Several studies have now show that Massage Therapy reduces shoulder, knee and back pain, improves symptoms of depression and chronic pain conditions like Fibromyalgia (Source). If you’re dealing with any one of these conditions but confused as to which type of massage to book, this article is for you!

There are several types of massage therapy methods. This article will explore six of the most common types. Some of the more familiar treatments include Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, but there are many other types of massages that individuals can receive from a Massage Practitioner each with their own unique benefits.

1. Swedish Massage

• Duration: Usually about 50-75 minutes for a whole body massage

• Body parts treated: Back, shoulder, neck, arms, legs, feet and can also include head

• Techniques used: Effleurage, Petrissage, Kneading, Tapotement (outlined below)

• Equipment: Massage couch and oils

Swedish massages are the most common type of massage therapy in Canada and forms the basis for many deep tissue techniques. Using pressure, friction and long strokes, the therapist is able to loosen tight muscles and make clients feel more relaxed. The primary goal of a Swedish massage is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by using long strokes that return the blood to the heart.

Swedish massages have a number of other great benefits, including:

• Increasing the level of oxygen in the blood

• Decreasing muscle toxins

• Improving circulation and flexibility

• Easing muscle tension

• Decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which increases sugars in the bloodstream

• Increasing the number of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that boost the immune system

The techniques used in Swedish Massage involve:

• Effleurage: this is a smooth, flowing stroke that is usually going toward the direction of the heart to stimulate blood flow.

• Petrissage: this generally has a deeper effect on soft tissue, and includes kneading, squeezing, lifting, shaking, wringing and rolling.

• Kneading: This is a deep movement that can be applied to many parts of the body, the action is very similar to that of kneading bread. The kneading action can improve elasticity and flexibility by creating movement between muscle bands.

• Tapotement: These are fine vibratory movements that can be applied with the fingers or hands, working very quickly and rhythmically. Many massage therapists will use tapotement at the end of a massage session to wake the client up and give them an invigorated feeling for the rest of their day.

2. Deep Tissue Massage

• Duration: Usually about 50-90 minutes for a whole body massage

• Body parts treated: Back, shoulder, neck, arms, legs, feet and can also include head

• Techniques used: Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction, Vibration (outlined below)

• Equipment: Massage couch and oils

Deep tissue massage evolved from Swedish massage. With deep tissue massages, the therapist uses finger pressure and the stroking of deep layers to massage tissue areas where muscles are tight and knotted. This technique targets areas of tension or tightness by applying concentrated pressure to the sub-layer of muscles and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. Individuals may visit a massage therapist to get a deep tissue massage because it can:

• Break down scar tissue and eliminate “knots” or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue)

• Improve circulation and limited range of motion

• Reduce inflammation of the muscles

• Help individuals recover from injuries such as whiplash and falls

• Relieve the pain of strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

• Improve postural problems

• Alleviate osteoarthritis pain

The techniques involved in Deep Tissue Massages include three of the Swedish Massage techniques in addition to:

• Friction: Friction is achieved by using the thumb and fingers to apply deep pressure in circular movements, helping to promote relaxation and loosen any built-up tension within the muscles.

• Vibration: this is achieved by applying trembling or rocking motions throughout the client’s body. This movement is thought to be effective in breaking up any trapped holding patterns in the muscles which may be detrimental to the client’s posture or mobility.

3. Lymphatic Massage

• Duration: Usually about 60-75 minutes for a whole body massage

• Body parts treated: Back, shoulder, neck, arms, legs, feet

• Techniques used: Effleurage, Petrissage

• Equipment: Massage couch and oils

Lymphatic massage is also referred to as lymphatic drainage. The therapist will use slow and circular motions and pressure to move lymph fluid throughout the lymphatic system. It is most often used to decrease lymphedema, a condition in which swelling occurs when lymph fluid cannot flow normally, resulting in a build up of fluid. Individuals get a lymphatic massage because this type of therapy provides the following benefits:

• Drains lymph fluid accumulated after breast cancer surgery

• Reduces swelling (lymphedema) and pain associated with Fibromyalgia and chronic venous insufficiency

• Circulates the lymph fluid to relieve pain

A lymphatic drainage massage is a two-step process:

• Clearing: This step releases lymphatic fluid in your tissues.

• Reabsorption: This step moves your lymphatic fluid to your lymph nodes.

4. Sports Massage

• Duration: Usually about 30-75 minutes for a whole body massage

• Body parts treated: Back, shoulder, neck, arms, legs, feet

• Techniques used: Effleurage, Petrissage

• Equipment: Massage couch and oils

This type of massage is specifically designed with athletes in mind. Athletes often need relief from pain caused by a repetitive motion associated with their chosen activity; this is why they will often seek treatment from a professional massage therapist that specializes in sports massage therapy. Just think of the number of times a tennis player swings his of her racquet – after a short while, that repetitive motion is going to take a toll on the player’s shoulder.  An active individual or athlete may need a sports massage because this type of treatment can help:

• Quicken workout recovery times

• Improve range of motion and flexibility

• Enhance overall performance

• Reduce muscle and joint pain caused by an athletic activity

• Help prevent sport-related injuries

• Promote tissue repair and muscle balance

When an individual is suffering from discomfort and is in need of pain relief, it can be difficult to determine which service is right for him or her. This is especially true for most athletes that require the proper treatment and service so that they can perform to the best of their abilities and prevent further injuries.

5. Oncology Massage

• Duration: Usually about 30-75 minutes for a whole body massage

• Body parts treated: Back, shoulder, neck, arms, legs, feet

• Techniques used: Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction, Vibration

• Equipment: Massage couch and oils

An oncology massage is used by people undergoing cancer treatments. An oncology massage therapist may use just one type of massage or combine various methods, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and lymphatic massage during a treatment session. Massage offers cancer patients general quality of life benefits as well as alleviation of cancer-related symptoms/cancer-treatment–related symptoms including pain, anxiety, and fatigue. The primary goal of an oncology massage is to make the patient feel relaxed. Therefore, the therapist will often change massage techniques based on the needs of the patient. Oncology massages are considered a complementary treatment for cancer patients and the two main benefits of using massage therapy include:

• Relaxing the patients both physically and emotionally

• Relieving physical pain experienced by patients undergoing cancer

• Improved quality of life

If you have any condition that causes pain or discomfort in the soft tissues of your body, whether chronic or acute, you may benefit from massage therapy. Our Registered Massage Therapists can work with people of all ages and treat a variety of conditions that may cause pain or discomfort.

6. Lomi Lomi Massage

• Duration: Usually about 60-75 minutes for a whole body massage

• Body parts treated: Back, shoulder, neck, arms, legs, feet

• Techniques used: Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Friction, Vibration

• Equipment: Massage couch and oils (usually coconut, palm or macadamia)

Lomi lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of prayer, breathing and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. For those who have never heard of it before, Lomi Lomi is based on a Hawaiian philosophy known as Huna which is the belief that everything in the universe seeks harmony and love. This is why Lomi Lomi is also referred to as “Loving Hands”.

Broad, flowing strokes are performed by the therapist with their fingers, thumbs, knuckles, palms, arms, elbows, knees, and feet. It can be performed with or without emollients, but most of the time, they use oils from coconut, palm, and macadamia to make each stroke relaxing and nourishing for the skin. 

The benefits of Lomi Lomi massage include:

• Increasing blood circulation.

• Removing toxins.

• Reducing the chances of stroke.

• Relieving pains in the muscle.

• Building up the muscles.

• Increasing the muscle's flexibility and motion.

• Stimulating the lymphatic drainage system.

• Removing lactic acid build-up.

If you have any condition that causes pain or discomfort in the soft tissues of your body, whether chronic or acute, you may benefit from massage therapy. Our In-Home Massage Practitioners can work with people of all ages and treat a variety of conditions that may cause pain or discomfort.