Theme: massage and types of massages

Effleurage—a smooth stroke focused on relaxing soft tissue

Tapotement—a short, alternating tapping motion

Friction—deep, circular motions causing layers of tissue to rub together, increasing blood flow and breaking down scar tissue

Petrissage—a squeezing, lifting, or kneading motion

Swedish massages may be better for people who are new to massage or sensitive to touch since it uses lighter pressure. It’s a good option for people looking to release muscle tension and soreness (Informed Health, 2014).
3. Sports massage
A sports massage is a targeted type of massage focused on muscles used frequently in that sport. It may help to reduce sports injuries, increase flexibility, and improve soreness (Davis, 2020). This can be helpful since most sports require repeated movements and increase the risk for some injuries (like tennis elbow). 
Sports massages can be focused on particular parts of the body, or you can ask the massage therapist to do a full body massage. 
This type of massage is best for athletes or people who do repetitive movements.
4. Hot stone massage
A hot stone massage often includes the techniques used in a Swedish massage with the addition of warmed stones. The stones may be used as tools to complete the massage, or they may just be placed on pressure points to help relax muscles. The massage therapist usually uses their hands as well to massage muscles. 
This form of massage is best for people looking for a relaxing experience and to ease muscle tension. Hot stone massages may help relieve more muscle tension because of the added warmth. 
5. Trigger point
Trigger point massage combines aspects of acupressure used in acupuncture and deep tissue massage. Trigger point massages focus on specific pressure points in the body to help release muscles and blood flow through the body. 
The massage therapist may focus more on problem areas or work throughout the whole body with this style. This type of massage works best for people with injuries, chronic pain, muscle conditions, or people with muscle tension. 
6. Prenatal massage
Prenatal massages can help pregnant women with body aches, reduce stress levels, and ease muscle tension. Prenatal massages can be a safe way to alleviate body pain during pregnancy. This type of massage uses mild pressure to release tension, typically focusing on the lower back, hips, and legs.
Talk with your healthcare provider before getting a massage if you have any questions about safety, and look for a massage therapist specializing in prenatal massage. 

7. Reflexology

Reflexology is a type of massage focused on the feet and sometimes hands. It’s based on the principles that areas of the feet connect to other parts of the body, organs, and systems. This type of massage is for people who would like to try relaxing and healing areas of their body.
8. Thai massage
Thai massage moves the body through sequences with the help of a therapist, similar to stretching in yoga poses. The massage therapist will also use their palm and fingers to apply pressure to muscles and body parts.
This type of massage is best for people who want a more active type of massage, reduced pain, and increased range of motion.
9. Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of massage that focuses on finger pressure. During a shiatsu massage, the massage therapist will use varied and rhythmic pressure at precise points of the body. Practitioners of Shiatsu massage believe stimulating the acupressure points helps the flow of your body’s energy and relieves blockages. 
Shiatsu massage may help with pain, muscle soreness, and anxiety (Ardabili, 2015). This type of massage may be best for people who want to feel more relaxed, relieve stress, and reduce muscle tension.
10. Aromatherapy massage
An aromatherapy massage is best for people who want an added mental health boost to their massage. This form of massage uses essential oils along with Swedish massage techniques. Your therapist may have a specific type of oil they normally use, or you may be able to give a preference for the type of scent used. 
A 2017 randomized control trial found people who received an aromatherapy massage using massage oil had greater improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms (Bahrami, 2017).