With so many different massage techniques available, it can seem difficult finding the best massage that meets your needs. Because not all massages provide the same benefits, it is important to determine which massage technique is best for you. Below are a number of tips to choosing the best massage that meets your specific needs:

Determine Your Needs: You must first determine the reasons why you are getting a massage. If you are looking to promote healing from an injury, you may want to receive a deep tissue massage. If you have a lot of stress in your life and looking to relax and reduce anxiety, you may want to get a relaxation massage. For acute or chronic pain, there are a variety of massage techniques that can help with pain reduction.  When determining your specific needs, it is wise to consult with your physician.

Massage Styles: Massage therapists will employ many different types of massage techniques. These techniques includes: short to long, smooth strokes and percussive strokes. The most basic massages are: sports massage, Swedish massage, cranial sacral therapy, deep tissue massage, and reflexology. Specialty massages include Thai massage, Shiatsu massage, prenatal massage, and Hot Stone massage. It is important that you tell your massage therapist about your specific condition to make sure the therapist is trained in the specific massage required to treat your condition.

Massage Fundamentals: Some massage therapists use oils and lotions and some use hot stones on the back. As well, there are massage therapists that perform walk on the back massages. You will often have the option of wearing clothing or not wearing clothing during a massage. The time of a massage session can vary from 5 minutes to 2 hours. The most popular massages are 60 – 90 minutes.

Before you book a massage session, let the therapist know what you are looking for so he or she will know what technique to use. Sometimes a physician will provide documentation outlining a patient’s medical history. No matter what massage technique you choose, you will definitely reap the benefits of such a relaxing treatment.