15 different kinds of massage

Whether you need a massage for pain relief, relaxation, or just because you love the feeling, there are lots of types to choose from.

Massages are all about rubbing or kneading your muscles and joints to help you feel better and let go of tension. Some massages are gentle, while others are more intense and might even use tools like heat or aromatic oils. And, of course, there are those that target specific areas of your body to give you exactly what you need.

Types of massages by technique:

• Deep tissue massage

• Sports massage

• Swedish massage

• Percussive massage

• Reflexology

• Aromatherapy massage

• CBD massage

• Thai massage

• Assisted stretching

• Soft tissue massage

• Sculpting massage

• Lymphatic drainage massage

Types of situational massage:

• Prenatal massage

• Postnatal massage

• Oncology massage

How to choose the right type of massage for you

Choosing the right massage is all about what you need and what you enjoy. Do you want something to relieve specific pain or just a relaxing experience? 

If you’re an office worker you might want to relieve some of the tension in your neck and back – a deep tissue massage would be great for this. Or you might just want some time to unwind and aid sleep, in which a relaxing massage would be your best bet.

There are other types of massage that are more appropriate for specific pain or medical requirements. For example, a sports massage can help with specific joint pain, whereas physiotherapy and osteopathy can be good for ongoing pain. 

Personal preference is also a key element in choosing the right kind of massage. Think about the pressure you prefer — you might love a deep, strong massage, while others prefer something lighter and more soothing. 

Different kinds of massage by technique

Discover the different kinds of massage and what they’re good for to help you decide the best for you.

1. Deep tissue massage

Good for: back and shoulder pain, tackling injuries, exercise recovery

This one’s a powerhouse. It uses strong pressure to reach those deep muscles and tackle stubborn aches. If you’ve got back pain or an injury, this is the massage for you.

Your pro will use their hands to reach the deep tissue of the muscle to ease more stubborn aches and tension areas.

2. Sports massage

Good for: injury prevention or healing, exercise recovery, improving muscle trauma

Athletes, gym-goers and those with active lifestyles – this one's for you. Sports massage is a medium-to-strong pressure massage that targets specific problem areas to prevent or heal injuries. It’s a more specialist type of massage that makes it ideal for athletes but it’s also beneficial for people with specific tension areas or injuries.

3. Swedish massage (aka Urban classic)

Good for: relaxation, improving circulation

Different to deep tissue and sports massages, a Swedish massage, also known as our Urban classic, uses a lighter pressure and is less focused on high-impact muscle groups. It can include rhythmic tapping (tapotement) to help increase blood flow and improve circulation.

4. Percussive massage

Good for: muscle tension and knots

Ever heard of massage guns like Theragun? They use percussive movements to get deeper into your muscles than hands alone can (60% deeper in fact). It’s a super effective way to bust those tough knots and can bring faster results. It’s usually combined with techniques from deep tissue massages.

5. Reflexology

Good for: holistic pain treatment

Reflexology is based on ancient practices of acupressure. It uses light to medium pressure, focusing on specific points in your feet and hands that correspond to other parts of your body.

Massaging these points is thought to stimulate the nervous system as a whole and help with recovery and pain relief in other areas of the body, like a magical map.

6. Aromatherapy massage

Good for: relaxation

Imagine a massage combined with the soothing scents of essential oils like chamomile, cedarwood and eucalyptus. Aromatherapy massages blend these oils with different massage styles for an ultra-relaxing experience. Different essential oils are thought to have different effects, such as lavender for relaxation and sleep.

For example, a sleep massage will use a blend of essential oils to combine the relaxing benefits of a massage with the positive effects of aromatherapy to aid with sleep.

7. CBD massage

Good for: those wanting the benefits of CBD oil

A CBD massage combines a deep tissue massage with CBD oil and lets you reap the benefits of both CBD and traditional massage techniques. It’s like aromatherapy but with CBD oil, which is believed to help with everything from pain to high blood pressure.

8. Thai massage

Good for: improving movement and posture

A Thai massage is a unique style of massage that combines acupressure and deep tissue techniques with passive stretching. It involves the therapist stretching your body while you stay relaxed and helps improve flexibility and mobility, easing joint and muscle tension. 

You can have a Thai massage with oil or without.

9. Assisted stretching

Good for: releasing stress, aiding mobility and flexibility

Assisted stretching isn’t a type of massage, but is often offered by massage therapists. It helps you stay flexible and stress-free, often combined with other massage techniques. It’s great for improving posture.

10. Soft tissue massage

Good for: injury and pain management

In contrast to a deep tissue massage, a soft tissue massage is a softer-pressure treatment that is often used in a pain and injury massage. This one’s gentler than deep tissue and sports massage but still focuses on specific areas to improve circulation and soothe pain.

11. Sculpting massage

Good for: circulation, improving the appearance of cellulite

A sculpting massage is specifically designed to affect the appearance of the body. For example, reducing cellulite. It usually combines a range of massage techniques and is typically a vigorous treatment that will leave you feeling energised.

12. Lymphatic drainage massage

Good for: reducing swelling, improving circulation

A lymphatic drainage massage targets the lymphatic system to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. It uses specialist techniques to encourage the movement of lymph fluids around the body and help to drain the lymph nodes.

Kinds of situational massage

Some kinds of massage are defined by who they’re for, or the situations they suit best, more than specific techniques.

1. Pregnancy massage

Good for: pregnancy in the second and third trimester

A prenatal massage is designed specifically and tailored for expecting mums to help with the various strains of pregnancy, from muscle pain to stress.

Prenatal massages are most effective when done regularly, helping to keep stress levels down, reduce back pain and ease pressure on your joints.

Other types of massage aren’t always suitable during pregnancy, so a prenatal massage is the perfect option for those who still want to get the benefits of a massage in a way that’s tailored to your body.

2. Postnatal massage

Good for: recovery from birth

After delivery, a postnatal massage aids in recovery by easing muscle pain and stress, promoting healing and well-being. 

3. Oncology massage

Good for: supporting cancer treatment

An oncology massage is a specialist massage designed to be safe alongside cancer treatment. It aids with the physical and emotional effects of cancer for a relaxing experience tailored to your unique needs.

How to find a massage therapist

The easiest way to find a massage therapist is to look for one in your local area. Some therapists have their own practices, and others can come to your home. Many people prefer home visits because you’re naturally more comfortable in your own space, making the massage even more effective.

If you’re looking for a massage near you, we have expert therapists available for both same-day and advanced bookings.

How much do different kinds of massage cost?

Different kinds of massages vary in price, usually depending on the length of the session rather than the type of massage. For example a 90-minute session will cost more than an hour-long one. Some specialised massages, like those using CBD oil, might be a bit pricier due to the special equipment and oils used.

Ready to find your perfect massage? Urban's got you covered with a range of well-rated, insured massage therapists near you, with experts all around the UK.