Deep tissue massage frees muscles, ligaments, and tendons of stress and tension that can cause knots, spasms, and stiffness. These benefits improve muscle condition in a way that results in better posture and greater flexibility, which lends to better overall fitness and well being.

Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. It’s best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option for those who aren’t comfortable being touched on the entire body.

Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries, because it can be used to help prevent them.

Trigger point massage is best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition.Sometimes, areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain.

Prenatal massage uses mild pressure similar to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on areas such as your lower back, hips, and legs. You can be fully or partially undressed, depending on your comfort level. During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had pain in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a doctor before you have a massage.

A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.

Cupping is a safe, Chinese traditional treatment that helps resolve chronic muscle tightness and pain faster than massage therapy alone. It involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The suction may facilitate healing with blood flow. Proponents also claim the suction helps facilitate the flow of “qi” in the body. Qi is a Chinese word meaning life force.

Children benefit from massage therapy in the same way adults do for medical conditions, injuries and overall health. It has also been shown that children receiving massage and experiencing nurturing touch have lower stress levels, increase their chance for better concentration at school and better sleep at home, and can also improve their immune system.