7 In-Demand Massage Modalities from Massage Heights

Jul 29th, 2023

Woman having hot himalayan stone massage in spa.

Massage therapy provides relaxing experiences while offering proven physiological and emotional benefits. These benefits range from easing muscle tension and pain—which can contribute to stress, headaches, hypertension and chronic injuries—to making a positive impact on one’s emotional well-being.

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Research has shown that massage therapy can lower heart rate and blood pressure, and increase endorphins, all of which help manage the damage that chronic stress and pain create in the body.

There are more than 280 types of massage modalities. While there are similarities in the practical techniques found in many of these modalities, each offers a distinct way to approach and work on the body. No matter what someone’s physical conditions or needs are, there is a massage modality that can be applied safely and effectively.

Topping the list of the most popular modalities are:

1. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is primarily known for its relaxation effects. Using long gliding techniques with intervals of kneading in specific areas, Swedish massage is a light to medium pressure, full body experience that targets muscle tension, pain and stress. This modality is often referred to as classic or therapeutic massage.

2. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage uses many of the same techniques and movements as Swedish massage, but with more pressure. During a deep tissue massage, the therapist often applies techniques with their fists, elbows and lower arms to gain access to the deeper muscle groups. This approach helps release contracted muscles and tissues; it's effective for chronic pain, sports injuries, active athletes and body alignment issues.

3. Reflexology

Reflexology is a massage modality applied to the feet through various techniques to relieve pain and discomfort. There are more than 200,000 nerve endings in the feet, as well as various bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Given that the feet are the most used part of the body, receiving a foot massage on a regular basis keeps feet healthy as people age.

4. Hot Stone Therapy

Hot stone therapy combines the use of heated basalt or salt stones with massage techniques. It deepens the experience of relaxation and stress relief as the stones' heat gently relaxes muscle layers for a truly restorative session. As with other massage modalities, hot stone therapy also provides pain and anxiety relief.

5. Sports Massage

Sports massage works for athletes, whether professionals or weekend warriors. These sessions are tailored to the individual client and whichever sport or activity they do. Sports massage can be given pre- or post-event, or as a maintenance routine. Many of the techniques used in sports massage are more focused on individual areas of the body, and it may also include stretching protocols.

6. Maternity Massage

Maternity or pregnancy massage is applied with the client lying on their side, which is safer for mom and baby. Carrying a baby puts additional pressure on the joints, muscles and tendons, and massage is ideal for easing this strain and tension. The massage therapist must specialize in maternity massage and be trained on the best approaches to care for a soon-to-be mom.

7. Cranial Sacral Therapy

Cranial sacral therapy addresses the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum. Gentle holds are applied to these areas to relieve compression from injury or stress. This is very relaxing energy work that is much different from a typical massage. For those unable to receive other types of massage, or those who want a peaceful experience, cranial sacral work is perfect.

Newer Techniques

In addition, aromatherapy, Thai massage, trigger point therapy and rolfing are popular modalities commonly requested by Massage Heights members. There are also a number of newer modalities that are gaining popularity: