There’s no question that getting a massage does wonders for your mind and body. However, some types of massage might be better suited to your needs than others.
Some types of massage can also seem intimidating or even uncomfortable for some, which can put some people off. That’s why it’s important to find a massage that suits your needs so that it becomes a relaxing and stress-free experience.
How do you find a massage that suits your needs?
Finding the right massage is much like finding a shoe that fits. You’ll need to know what you want have to be open to trying out different types of massage to get the right fit.
Here are a few things that you need to consider when it comes to choosing the right type of massage for you.
What is your goal?
There are a lot of reasons why people get massages. Some people like getting massages after a workout, while others find that it helps relieve stress after a long week.
Different types of massage work on different parts of your body and help with the various aspects of wellness. Some types of massage are more active, such as Thai massage, and thus won’t be a good idea if you’re looking to just lie down and relax.
If you’re an active person looking to relieve muscle pain, then a sports massage will work best for your needs. On the other hand, if you’re looking to simply wind down and relax, an aromatherapy massage might be right up your alley.
How comfortable are you with taking your clothes off?
Some types of massage require you to strip down, while others can be done with your clothes on. For example, a hot stone massage, which uses heated stones to provide warmth to your back, requires you to take your clothes off.
On the other hand, a reflexology massage, which focuses on the hands and feet, don’t require you to take any of your clothes off.
It’s also important to note that for most types of massage, your massage therapist will be touching different parts of your body. So that’s another thing to consider when choosing a massage.
Do you have any injuries?
If you have any injuries, then certain types of massage might not work for you. For example, deep tissue massage might not be the best idea if you have stretching injuries, or a fracture.
On the other hand, trigger point massage works well for those who have chronic muscle pains and certain types of injury. It helps reduce pain in certain parts of the body since it relieves the different pressure points throughout your body.
If you’re injured or have certain aches and pains, it’s a good idea to find a massage that suits your needs and helps lessen your injuries, not aggravate them.
Talk to your massage therapist
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to talk to your massage therapist and ask them what type of massage they recommend. Most massage therapists are trained to identify what types of massage will work well depending on what your body needs.
Make sure that you’re comfortable with your massage therapist. If you’re not comfortable with the person touching you, then the massage won’t be as effective.
It’s also important to go to reputable massage therapists. They usually have certificates as well as licenses that let you know if they legitimately know what they’re doing. Incorrect massage techniques can actually do more harm than good, so it’s best to visit someone who knows what they’re doing.
