Massage Types

The following list of Western massage types and related bodywork is not comprehensive, but does describe the most widely practiced massage styles. For a list of Asian-based massage types, click here.

Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the superficial layers of muscles.

Deep tissue massage uses techniques with deeper pressure to work on the deeper layers of muscles. Deep tissue is a somewhat generic term, as there are many approaches to doing deep tissue massage. May also be referred to as Deep Muscle Massage.



Craniosacral therapy is a technique for correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that cause pain. Strictly speaking, craniosacral therapy is not massage, but massage therapists frequently learn this technique.

Esalen Massage is a blend of Eastern and Western massage types with an emphasis on empathy, nurturing, and the healing relationship.

Lomi-Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian blend of massage, energy and focus work, spiritual awareness, and universal principles of alignment in body, mind, and spirit.

Manual lymphatic drainage (also known as lymph drainage massage) is a specialized technique useful for swelling when other types of massage are not appropriate. It is especially useful for edema (swelling) after the removal of lymph nodes. This technique requires advanced specialized training on the part of the massage therapist.

Massage for injury treatment (or rehabilitation massage) is more of a goal than a specific technique. Techniques frequently used for injury treatment include NMT, Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Release, and deep tissue massage.

Myofascial Release provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. (Fascia is connective tissue that covers just about everything in the body. Myofascial refers to fascia covering muscles.)

Myotherapy (also called the Bonnie Prudden Technique) is based on manipulating trigger points with specific pressure.

Neuromuscular technique (NMT) is a specific type of deep tissue massage that recognizes that location of the pain is not necessarily the source of the pain. NMT is also used to treat trigger points—painful, irritated areas in muscles caused by accidents or everyday stress and tension. Trigger points often cause referred pain.

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based form of body therapy that is effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns.

Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise, and self-awareness.

Reflexology is an energy technique that applies pressure to the feet, hands, and ears in order to affect the entire body.

Reiki is not technically a massage type but is an energetic healing technique involving the laying on of hands. Its aim is to balance and amplify physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.

Soft Tissue Release is a specialized technique that uses stretching, movement, and pressure to create freedom and looseness and reduce pain.

Sports massage is more of a goal than a specific massage type. Sports massage techniques may be drawn from various types of massage. The distinguishing characteristic of sports massage is that it is designed to help athletes perform better. Pre-event massage prepares the athlete to move and is usually fast and vigorous. The goal of post-event massage is to reduce muscle soreness and help the athlete recover faster. Maintenance sports massage is geared toward maintaining or improving flexibility and both preventing and treating injury.

Structural integration techniques seek to re-educate the body through movement and touch and systematically release patterns of stress and impaired function. Structural integration techniques require specialized training and are not taught as part of a general massage school curriculum. These techniques include Rolfing, Structural Integration, Hellerwork, SOMA, and Kinesis Myofascial Integration.

Swe-Thai Massage blends traditional Thai medical massage with specific, advanced soft tissue therapies. The Swe-Thai routine was designed specifically by Margie Meshew in 2001 to treat general neck and back conditions.

Trager Approach uses light, hands-on touch and exercises to release deep-seated psychophysiological blockages that cause pain and dysfunction.

Visceral Manipulation is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the the heart, liver, intestines, and other internal organs to locate and alleviate tension throughout the body.

Watsu is a massage performed in water.