Relaxation Massage
First, Relaxation massage is a smooth, gentle, flowing style that promotes your all around relaxation. In addition it relieves muscular tension, plus improves circulation and range of movement.
Next, this style of massage is one you’ll commonly find performed at day spas. Your therapist will have the approach to help you relax, revive and rejuvenate with a level or pressure that does not cause any discomfort.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most common type of massage and a great place to start if it’s your first time getting a massage or if you’re afraid a massage might be painful. During Swedish massage, we use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes over your body. You are usually nude under sheets, but only the part that is being massaged is exposed so your full and complete privacy is always respected.
While this lighter form of massage is wonderful for you, it is less effective than the deeper styles for changing soft tissue tension.
Therapeutic Massage
This is just another way to say that the massage is meant to have therapeutic purposes and health benefits. The origins of this term came from needing to distinguish it from “massage parlor” massage. This was the mistaken stereotype most Americans had back in the 1960s. Therapeutic massage also might indicate that the massage will be a little deeper — not just a pure relaxation massage.
My Recommendation
I normally recommend deeper styles when you are suffering pain. The relaxation massage might be the ticket for when you just want to … relax!
Please discuss your needs with me at your session. I’ll be happy to tailor a massage solution for you that can combine relaxation massage with other styles that address your issues.
You can read about the various other modalities of massage I offer here: Services or check out this article on finding the right massage therapist in Bellevue WA, or see my Home Page or About Page
