Theme: massage and types of massages

THEME: MASSAGE AND TYPES OF MASSAGES.

A massage can be a relaxing experience that helps relieve your muscle tension. Still, trying to choose the type of massage you want to get can be overwhelming, especially since most of us only get massages once in a while. It can be challenging to know what type of pressure is best for you or to know which type of massage will help you the most. This article explains 10 common types of massage and the health benefits of different massage types.

What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a type of treatment that uses rubbing and kneading areas of the body to release trigger points or stimulate blood flow. Typically, massage therapy is done using the hands, but sometimes tools are used (Informed Health, 2014). 
A massage therapist is a trained, licensed professional. 
There are many different types of massage available to choose from. Depending on the benefits you’re hoping for, some forms of massage may be a better fit for your concerns. For most types of massage, you’ll have the option of scheduling sessions between 30–90 minutes. 



Types of massage
When you decide to book a massage, you’re likely to get a range of options to choose from, which might feel overwhelming. Here are the 10 most common types of massage you’re likely to encounter. Next time you book a massage, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect, so you know exactly what you’re looking for. 

1. Deep tissue massage

A deep tissue massage uses more pressure than other types of massage. During a deep tissue massage, the massage therapist uses deep finger pressure to release muscle tension, knots, and trigger points. 
The pressure focuses on reaching the deeper layers of muscles, fascia, and connective tissue. During the massage, the pressure could feel intense, but it shouldn’t be painful. Still, it might leave you feeling a little sore for a couple of days, similar to an intense workout. 
This type of massage is a good option for people with chronic muscle pain, soreness, back pain, and imbalances. 

2. Swedish massage

A Swedish massage is one of the most common forms of massage. The massage therapist will use soft, long strokes for kneading the muscle tissue. They may also use lighter, rhythmic, or tapping strokes. This type focuses on the top layers of muscles to help relieve muscle tension. 
Massage techniques used in a Swedish massage include (Gholami-Motlagh, 2016):

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