Different Types of Massage

There are many types of massage. Each is beneficial for different areas of the body, and there are benefits for each one. Some of the more relaxing massages start with long, sweeping strokes, and the best ones end in a similar motion. Other types involve muscle kneading to help release tense muscles, and may involve friction applied with the fingers, knuckles, or thumbs. You can choose whichever type of massage best suits you.

A sports massage targets specific muscles that take a beating from repetitive physical activity. Trigger points are tiny knots or irritated areas of tissue, and a trigger point massage uses focused pressure to ease chronic pain. It is a popular form of massage, and is often used by athletes, dancers, and others with chronic pain. This type of massage is best suited for people who have an active lifestyle or experience frequent aches and soreness.

In some cases, trigger point therapy is recommended for people who experience frequent muscle aches and pains. Trigger point therapy works by targeting a specific part of the body and relieving pain in that location. It is associated with MRI scans and can last from ten minutes to an hour. Depending on the severity of the pain, trigger point massages can be very effective. They are especially useful for reducing muscle tension in the lower back and neck.