10 Popular Types of Massage
Learn Different Massage Techniques and Modalities at AMBI in Vienna, Virginia
When you think of getting a massage, most people think of a spa-like environment where you can sit back, relax, and de-stress. Though that is a popular option, there are many different types of massage. These types of massage such as deep tissue, prenatal, or lymphatic drainage are referred to as modalities. Modalities are part of what makes massage therapy a rewarding career. At the American Massage & Bodywork Institute (AMBI), we offer the skills to help you build a successful massage career by introducing you to 10 of the most popular modalities.
- Swedish
Swedish massage is the most popular and traditional massage modality. This basic, gentle-touch massage helps to relieve stress and sore muscles with long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements.
2. Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues, which can help with pain management. At AMBI you learn to use slower strokes along with proper body mechanics to help relieve chronic pain, injuries, and postural issues.
3. Neuromuscular
Neuromuscular therapy helps to mitigate pain and dysfunction by treating trigger points and muscle adhesions. It is also known as trigger point myotherapy and is considered one of the best ways to ease chronic aches and pains.
4. Myofascial Release
Myofascial release therapy is a gentle technique that applies pressure into the myofascial connective tissue. This helps to release adhesions, alleviate pain, and restore motion.
5. Lymphatic Drainage
Basic lymphatic drainage techniques help increase lymph flow and immune function by moving waste products. These waste products move away from the tissue and back towards the heart, where they return to the cardiovascular system and are filtered by the appropriate organs.
6. Prenatal
Prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage, helps to ease discomfort and swelling due to pregnancy. In some cases, specifically towards the end of the third trimester or past a due date, prenatal massage can help with the onset and progression of labor.
7. Infant
That’s right! Infants can also benefit from massage. Infant massage can help with crying, colic, sleep, digestion issues, and affects hormones that control stress.
8. Geriatric
Geriatric massage helps the elderly with their specific needs, such as arthritis. It can help relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and increase the range of motion.
9. Sports (Pre-Event & Post-Event)
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to receive sports massage. Sports massage can help increase flexibility and decrease muscle tension for any level of athlete. This modality is designed to help with pre-event concerns which influence athletic performance, and post-event concerns that focus on muscle relaxation and treating injuries.
10. Oncology
Oncology massage, or cancer massage, help patients decrease stress, anxiety, pain, and depression. It is also known to help improve quality of life and aid with sleep, relaxation, and immune function. Most importantly, it may help to relieve nausea and fatigue.
AMBI students are introduced to all of these modalities with an emphasis on Swedish, and are able to complete our massage therapy program in as little as 28 weeks! Even after graduation, you have the opportunity to continue to learn more about these and other modalities with our continuing education courses. At AMBI, we are determined to prepare and support our students and alumni in this dynamic profession.