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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Pregnancy is one of the greatest experiences a woman can have, but it’s not without challenges. Your body goes through a number of different changes, physically, mentally, and emotionally. During your pregnancy, you’re going to experience a lot of different things – some will be AMAZING! However, for your body, some will be difficult. Pregnancy can leave you feeling exhausted and defeated at times. If a prenatal massage can help relieve some of the things you’re going to feel, or are experiencing now, It may be well worth it to give it a try.

To help you better understand this massage, let’s start with the basics.

What is Prenatal Massage?

A prenatal massage is a thorough body massage given by a professional massage therapist, similar to a Swedish massage (like what you’d expect at a spa), with the exception of a couple of body placement changes that can guarantee the safety and convenience of both mother and the baby. In short, it focuses on helping you relax tense muscles, ease sore spots, improve circulation, improves mobility, and make you feel better overall.

A pregnant mother’s center of gravity is altered, this puts a lot of strain on her back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Ligaments are also softened during pregnancy, which makes your pelvic joints less stable. It also pulls your pelvis forward because of all the extra weight you’re carrying.

Prenatal Massage Techniques

There are a few different massage techniques used during prenatal massage therapy. More than 80 types of massage are taught in roughly 1,300 massage therapy programs in the United States. The three most common prenatal massage therapy techniques include;

• Deep-tissue massage uses firm strokes pressing deep into muscles
• Swedish massage uses soft, long strokes to muscles and attention to joint mobility
• Shiatsu uses pressure and tapping on acupressure points to stimulate the body’s natural energy (called qi)

What happens during a Prenatal Massage?

If you’ve never had a prenatal massage, you may be wondering exactly what happens during the massage. Here’s what you’d expect from getting a prenatal massage treatment.

First, your Soothe massage therapist will help you get comfortable and ensure you’re stable in a proper position. The first part of this service will focus on asking you about your pregnancy to date, history, discomfort, aches, pains, or any restrictions you may have from your doctor. During prenatal massage therapy, communication is very important. Make sure you’re honest and let the therapist know everything you’re feeling. This will ensure the best possible experience and outcome.

Prenatal massage mirrors an adapted type of Swedish massage. Certain areas of the body are off-limits since certain pressure points may cause contractions. The legs are a frequent concern area for pregnant women. This is because pressure can dislodge blood clots that have formed from the pools of blood that may settle in the extremities. Your massage therapist may gently massage your legs or abdomen to help with relaxation and stress reduction.

Clients are asked to disrobe but remain completely covered by a sheet, except the body area being worked on. You’re free to disrobe to a level that you’re comfortable with. The room may be dimly lit and silent, and some massage therapists may play soft music to encourage relaxation. Be sure to ask your prenatal massage therapist about your options for creating the perfect environment for your massage.

Origins of the Prenatal Massage

Many scholars believe that the origin of prenatal massage goes back to the invention of massage itself. Ancient texts attributed to Ayurvedic medicine (developed in India as one of the world’s first medical systems) describe gentle massages for pregnant women as early as 3000 years ago.

Modern versions can include several different techniques, but Swedish massage might be the most relied upon because of its wide range of applications (it can be used on any part of the body) and benefits (muscular, circulatory, psychological, and more).

Another interesting fact: Swedish massage is often used as a foundation massage for other types of Western massage, including prenatal massage, sports massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, and full body massage.

Health Benefits

Studies suggest prenatal massage can be beneficial in many different areas. For one, massage during pregnancy can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression while also reducing swelling, muscle aches, and joint pain. Those who receive prenatal massage may also get better sleep since massage can help relieve stress, pain, and leg cramps. Prenatal massage has also been linked to improved labor outcomes and healthier newborns. This sample of results, though relatively small, demonstrates that prenatal massage has the potential to be useful during pregnancy in many cases.

The most common alternative therapies recommended during pregnancy were massage therapy (61%), acupuncture (45%), relaxation (43%), yoga (41%), and chiropractic therapies (37%).

Some benefits of prenatal massage make it ideal for treating specific conditions likely to be experienced during pregnancy. Many individuals develop swollen leg muscles and persistent pain in late pregnancy as the shifting of the uterus places increased pressure on the sciatic nerve. Prenatal massage can help alleviate this problem by releasing tension from adjacent muscle groups and redirecting pressure away from the nerve.

Personal Benefits

While prenatal massage therapy has many physical benefits, it can also improve your mental well-being. Stress can be harmful to you and your baby. Studies have shown that prenatal massage can help you relax and relieve stress. Less stress for you, less stress for the baby.

Pregnancy can make some areas of the body swollen, causing discomfort, pain, aches, and reduced movement. Fortunately, prenatal massage can help with this. If you’re feeling miserable due to your pregnancy, take the time to book a prenatal massage treatment below.

How to Book a Prenatal Massage Near You

If you’re interested in booking a Prenatal massage, Soothe makes it easy to find a certified massage therapist in your area. Visit our booking page, and we’ll bring the massage to you. Currently, massage therapists on the Soothe network can provide prenatal massage only for those in their second and third trimester.

The post Prenatal Massage: What It Is, Benefits, And What To Expect appeared first on Soothe.

We’re all a little stressed right now, and who doesn’t love a shoulder massage? Since learning a new skill is a great way to beat boredom, engage your brain, and feel more productive, we thought we’d divulge the secrets to giving a great massage. So grab your SO, roommate, or BFF, and try these massage techniques on each other.

Or, if you’d rather leave it to the experts, book a Soothe massage with one of our licensed, certified massage therapists.

How to give a neck and shoulder massage

Warm up the muscles along the neck and shoulder with long, gentle strokes, starting from where the skull meets the neck, sweeping down and out across the shoulders. Making a loose fist, use the base of your hand to apply pressure on the shoulder, running your hand up the side of the neck until you get to the base of the skull, then go back down. If you sense any tension knots, massage the area with firm, circular motions to release.

How to give a back massage

With the heel of your hand and the pads of your thumbs, rub small circles along the spine to warm up the muscles, but take care not to press on the spine itself. Apply added pressure by slowly leaning in, pressing your hands into the back and using a kneading motion with your whole hand to work the muscles along the spine. You can also take your entire hands underneath the shoulder blades, out along the sides to work the latissimus muscles.

How to give a hand massage

Holding your partner’s hand, gently massage each finger from base to tip, using small circular motions. Using the heel of your hand, stroke the palm with wide, firm gliding motions toward the wrist. Using both hands, massage the wrists and forearms with long, firm strokes.

Correct common massage mistakes

Use gravity to your advantage

If your arms get tired really quickly when you’re giving a massage, it’s likely because you’re fighting gravity. Have your partner sit in a chair while you stand behind them, or have them sit on the floor while you’re on a chair or couch.

Avoid unnecessary friction

Before you start your massage, put a little oil or lotion on your hands, and rub them together. This will help avoid that tugging, rough feeling, as well as make your hands nice and warm to relax the muscles.

No pinching, please

Avoid grabbing or pinching muscles while giving a massage. Use larger, stroking motions at first to soften and warm up the muscles, and then use your whole hand to knead tight spots after a few minutes. Keep your fingers together, and use your body weight to get deeper.

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