Traditional Thai massage is a different experience if you’ve only ever had a Swedish or deep tissue massage. In Thai massage, you wear loose-fitting clothing (often provided by the massage therapist) and start by lying on a mat. Throughout the massage, the therapist moves your body into various seated and prone positions, which stretch and release your muscles and soft tissue. Although your body is moving, the therapist is doing all the work, making it feel similar to supported yoga. The massage therapist will bend, stretch, and compress and lengthen your body using their hands, forearms, elbows and even feet. Don’t be alarmed by the feet! Many studios have overhead supports that allow the practitioners to safely walk on your back, releasing tight adhesions and promoting ease. Thai massage can be both invigorating and relaxing. It is an excellent option for keeping your muscles in good health if you regularly work out, or if you want to overcome a lack of flexibility. Studies show that Thai massage can increase blood circulation, improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension and enhance mental well-being.

A deep tissue full body massage is a form of healing bodywork. At your first massage, your massage therapist will do a brief intake. They will ask you questions about the type of pressure you’d like to receive during your deep tissue massage, any previous massage experience you’ve had, and any injuries or sensitivities you have. You can remain clothed, or the massage therapist will provide draping so that even if you’re not wearing clothes you are always fully covered. Deep tissue massage may be a good option for people with chronic pain or muscle tension. The systematic deep tissue strokes will work to break down any scar tissue or stiff tissues and create ease in your body again. Massage therapists use their hands, forearms, fists and knuckles to knead and stroke your muscles and loosen adhesions. Although deep tissue massage work is intense, it should not be painful, so communicate clearly with your massage therapist so they know if you’re having any discomfort. The national average cost of a deep tissue massage is between $70 and $90.

Deep tissue massage not only feels fabulous, it can provide results. The massage technique targets deeper layers of muscle and your connective tissue. For its ability to stimulate those deeper muscles, deep tissue massage is commonly used during recuperation from sports-related and other injuries, according to the Mayo Clinic. Deep tissue massage has been proved to reduce high blood pressure and a range of other ailments. Deep tissue and other types of massage are frequently used for relieving stress, managing pain, breaking down scar tissue, relieving muscle tension and improving health. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health cites the following as health conditions for which that deep tissue massage can provide relief:

• Chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, and osteoarthritis of the knee
• Labor pains
• Depression and anxiety
• Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue
• Headaches
• HIV/AIDS

The proper deep tissue massage may also benefit preterm infant health. Cancer patients may experience reduced pain, increased relaxation, and improved mood.

Thai massage not only feels good, it has proven health benefits. In general, massage can reduce stress, relieve pain, decrease negative symptoms from chronic illness, and promote wellness. But Thai massage, in addition to all these health benefits, is especially wonderful for improving flexibility and can also be highly beneficial to athletes or anyone who has regular strain on their muscles. During a Thai massage, the massage therapist will move your body through a variety of yoga-like poses and postures, all with the intention of loosening your muscles, improving your circulation and promoting bodily wellness. A study by the Journal of Physical Therapy Science showed the benefits of Thai massage during and after athletic performance:

• Improved physical fitness and flexibility, attributed to reduced muscle tension and increased blood flow to muscles.
• Increased muscle blood supply, which may allow the muscles to get more oxygen and nutrients from the blood, giving them more endurance and strength.
• Enhanced positive mood states and psychological well-being, both of which promote physical recovery.

There are many reasons to get a deep tissue massage. A deep tissue massage can release adhesions — also known as knots — that are causing painful tension in your muscles. Deep tissue massage can promote healing and ease discomfort related to illnesses such as cancer, chronic headaches, osteoarthritis of the knee, chronic neck or back pain, depression, and more, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. If you have an old sports injury such as shin splints, or a bad back from an old car accident, deep tissue massage can promote healing in your traumatized and scarred soft tissues and get you on the road to recovery. The strokes and techniques used in deep tissue massage work to lengthen soft tissue structures that have stiffened and hardened into knotty adhesions that allow minimal movement. Deep tissue massage can loosen these adhesions so that long-standing scar tissue releases and you can gain more mobility and more freedom from stiffness and pain. And it just feels good. The national average cost of a deep tissue massage is between $70 and $90.