Choosing to get a massage is the easy part; you’re ready to be whisked away to a land of relaxation and comfort while feeling tension melt from your muscles. But deciding which type of massage to get is a whole separate thought — massage menus are increasingly growing, and they’re not all created equal.

All you know is you expect to feel pampered, refreshed, and restored. Most massages can check these boxes, but fine differences between them ensure you get the most out of every session.

Here’s a closer look at five types of massages and how they benefit the body.

1. Deep Tissue Massage

If you love a massage that gets into those stubborn knots, deep tissue massage might be your perfect match. Deep tissue techniques use firm pressure and slow strokes to target the deeper layers of muscles and fascia. This makes it a great option if you have chronic pain, muscle tension, or are recovering from injuries.

Deep tissue massage relies on precision. Our therapists use their fingers, elbows, and forearms to work through tension, focusing on specific areas and not just a total body treatment. It can feel intense at times, but the goal is to relieve you from pent-up tension your body is storing deep down.

After a session, you might feel a bit sore (like after a workout), but you’ll feel the difference in your posture and mobility, especially if you make deep tissue massages part of a longer term strategy.

2. Thai Massage

Think of Thai massage as yoga without the effort. Thai massage is done on a mat while the therapist moves your body through a series of stretches. It’s an ancient practice that combines acupressure, compression, and stretching to improve flexibility, relieve tension, and boost your body’s circulation.

Thai massage is especially popular for people who feel stiff or want a more active massage experience. It’s great for releasing tight muscles and improving overall energy flow.

Don’t be surprised if your therapist gently twists, pulls, and stretches you into positions you didn’t know you could do—it’s all part of the experience. You’ll leave feeling looser, lighter, and more balanced.

3. Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is what most people imagine when they think of a classic, relaxing massage. It’s all about long, flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and light-to-medium pressure to help you feel relaxed while improving circulation. If you’re new to massages, this is a great place to start.

Beyond just feeling good, Swedish massage has some impressive health benefits. It helps reduce stress, improve blood flow, and even boost your immune system. Whether you’re dealing with everyday tension or just need an hour of “me time,” Swedish massage is a go-to for melting away stress and leaving you feeling refreshed.

4. Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage takes relaxation to the next level. It uses multiple smooth, heated stones placed on key points of the body. The warmth helps muscles loosen up faster, allowing the therapist to work deeper without applying too much pressure. If you love the feeling of heat easing away tension, this is the massage for you.

In addition to being incredibly soothing, hot stone massage improves circulation, eases muscle stiffness, and helps you more deeply relax. It’s especially beneficial for people who struggle with chronic pain or have trouble relaxing tense muscles. If you tend to run cold or want a cozy, stress-melting experience, this massage is a must-try.

5. Focused Massages

Sometimes, you don’t need a full-body massage — just relief in one problem area. That’s where focused massages come in. These treatments target specific muscle groups, whether it’s your neck and shoulders from hours at a desk, lower back pain from poor posture, or sore legs after a tough workout.

A focused massage is ideal for those dealing with chronic pain, tension headaches, or if you’re recovering from an injury. Since the therapist spends the entire session working on one or two areas, they can use specialized techniques to provide deeper relief. Whether it’s a quick 30-minute session or a longer, more intensive treatment, focused massages help you feel better exactly where you need it most.

How Massages Heal the Body

Massage can be a powerful tool for healing. Massage therapy boosts the body’s circulation, which allows blood to carry nutrients and oxygen to areas that need them. This also helps to flush out toxins that could be impacting your health.

With massage, you can speed up recovery from injuries, reduce inflammation, and help your body repair itself. It can also work wonders for stress relief. When you’re tense, your body produces cortisol, the stress hormone that can lead to pain, aches, and even a weaker immune system.

Adding massage to your routine is like hitting the reset button for your muscles. Massage lowers cortisol and increases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Your sleep improves, your anxiety lowers, and you get a boost to your overall well-being.

How to Choose the Right Massage for Your Body

Working with a skilled massage technician is the best opportunity to learn about different types of massages, their benefits, and which one is best for you. Your massage therapist will educate you on your options, conduct a health profile, and talk to you about your problem areas so they can make the best recommendations. Choosing the right massage is key to getting the most benefits from each session.