Your body is aching, your muscles are tight and your neck is stiff from holding up the world on your shoulders. You need a massage. But which one? There are a world of massages out there and masseurs ready to knead your knots in any which way. Here is our guide to the different types of massage.

Swedish or relaxation massage

This classic-style smooth flowing massage uses a series of strokes to systematically manipulate soft tissues and muscles. It relieves stress, tension, and improves blood circulation. Consider a relaxation massage to combat recurring headaches caused by stress.

Deep tissue massage

Using many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage therapist will work the deeper tissue structures of the muscle. The therapist tends to focus on releasing chronic muscle tension or knots called adhesions.

Myotherapy

Myofascia is the thin, fibrous sheets of tissue that surround and separate muscle. Ligaments and tendons are comprised of bundles of myofascia. Myotherapy combines deep tissue work and realignment to treat stiff and painful muscles.

Acupressure

While similar to acupuncture in its ancient Chinese roots, an acupressure therapist uses his hands (and sometimes elbows, knees or even feet) rather than needles to pinpoint pressure on parts of the body known as meridians. Apart from this targeted pressure, the therapist may also use traditional massage techniques to alleviate stiffness.

Lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic system carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. However lymph fluids can accumulate and cause swelling, especially in the lower body. This can indicate poor circulation or a build-up of hormones. Lymphatic drainage massage gently encourages the natural drainage of the lymph system.

Remedial massage

This healing treatment is used in the rehabilitation, pain and injury management of damaged muscles and tendons. Tracing the injury as far back as to the original cause, this massage can be gentle, strong, deep or shallow depending on the situation.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy massage is a Swedish or deep tissue massage where the massage oils have been blended with essential oils. The use of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint or geranium – depending on the needs of the customer – as used by a trained practitioner can affect mood as well as alleviate pain.

Sports massage

Developed especially for athletes who need to quickly alleviate stress or injury, sports massage can help an athlete prepare for competition, support their bodies during an event and help them to recover afterwards. While pinpointing target areas that may be related to sports such as running, tennis or golf, sports massage can also help anyone suffering chronic pain, or motion-based injury.

Full body

A full body massage will concentrate on your back, legs, arms, and neck and usually lasts an hour. In a half-hour massage, you would be better off letting the therapist concentrate on the specific area that is giving you trouble.

Hot stone

A therapist will use the smooth, rounded stones as an extension of her hand and she may also place them on your belly, hands or back. The stones are heated in water, and this heat helps to warm up your muscles and relax them.

Shiatsu

Using acupuncture meridians much like acupressure, Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that uses finger and palm pressure in a rhythmic sequence. The aim is to improve the flow of energy and improve balance in the body.

Thai

With links to the traditional medicine of India, China and South East Asia, Thai massage is a rigorous process that can involve the client being positioned in a series of yoga-like postures during the course of the massage. The therapist may use their feet as well as their hands to rhythmically stretch and press the body. Unlike a relaxation massage, Thai massage encourages the client to be engaged and energized throughout the massage.

With more than 15,000 massage clinics listed around Australia, Yellow Pages makes it easy to find the right masseuse near you.