Swedish massage therapy is the most popular type of massage. This massage therapy uses long, soft, kneading strokes as well as light rhythmic tapping strokes on the topmost layers of the muscles. It can also be combined with movement of joints. Swedish therapy is a relaxing and energizing method that relieves muscle tension. It can even be used to treat injuries.

A 2019 clinical trial found that reflexology could reduce fatigue and pain and improve the quality of sleep in patients with lymphoma.

Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn't ordinarily be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage.

This massage involves placing warmed stones on selected areas of the body such as the acupressure points. The stones can be placed on the body temporarily or used as massage tools. Hot stones can be used together with other massage techniques to soothe and relax the body by transferring heat deep inside.

Deep tissue massage can be used to address certain trouble spots in your body. The massage therapist applies slow, deliberate pressure to the layers of muscles, tissues, or tendons deep beneath your skin. Deep tissue massage can be more therapeutic than other types of massage. It can relieve chronic patterns of tension, and help with injuries like back sprains.

Discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or if you have cancer or unexplained pain.

They interviewed the participants after their massages and found that those who had Thai massage felt mentally invigorated and physically energized.

The therapist uses their body to move clients into different positions during a Thai massage. This massage uses compression, mobilization and acupressure.

Thai massage incorporates whole body movements, many of which are yoga-like. For that reason, many people report that they leave Thai massage sessions feeling not only relaxed but also rejuvenated.

Lymphatic drainage massages are gentle massages of the tissues that help to increase lymph fluid circulation. Lymph is a protein rich fluid that circulates throughout the body through lymph vessels. It carries things such as bacteria, viruses, or waste to your lymph nodes. The fluid is then filtered by your lymph nodes to remove any impurities. To increase lymph flow through your body, the massage should be done using light pressure and long strokes.

Brain scans of people who received Thai massage treatments showed more relaxation and much lower anxiety than people who underwent physical therapy treatments for the same conditions.

During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a doctor before you have a massage.