Massages are a great way to heal both the mind & body, discover the various types of massages and their respective benefits here at The Livewell Syndicate!

Types of Massages and Their Benefits

Massages have been used for healing and meditation for thousands of years, helping you to feel better in both the mind and body. From pain management to simple relaxation, it is no wonder that massages have quickly become one of the most popular forms of self-care.
In this article, we will explain the differences between each type of popular massage therapy available at the Livewell Syndicate. Together, we will explore the methods and benefits of each therapy. We will also discuss the best type of massage for different types of common pains and aches.

Different Types of Massages

There is a wide array of different types of massages, with origins from around the globe. Each style has its own variations and techniques, meaning there are a variety of massages to suit your needs.
Here are our top three favourite types of massages:

Thai Massage

A traditional Thai massage works on relaxing pressure points and promoting blood flow. This type of massage aligns the energies of the body by using rhythmic compressions along energy lines. Your energy lines are found in the arms, legs, and along the spine.
This type of massage reduces stress, improves flexibility, and aids circulation. It is known to help with issues such as back pain and reduced mobility. Since a traditional Thai massage improves energy levels, it is also said to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Thai massages are typically completed while you are fully clothed. With the help of a massage therapist, you will perform a unique combination of yoga, passive stretching, and pressure massages. Your therapist will move your body into these moves, stretches, and poses so that you can feel relaxed and refreshed.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is the most common type of massage available. Swedish massages typically provide full-body muscle relaxation, including your head, to help you feel refreshed from head to toe. However, some variations, such as a Swedish back massage, target specific problem areas.
With various massage strokes, this treatment breaks down adhesions and releases tension in the muscle tissues. Your massage therapist will use oils and a combination of kneading, vibration, and tapping to help your body and mind enter a relaxed state.
This type of massage promotes an overall sense of wellbeing, leaving you feeling calm and tranquil. Swedish massages also help to alleviate joint stiffness, reduce pain, and relieve osteoarthritis.

Sports Massage

A sports massage can be used to prevent and treat injuries caused by physical exertion. A sports massage therapist will manipulate the body’s soft tissues using a combination of strokes and techniques. Fast strokes are often used, alongside pressure point therapy, compression, and joint mobilisation.
There are plenty of benefits of sports massages. Firstly, they help to alleviate pains caused by sports injuries and repetitive movements. Sports massages decrease both muscle tension and muscle spasms, whilst increasing your flexibility and joint range of motion. They can also help to improve blood flow and aid better sleep.
A sports massage is not just for athletes. This kind of massage is ideal for anyone that participates in moderate to intense exercise as well as an organised sport. In fact, sports massages can benefit anyone in a manual profession, such as labourers or butchers.

Massages for Pain Relief

One of the most popular reasons people get a massage is due to having aches and pains. A massage is a great way to treat physical pain, by getting deep into the muscle tissues and alleviating tension.
Here are the best types of massages for common niggles:

Massage for Back Pain

Discomfort in the spine is a frequent ailment and reason for complaint. From contact sports such as rugby to simply poor ergonomics at your workstation, back pain can often be debilitating – especially when it becomes a chronic problem.
Swedish massages can help to reduce your pain levels and manage the source of the pain. With the use of oils, your massage therapist will use broad strokes to dig deep into the muscle and alleviate tension. This kneading removes ‘knots’ and really helps to get to the root cause of your problem.

Massage for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Having a sore neck or shoulder can be almost unbearable. Whether you have injured yourself during sports or you feel the strain from heavy lifting at work, neck and shoulder pain can have a severe impact on your day-to-day life.
A sports massage is great for alleviating a stiff neck or shoulder. Your massage therapist can assess the pain and manage your symptoms, before using an assortment of strokes and stretching techniques to get to the root cause. They will be able to reach places you cannot get to on your own, providing a deep sense of relief.

Massage for Leg Pain

Running, biking, or even sitting in a chair for long periods of time can cause our hips and legs to ache. Whether you are rehabilitating from a broken leg or just have some aches, a massage is an ideal way to treat leg pain.
A Thai massage is perfect for aches in the legs and hips. Using a combination of deep strokes and assisted yoga positions, your Thai massage therapist will stretch your legs and dig deep into muscle tissue. This massage can help to stretch tendons and improve mobility in joints, leaving you feeling pain-free.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to look after yourself is extremely important and we find that the happiest way to end a hard week is with a luxurious massage. Whichever type of massage you choose, each one is perfect for unwinding and treating those minor aches and pains.
Here at The Livewell Syndicate, we offer a wide range of massages at affordable prices. All of our massage therapists are fully qualified and have in-depth knowledge of each technique to adapt the style to meet your needs. Get in touch to book your therapy today!