There are numerous reasons for getting a massage because there are many different types which have quite different effects on the body and mind. Some people want to receive a massage to feel pampered and relaxed. Active people and athletes will regularly have massages to maintain their physical ability and take care of their muscles. Others need to have massages performed as a form of physiotherapy due to muscle pains or tensions. Each different type of massage is used for different situations such as these so what are the different types and how do they differ?

Swedish Massage

Known primarily as a form of relaxation therapy. Often when people simply use the term massage this is the form they are referring to. Long slow strokes and kneading are performed gently across the body often using oil. Swedish massages will not only leave your body feeling relaxed afterward but your mind too. They do not do too much in terms of going beyond the outer muscle layers of the body.

Deep Tissue Massage

This is certainly not as slow and therapeutic as the relaxation experienced having a Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is usually quite vigorous and sometimes not for the faint-hearted. As the name suggests it focuses on muscles deeper inside the body than most other forms of massage. When you are receiving muscle pain or aches from tightness deep down this type of massage will target these areas. It can also be used to help with breathing impairments. At first, it is not uncommon to feel a little soreness after treatment but as your body gets used to it this will go away.

Remedial Massage

This is a form of massage used as a type of physiotherapy or way to repair damaged tissue or ease severe pains. The human body sometimes could do with a helping hand when repairing itself and this sort of massage can help to speed up the healing process. Problems such as torn muscles or trapped nerves can be aided and it is also used to help treat ailments such as whiplash and other spinal problems. It is usually used as a supplementary treatment.

Sports Massage

Before and after any sporting activity it is quite normal for athletes to receive a sports massage. It should be noted that it is not just helpful to professional athletes and anyone who does a physical exercise of any kind will often look to receive a sports massage. They are particularly helpful in treating muscle injuries that have been received or preventing minor knocks from deteriorating. In addition, a good sports massage before engaging in anything strenuous will help to minimise the chances of falling victim to an injury.

Pregnancy Massage

This type of massage is geared towards relieving tensions often experienced during pregnancy. Through a mixture of remedial and Swedish massaging, this will see different treatments being performed across the pregnancy so that they are suited to the recipient’s current stage both physically and mentally. If you are in and around the area, therapists should be able to provide you with just the type of massage that suits you best.