Professional Treatments

Massage

It may seem as if massages come in more varieties than ice cream flavors these days. That's because massages can be focused on any of a number of specific aches and pains, or they can be used more generally, for overall relaxation. Learn how to choose the treatment that's right for you.

By the editors of Daily Glow

Massage has long been a staple among spa treatments. Its benefits go beyond relaxation, though that’s certainly a welcome result. Massage can help reduce muscle pain and pain associated with certain health conditions; it can also improve circulation, fight depression, and lower blood pressure. Spas offer many kinds of massages, which incorporate different techniques and materials to achieve their desired effects. Here’s how a few of the most popular massage treatments work:

Swedish massage. This is one of the most popular and well-known types of massage. Your Swedish massage therapist will knead and stroke your muscles, using oil or lotion to keep the movements smooth. This type of massage is generally gentle and relaxing, so it's a good choice if you're having your first massage.

Deep tissue massage. This kind of massage targets deeper layers of muscles than does Swedish massage. Your therapist will work slowly, stroking your muscles against the grain so as to reach further into your muscles. This technique can help alleviate chronic muscle tightness and the ache of repetitive strain injuries. The pressure may leave you feeling a bit sore for a day or two after the treatment. You can always ask your therapist to incorporate deep tissue techniques into a Swedish massage to target a trouble spot — a tight neck or shoulder from too much desk work, for example.

Shiatsu. This is a Japanese massage technique, in which a therapist applies pressure for several seconds on acupuncture points located all over the body. People find it relaxing and, despite the pressure, are typically not sore afterward.

Sports massage. Sports massage, in which the therapist targets muscles groups depending on your particular sport or activities, can help you prevent or treat sports injuries. Even if you don’t focus exclusively on one sport, sports massage can be a good choice if you work out a lot and want help in staying flexible and free of injuries.

Hot stone massage. In this treatment, the therapist places heated stones on your body, sometimes adding light pressure to the weight of the stones. It’s a gentle technique, and the warmth can help alleviate muscle tension.

Pregnancy massage. While many spa services, especially those that warm you, aren’t recommended for pregnant women, massage can be a great choice for moms-to-be. The therapist can modify the massage techniques to adapt to your changing body and its needs. Pregnancy massage, also sometimes called prenatal massage, can help reduce swelling in the legs and alleviate aches that often accompany pregnancy. In most spas, you’ll be massaged on a table with a specially designed opening that allows you to lie on your stomach while the technician works on your back and the backs of your arms and legs.

Less common offerings include trigger point therapy, in which pressure is applied to tight and knotted-up parts of the body; reflexology, in which the therapist massages points on your body that are believed to correspond to internal organs; and cranial-sacral massage, which targets your head, face, and jaw.

During any massage, the therapist will drape your body with a sheet or towels, exposing only the part of your body being worked on. You should have the option of undressing only to the extent that you feel comfortable.

Whether you’re looking for stress relief or treatment for specific trouble spots, massage can help you feel better inside and out.