What are the different types of massage?

When looking for the best type of massage for your requirements, it’s easy to become a little overwhelmed at the sheer amount of options available to you.

But getting a massage in Springwood or wider Brisbane shouldn’t be a stressful experience! We decided to put together a mini guide on the popular types of massage around Brisbane to help you choose a service that is most suitable for your body and needs.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage is the most common form of relaxation massage in Springwood. People who are new to massage often choose this therapy as it’s generally quite gentle and soothing. This full body massage focuses on relieving tension with long, smooth strokes from the masseuse’s hands. Muscle knots are often kneaded out with soft pressure, and rhythmic vibration or tapping may also be implemented to encourage relaxation.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massage often uses Swedish massage techniques combined with essential oils to create a calming atmosphere aimed at relaxing both body and mind. When essential oils are inhaled through your nose, and directly through the pores of your skin, they can have emotionally healing properties, helping you to let go of stress and anxiety. The masseuse will apply diluted essential oils onto your skin and perform Swedish massage techniques with gentle pressure. While aromatherapy massage is ideal for people who feel as though they need to release stress that builds tension in their bodies, it’s often not suitable for those with sensitive skin. Make sure you conduct a patch test on the inside of your wrist or hand before applying essential oils to your body, as you may find that you have a reaction to them.

Hot stone massage

A hot stone massage is generally what its name implies; the massage therapist uses heated stones to ease muscle tension and encourage you to unwind. It is another method of relaxation massage that uses the gentle pressure and weight of the warm stones placed at different points on the body, to loosen tight muscles. The masseuse may also carry out techniques similar to Swedish massage with the stones in their hands, to assist in improving your blood flow. Always check with your therapist before undergoing a hot stone massage if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, varicose veins or are on blood-thinning medication.

Remedial massage

Remedial massage is a firmer form of massage aimed at remedying specific types of muscle tension. Remedial massage can ease the pain caused by sports injuries, recurring aches in particular areas such as the back and neck, and tension headaches. This type of massage therapy is often tailored to the specific needs of the individual, and the discomfort that you are experiencing. If you’re looking for targeted pain relief of the muscles, remedial massage is a much better option than the more general techniques that take place in relaxation massage therapies. The masseuse will use a harder pressure when kneading muscles and often employ deep tissue massage techniques to release tension and any ongoing soreness you may be experiencing. BodyViva provides remedial massages in Springwood, where our trained massage therapists commonly treat sportspeople, office workers and anyone with persistent muscle pain.

Thai massage

Thai massage is a much more active type of massage, certainly not for those looking for relaxing music, calming incense and the opportunity to unwind! Thai massage is conducted fully clothed but can feel a bit personal as the therapist manipulates your body into a sequence of movements, stretches and poses on a mat on the floor, to increase your flexibility and range of motion. It’s a bit like assisted yoga, and can be quite energetic! Thai massage has also been recognised as effective in improving balance, but may not be best for individuals who feel uncomfortable when others breach their personal space.

BodyViva’s professional massage therapists carry out relaxation massages and remedial massages in Springwood. At BodyViva, your masseuse will tailor massage techniques to target and ease the pain and soreness of specific muscles. Contact us today to find out how we can assist the residents of Springwood and surrounds to relieve tension and improve mobility!