, and pelvis. This is a somewhat controversial therapy, with many researchers disagreeing about the clinical validity of the practice.

However, there is some evidence that craniosacral therapy may decrease pain and improve quality of life for people with certain conditions, such as:

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  Fibromyalgia
  
  
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  Migraine
  
  
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  Neck, back, or pelvic pain
  
  
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  Epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”)
  
  
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  Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), which is characterized by a buildup by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain cavity
  

Reflexology​

First developed by ancient healers in Egypt, China, and India, reflexology—also called regional therapy or zone therapy—refers to the practice of applying pressure to certain points on the feet (and, sometimes, the hands). Each point, or “zone,” is believed to correspond to a particular area of the body.

According to clinical studies, reflexology may be helpful in:

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  Relieving joint and muscle pain
  
  
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  Treating insomnia
  
  
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  Reducing limb swelling during pregnancy
  
  
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  Boosting energy levels
  
  
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  Improving respiratory function
  
  
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  Treating certain cancer-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath
  
  
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  Reducing the tingling, burning, and/or prickling pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)
  

Lymphatic Drainage​

Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), involves using rhythmic, light touch—including tapping and circular strokes—to promote the flow of lymph (extra fluid) throughout the body and improve immune function. In addition to relieving pain and reducing stress, lymphatic drainage massage can:

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  Treat and prevent lymphedema
  
  
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  Promote wound healing
  
  
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  Improve oxygen saturation
  
  
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  Lower blood pressure
  
  
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  Decrease heart rate
  
  
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  Increase range of motion
  

Aromatherapy​

Some massage therapists incorporate essential oils—such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, ginger, and tea tree oil—into a massage session to promote relaxation and healing. This practice is known as aromatherapy.

There’s a growing body of evidence to suggest that aromatherapy massage may have clinical benefits as a complementary therapy. However, research is limited and more studies are needed.

Chakra Balancing Massage​

Some people believe that deep tissue massage can be combined with the practice of Reiki—a Japanese energy medicine (EM) technique in which the practitioner uses light touch or holds their hands just over the recipient’s body to manipulate energy—to balance the chakras.

According to the traditions of Ayurvedic medicine, the chakras are the body’s primary centers of energy. Each chakra corresponds to a particular area of the body. The seven chakras are:

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  Crown
  
  
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  Third eye
  
  
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  Throat
  
  
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  Heart
  
  
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  Solar plexus
  
  
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  Sacral
  
  
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  Root
  

Costs of Massage​

The cost of a massage varies widely, depending on your state, chosen provider, and the type of massage therapy you choose. According to the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) Massage Association, the average cost of a one-hour massage session in the U.S. is $87 as of 2023.

Most massages aren’t covered by insurance. However, you may be able to get your sessions covered by insurance if you are prescribed massage therapy due to a diagnosed health condition. Some of the massage providers who may be able to qualify for reimbursement include physical therapists, chiropractors, and occupational therapists.

What to Consider Before Getting a Massage​

Massage therapy is usually safe, with few side effects for most people. Very rarely, massage has been associated with severe complications, such as:

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  Bone fracture
  
  
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  Blood clot
  
  
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  Nerve injury
  

You should wait to get a massage if you currently have:

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  A fever
  
  
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  A severe sunburn
  
  
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  Open wounds
  
  
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  Severe bruising
  
  
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  Dizziness
  
  
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  Nausea
  

You also shouldn't get a massage if you recently developed a new health condition or acute injury.

If possible, you should look for a massage practitioner who is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). You can also look for providers who are active members of the American Massage Therapy Association or the Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals.

Before getting a massage, talk to your provider about:

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  Your health condition(s) and medical history
  
  
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  Any medications you're taking
  
  
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  Your therapeutic goals
  
  
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  The amount of pressure you'd like (light, moderate, or firm)
  
  
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  Any areas of your body you'd like them to focus on or avoid
  

A Quick Review​

Massage therapy offers an effective, low-risk way to cut back on stress and relieve pain. It can also be used as a form of complementary therapy for people with various health conditions.

However, with so many options to choose from, choosing the right type of massage therapy can be overwhelming. Narrow down your options based on what you’re looking for out of a session, and remember that there are many types of massage! You may have to try a few types before you find the one you enjoy the most.

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