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Popular Massage Techniques

Deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, many of you have likely heard some of these massage types at some point in your life. What you don’t hear about, it’s the individual massage techniques that are used in each massage type.

If you’re taking the time to do your homework and learn about each massage and the benefits they provide, it’s equally important to learn about the different techniques that are used in each individual massage. In this article, we’re doing just that – we’ll be discussing 5 of the most popular massage techniques and what makes each one unique.

These massage techniques are not in any particular order, let’s get started.

1. Effleurage

This hands-on technique is commonly used in massage spas, salons, parlors, and at masseuse stations. It focuses on applying small quantities of pressure to the skin using your hands. The palms are flat while they glide over the body in this method, oils or lotions can be used for additional comfort.

The most comfortable and peaceful feeling is achieved with effleurage at the start and finish of a massage. The objective here is to relax the muscles while also promoting blood circulation to various regions of the body.

If you want to learn how to use this approach into your massage, start by gently stroking the skin with light, relaxing strokes while keeping your palms flat open. You may use circular motions to softly massage the skin and, in some cases, increase pressure if asked.

The technique can be used to massage away muscular knots and tension from the body. In some cases, additional pressure may be needed to achieve the desired result. This method is commonly utilized in a variety of types of massages, such as Swedish massage.

Some people prefer to get a full body massage using the effleurage massage technique, which can result in a complete relaxation state, both mentally and physically. Some effleurage massage techniques can also be used in the gentle prenatal massage.

2. Kneading

Kneading is perhaps the most easily executed by amateur massage therapists, and it entails applying pressure with your thumbs or palms to various regions of the body. The goal here is to pull the muscle away from the bone, which aids in the treatment of muscular spasms. Petrisage is a technical term for kneading that is popular among many massage textbooks.

Kneading is one of the first massage techniques that students are taught, making it somewhat simpler to grasp than the others. The rate and strength of pressure applied to the skin and muscles, on the other hand, must be mastered.

If you’re giving someone a massage, it’s a good idea to ask them what they like. Otherwise, start by adjusting the pressure and speed according on how the client responds while massaging them.

Remember, as a massage therapist, you must continually ensure that the individual receiving the treatment is not in any pain or discomfort. Begin by using little pressure and slower speeds, then increase gradually based on what your client tells you.

There’s a few different massage types where kneading is used, such as the sports massage.

3. Tapping or Tapotement

Another massage technique used in sports massage therapy is the technique of frequently tapping utilized on the body to enhance blood circulation, this is often used in conjunction with other techniques. The massage therapist uses rapid strokes with their hands to tap various parts of the body, notably the back and thighs.

The hands may be cupped or tapped, usually one at a time, using the fingers and palm edges when performing a tapping massage. You can modify the technique to suit your client’s preferences. Depending on how your client feels, different manners of tapping can be used to achieve the desired results your client wants.

Another thing to keep in mind when using the tapping method is that you should tap rhythmically and swiftly. Depending on what your client likes and how hard you press, you may also curl or straighten your hand.

Sometimes you may concentrate on one region of the body that is particularly rigid and unpleasant for the patient. You might wish to incorporate a hacking motion, in which a substantial amount of force is applied to a smaller area of the body, with tapping.

4. Rubbing

The rubbing method, as the name implies, basically requires thumbs to be in circular motion with pressure applied as you go. This technique is used to improve blood flow throughout the body and ease muscular and joint aches. The deep tissue massage is one massage type where rubbing is used. Rubbing in deep tissue massage therapy can also relieve stiffness and/or discomfort in deeper muscle layers at a stronger pressure.

When you rub your thumbs on the skin, you’re specifically treating areas of the body that have tense muscles or painful joints. When enough pressure is applied, it can provide a lot of relief for the client.

Rubbing can refer to a wide range of movement patterns, as long as you are using two thumbs. These movements, while comparable in many ways, may be referred to as a distinct approach depending on how and when massage therapists use them all across the world.

5. Shaking or Vibration

Last but not least, this method is comparable to tapping in that it uses rhythm. To simulate a vibration moving through an area, lightly shake the muscles over a wide surface region (the back for example) or your fingertips (across the face).

This technique does not usually use a lot of force because the goal is to offer a soothing effect for the muscles and nerves throughout the body. Several therapists have also advised massaging around, and even over, scar tissue as part of this technique.

So, if you’re massaging someone who is sensitive to higher degrees of discomfort, the vibration technique is a good choice. Not only will it not be unpleasant for the client, but it will also give their nerves much-needed comfort. You’ll see this technique used in a few different massage therapies, such as the sports massage or deep tissue massage.

As with the other procedures described above, a massage therapist must ensure that their customer is not in discomfort while the treatment is being given. The easiest way to accomplish so is by speaking directly with the client.

Book your favorite massage technique with Soothe

Now that you know the individual massage techniques that are used in many of different massages we offer, we hope it gives you more confidence to book a massage. As always, if you have a question, be sure to visit our Help Center. If you need more personal support, you can reach us via our contact page.

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A couples massage gives the two of you an opportunity to experience massage together in the same area as one massage therapist works on each person. It’s also an opportunity to turn this into a romantic evening that can leave you starry-eyed, setting the treatment in a special room or suite large enough for two, beachside underneath the stars, or in the couple’s guest room at a hotel or resort. 

With Soothe, you can add a special touch to your couples massage therapy experience. With your couples massage, you can add enhancements that include hot stone massage, CBD massage oils, or percussive therapy. 

You can also book your massage at hotels, this gives you an opportunity to find a hotel that has spa fixtures such as fireplaces, shower facilities, Jacuzzis, and dual soaking tubs. 

While it’s the perfect chance for you to spend some quality time with your partner, remember, a couples massage isn’t just for romantics. Mother-daughter duos and best friends may also enjoy side-by-side services. For couples, this form of massage can offer a double dose of benefits. The tandem treatment invites couples to get a bit closer and reconnect, and it can enhance intimacy and teach each partner how to take care of the other.

Common questions about couples massages

If you have questions about booking a couples massage, the section below will help as we share answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about couples massage therapy.

What is a couples massage?

A couples massage is a joint experience that involves two people who each get a soothing massage from a therapist. The massages are given at the same time in the same private room, but in separate massage beds (one for each person). Both massages are started simultaneously by the therapists and managed so that both partners receive a similar shared experience.

Getting a couples massage is an increasingly popular way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, birthdays, anniversaries, and other holidays. While you can book your massage weeks ahead in advance, you can get a same-day booking for a couples massage from Soothe, in as little as an hour in advance. 

Feel free to download the Soothe App to get started.

What to wear to a couples massage?

Depending on the type of massage you’re receiving, clothing etiquette may vary. In most cases, arriving in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes is a suitable option. Make sure to remove any jewelry or additional layers prior to your couple’s massage. To avoid any confusion, we suggest speaking with a spa representative prior to your couples massage to determine the best clothing option for you and your partner.

Where to get a couples massage?

Thanks to massage services like Soothe, you can get a couples massage in over 70+ different cities throughout the world. You can see the different locations Soothe operates within here. 

The most common places to receive a couple’s massage are the famous SPAs; this place of relaxation offers different elements and techniques to make the massage an unforgettable experience.

While there’s nothing wrong with planning a trip to a spa, with Soothe, you can have a spa day at home or at a hotel. We definitely recommend creating a spa-like environment to enhance your experience. You can add music, candles, rose petals, and any other items that may heighten the mood.

How much to tip for a couples massage?

You’re not required to tip for your couples massage. If you choose to do so, that’s fine, there’s no set limit to what you can tip. Generally speaking, most recommend 10-20 percent.

What to expect at a couples massage?

Once the massage therapists arrive at your location, they will greet you and take you to a private room where two massage tables will be set up. Some may offer more than one type of couples massage, from the most relaxing to the most energetic, so be sure to discuss that with your massage therapists prior to getting started.

If you have different ideas about what you would like to achieve with the massage, that’s no problem. During a couple’s session, both of you will receive treatments tailored to your specific needs, just as if it were an individual massage, so don’t worry because it’s not a “one size fits all” massage. Simply let the massage therapist know what you want and they’ll be able to take care of every need you have. We’d recommend thinking about it prior to your massage, that way at the least, you have an idea of what you want to do.

There are no rules of etiquette in a couple’s massage. You may want to take the opportunity to catch up with the other person, or you may prefer to take a light snooze. On the other hand, if you have an excellent romance with your partner, you might like to have the massage hand in hand. The choice is yours. Whatever you decide, the ideal is that you have it clear before lying on the table.

What types of benefits should I expect from a couples massage?

There’s a wide range of benefits you can receive from massage in general, many additional benefits as it pertains to couples massage therapy. 

• Reconnect with a partner – This massage can help you reconnect with your partner. Many couples are busy with life, work, children, and everything in between. Planning for a massage to spend some quality time together is a great idea to share some much needed time together.
• Releases feel good hormones – Massages allow you to release hormones related to feeling good, such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. These are mood-regulating substances and removing them simultaneously is the magic formula for love: that is why it is said that couple massages promote the desire for affection and intimacy.
• Reduce pain and stress – Massage allows the body to release hormones related to feeling good, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These are mood-enhancing substances and getting them removed simultaneously is the magic formula for love: that is why it is said that couple massages promote the desire for affection and intimacy.
• Lowering heart rate and blood pressure – Massage can help you lower your heart rate and blood pressure, allowing you to feel a sense of relaxation and calm.
• Improve circulation, energy and alertness – Massage is also well known for increasing blood flow and circulation, as well as giving you energy and making you alert.

The benefits of couple massages can also be emotional. First, couples’ massages may help the two of you reconnect since there is a shared experience to focus on the here and now. Usually, many couples have conflicts with their schedules, this is usually one of the big obstacles they encounter to spend moments together. 

If you and your partner can use some “personal” time together, we’d highly recommend it. If the two of you can request a day together, this could be a highlight of that experience.

How much is a couples massage?

A couple’s massage involves the use of different techniques depending on the objective of the massage. Treatments can be aimed at physical relaxation, stress relief, pain relief, or correction of body posture. 

With Soothe, you can choose a 60, 90, and 120-minute massage. A couples massage can cost anywhere between $60-$200 depending on the specific location and duration of your massage. Check out this link to learn which cities Soothe offers massages in.

So why choose a couples massage?

Is a couples massage worth the effort? We like to think so “very much,” but here are a few reasons why you should consider it. 

The Experience: We only get one life, so live your life and make the most of it. This is a special opportunity for you to leave a lasting impression on your partner or friend. These experiences matter, make the most of it and make it the best experience possible.

Unwinding and Relaxation: We all need time to get away from the daily routine of life, here’s a chance for you and your partner to do just that. A massage is a great way to unwind and relax, a chance for you to get pampered. No stress here, take it easy and enjoy it!

Something New: If you’ve never had a professional couples massage or any type of massage, it will be a new experience and that’s exciting. You’ll have a chance to get all the benefits of the massage, but you’ll also be making memories in the same process. 

Great Gift: A couples massage makes for an amazing gift to your partner. Life is busy, you’re busy, we stay so occupied with everything going on. Think about it, how long has it been since you and your partner took some time for you? If it has been a long time, you should consider giving it a try.

In fact, you may want to consider gifting a Soothe Gift Card to someone special. 

Create an amazing couples massage experience at home

There are a few things you can do to enhance your massage experience and make it rememberable.

We want your mobile massage therapy experience to be the very best it can. There are a few things you can do to enhance your at-home massage experience and make it memorable. 

Get food and drink delivered

A massage is a great way to relax, relieve stress, and, in a couples massage, build a closer bond. If you’re going to be at home, consider having some delicious treats and beverages ready. If you’re booking a couples massage in a hotel, consider having it delivered. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or a birthday, think about incorporating some of your favorite drinks and food. 

Should you eat or drink prior to a massage? During? Most massage therapists recommend you indulge in the food and drinks after your massage, especially when it comes to the drinks.

Choosing the right space

We’d recommend choosing a private room that has an open space for both the massage tables and space so the therapists can move around. Massage therapists from the Soothe Network will bring tables and massage supplies unless you have them at home. An open area with 10×12 ft space should do the job.

Getting comfortable

As you will likely have less clothing and garments during your massage, if you have control over the room heat, you may wish to raise the temperature a few degrees. Prior to your massage, test the heat to make sure it’s a comfortable temperature for you both. 

While you’re more than welcome to wear anything you wish, we recommend wearing something comfortable, such as a soft robe or soft clothing. The last thing you want to do is fight with your clothing.

Set the right mood

Most of you are going to have your eyes closed for most of the massage, however, lights can be a problem. If you have overhead lights and you can turn them off, you may want to do that prior to your massage. You’ll want the lighting to be comfortable and relaxing, which includes windows and doors as well. You can always add candles to your lighting if it gets too dark.

Some massage therapists will bring their own music to the massage, but you have the option of playing your own music. Music can set the tone, so think about your options prior to the therapist arriving.

Another thing that can set the right mood is scents. Vanilla and lavender are known to be relaxing scents. If you have a scented candle or diffuser, you may want to include them with your massage.

Ready to book your couples massage?

We hope you’ve found this guide on couples massage therapy helpful and insightful. 

A couples massage is a great way to reconnect or build the bond you have with your partner. On the other hand, it’s also great for friends, mothers, grandmothers, and daughters, even the guys too. 

If you have additional questions, be sure to check out our Help Center or Q&A section. 

If you’re ready to book your couples massage, please click here.

You can also reach us through our online contact form. 

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