We can say that there are as many massages as there are masseur. Indeed, if there are different types of professional massage, there are different gestures specific to a certain practice. Each masseur is then free to choose, to appropriate the movements and to adapt them or even to combine several massage practices to create his signature massage, for example a mixture of Swedish, Californian massage combined with shiatsu techniques, reflexology or traditional Thai massage. It is not uncommon to hear practitioners say that they combine different techniques while drawing inspiration from a certain current of massage to create and bring their effective personal touch. Here is the favorite selection of customers to give you ideas and advice to expand your offer or simply inspire you to discover popular practices. This list concerns massages at home and on site in a practice or salon.
The relaxation massage
The purpose of a relaxation massage, as its name suggests, is to provide a state of relaxation and to release and prevent stress by removing muscle knots and gently stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation. The benefits of this massage are multiple and mainly provide mental well-being, especially in depression, depression or even insomnia.
Relaxation massage is generally the favorite of clients since it relieves stress and relaxes both mentally and physically. Remember here that stress is one of the main reasons why clients do massages. This type of massage is found in many spas and other wellness institutes.
Regarding the duration, the relaxation massage lasts between 30 minutes and 1h30 depending on the patient’s availability and physical condition. There is therefore no ideal duration and this is a rather gentle treatment focusing on the back. So to which patient should this type of massage be recommended? Executives stressed by their work, problem, people going through big life changes, anyone who needs a moment of stress-free relaxation, especially pregnant women.
Thai massage
Thai massage is a holistic massage that combines 3 elements: dynamic and fluid stretching exercises inspired by yoga, deep energy work around the patient’s energy lines and a moment of meditation and meditation.
Thai massage is generally very popular with clients since it is a method that helps release muscle tension, energy blockages, stress, eliminate toxins from the body and allows the body to work on its flexibility and mobility. .
If in Thailand, this type of massage can last more than two hours, in the West generally a session lasts between 1h and 1h30. You should know that this type of massage remains strong on the physical level, hence the importance of meditating simultaneously for the patient. Thus the masseur to relieve the massaged will have to add a lot of pressure.
To which patient should this type of massage be recommended? Preferably patients who appreciate strong massages or any patient suffering from pain in the lumbar – dorsal area.
The hot stone massage
If the hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing massages for the patient, it remains one of the most stressful massages for the masseur. And for good reason, this massage requires a certain organization and preparation. The stones must be heated in advance, at the right temperature. To avoid any risk of burns, we recommend that you always work with a professional electrical device to effectively heat your massage stones (see our selection here ).
Once deposited on the patient’s body, the hot stones will give him a feeling of well-being since under the stones’ heat, the body’s energy points will be stimulated and released. If the benefits of massage with basalt stones are multiple, it helps in case of stress, to relax or on a physical aspect to detoxify the body and improve blood circulation.
To carry out a hot stone massage according to the rules of the art, we advise you to offer treatments of at least 1h30 to have time to gently prepare the client for returning to his normal temperature at the end of treatment. We also recommend using oil beforehand to play with the pressure points.
To which patient should this type of massage be recommended? To anyone who is particularly stressed.
sports massage
The sports massage is, as its name suggests, a massage intended for athletes or simply someone who regularly practices sports and therefore particularly solicits their muscles, which can have the consequence of creating tensions or micro-tears which cause cramps.
Sports massage will relax the patient’s muscles and prevent the appearance of aches, which will directly impact his mind; he will thus be more relaxed and on the physical level, and recover more quickly. In addition, after the effort, the massage eliminates toxins thanks to kneading techniques, allowing you to recover more quickly and limit the risk of aches.
Even if in general, the sports massage is partly done by hand, it is possible to use massage tools to deeply reach the massaged trigger points, which is not always possible with the fingers of the massager. therapist.
To which patient should this type of massage be recommended? Although, as we have seen, sports massage is not only intended for high-level athletes, lovers of high-impact sports such as running, crossfit or tennis will benefit from a massage at regular intervals.
The lymphatic massage
Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage or detox massage, is a kneading technique that stimulates the lymph and detoxifies the body. Often used for aesthetic purposes, it is also recognized for medical purposes for its benefits on the immune system.
Lymphatic massage is generally in high demand before the summer months since it promises results, especially in varicose veins and cellulite cases. Although, the lymphatic massage requires the use of tools to target the action on the orange peel skin, it will also be necessary to add a good helping hand.
To which patient should this type of massage be recommended? Patients concerned about their aesthetic appearance. Be careful, however, not to sell false promises quickly, certainly a lymphatic massage can help fight against cellulite, however it will in no way replace a healthy lifestyle (good diet and regular sports practice).
Suppose we cannot say that one massage is better than another. In that case, it is your responsibility as a massage therapist to fully understand your patient’s expectations to offer him the massage that suits his needs. It can be complicated for a client, especially in case of pain, to understand and explain the cause and origin of his discomfort. We therefore advise you before any massage treatment to take the time to discuss with your patient to understand the reason for his visit and to be able to guide him so that he can answer questions to identify his needs. Some establishments even systematically offer their customers to fill out a form to target their expectations and needs.
