Four Types of Therapeutic Massage
Four Types of Therapeutic Massage
Classified by Intended Outcome
- Relaxation Includes Swedish, Full-body, Fluff-n-buff, etc.
- Corrective Includes Deep Tissue, Clinical, Medical, Orthopedic, etc.
- Conditioning Includes Sports Massage, Resistance Stretching, etc.
- Energetic Includes Shiatsu, Reiki, etc.
“Relaxation”
The intention of a relaxation massage is to calm the mind, soothe the nerves, and physically relax the entire body. This type of massage could also be referred to as “full-body,” “Swedish,” or “fluff ‘n buff.” Though I could talk at length about the accuracy of using those terms, I will take that up another time. If you are looking for a relaxation massage therapist, those are the “code” words to look for.
“Corrective” massage has the intention of correcting a malfunction in the soft tissue that is causing pain or restriction of motion. For example: a knot, an adhesion, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, and many many many more examples. This is the kind of massage that I specialize in. “Code” words to look for include “deep tissue,” “sports,” “clinical,” “orthopedic,” or “medical” massage. The pressure usually is very deep, but not always. The treatment session will not be a “full body” experience. This is the kind of massage that you want if you have a persistent knot, chronic pain, or want lasting relief from tension.
“Conditioning” Massage is one that seeks to improve the texture, flexibility, and strength of healthy soft tissue with the overall goal of enhancing performance and endurance.
“Energetic” massage is intended to affect more than just the physical structures of the body. Examples include: Shiatsu and Reiki. Some forms of energy work involve no touch at all. Two examples are “Healing Touch” (Why is it called Healing TOUCH when there is no touching? I don’t know! Don’t get me started!) and medical Qi Gong. In the healing community, these forms fall under the heading of “bodywork” and not “massage.” However, if you intend to practice one of these modalities, your local government may still require that you have a massage license.
Paige said,
July 3, 2009 at 9:36 am
HI There,
Just wanted to ask about the definition of energetic massage. I am a massage therapist and thought that every massage has an energetic element? I have also called my clinic bodyworks and was intrigued by your differentiatiing bodywork from massage? Anyway, just curious as to where or who defines these things, sorry if this is a silly question. Thanks.
Yvonne said,
May 15, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Energetic massage Therapy is a holistic therapy, which promotes a sense of balance and harmony. It helps maintain good health and well being by treating the body, mind, emotions and spirit as one entity.
Energetic massage is a very light massage, where the hands or fingertips are being used to establish an energetically transfer. The fingers are placed at certain points on the body, known as acupoints, that are placed on the different meridians.
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P. Brandon Perkins said,
May 19, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Excellent classification!
Liz said,
August 22, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Well! I guess, I am getting educated. I thought you can incoporate all this types under therapeutic massage and have all the benefits of massage. I never met someone breaking down the therapeutic massage this way.
Wellness WORx Massage Bozeman said,
October 1, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Hi there, great article. I like how you categorize the different types of massage. We mostly use the corrective and conditioning massage classification at our massage clinic in Bozeman, MT. This site is a treasure trove of good and useful information for massage therapists. Thanks for the time you put into it.
Mashala said,
January 11, 2011 at 8:59 am
There is also a baby-massage form called Shantala. Shantala was introduced in the west by the French doctor Leboyer. And is now getting quite big as many parents are taking courses.
It’s a relaxing and repetitive massage, to relax child and parent and stimulate the bonding.
Nancy said,
January 29, 2011 at 4:04 pm
The energy practice has become more popular.
The human body does not stop at the skin.
Our energy affects not only our inner body but all that surrounds us.
Energy work is fascinating way to spark the healing process.
Dr. K-Orthopedic Surgeon said,
March 12, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Physical Therapists would know these kinds of massages and yeah I think that the author made a great classification of body massages.
Massage Business said,
March 17, 2011 at 4:45 am
Great classification. Informative article. Thanks!
massage therapist business said,
May 11, 2011 at 11:01 am
Giving out therapeutic massage can really help a lot of people. I hope others would also realize its importance.
Carolina Mesiti said,
May 31, 2011 at 8:22 pm
Great Blog, Mr. / Ms. Geek… I was especially interested about Reiki, as I know people who are considered “masters” (I think that’s what they call themselves)
Do you have any other resources on that subject?
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Clive Merrick said,
December 30, 2011 at 10:45 am
Am not sure I agree with your classification and seperation of these disciplines, all parts of the body are connected, if you work on one then you effect all the other parts.
Massage Essentials said,
December 30, 2011 at 10:58 am
Isn’t it all classed as bodywork anyway?