This relaxation-focused form of massage is what most people think of first when they think about massage. Therapists use a sequence of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular motions to help ease shallow tension in the muscles. Aromatherapy may be added to enhance relaxation.

Benefit: Besides helping to relax the muscles and ease superficial tension, Swedish massage may also help boost circulation throughout the body.

Try it if: you are new to massage or you are looking to relieve light to moderate tension in your back and shoulders.

Deep tissue massage aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. As such, it uses more intense kneading techniques than Swedish. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial to make sure you don’t get too uncomfortable. Keep in mind that mild soreness may occur after the treatment but should last no more than 24 hours.

Benefits: Deep-tissue massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic tension areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, past lingering injuries and may also help improve range of motion. Patients may also see a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a boost in mood through the release of oxytocin and serotonin.

Try it if: you suffer from chronic aches and pains or want more pressure than classic Swedish massage offers.

Therapeutic Massage incorporates a variety of advanced modalities that enhance the body’s natural restorative functioning. You can expect a mix of silicone cupping, synergy hot stones, facia blasting, aromatherapy, cranio cradles, red light therapy, massage gun, and stretching. The use of CBD lotion and oil is used during the session to help with alleviating aches and pains caused by inflammation while inducing a deep sense of calm.

Benefits: Therapeutic massage can be beneficial for injury or illness, alleviating pain and stress, aiding soft tissue healing from myofascial release, and revitalizing the body. Light to deep pressure during the session is used to release tension, relieve pain, increase circulation, and increase lymphatic drainage.

Try if: you are looking to enhance your health and well-being, release muscle tightness, relieve anxiety and tensions, decrease pain, and to balance your body/mind/spirit.

Pregnancy massage is a style of bodywork designed specifically for expecting mothers. During the massage, a prenatal body supporting cushion will be used to allow mom to enjoy lying face down taking pressure off mother’s back and hips. Pregnancy is a time when a body endures tremendous stress due to dramatic physical and emotional changes. Massage helps relieve pain and discomfort experienced throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy massage is a combination of relaxation and deep tissue massage techniques. The therapist will adapt these to the varying stages of pregnancy and the associated changes in the body. In the early stages, the massage will work on relaxing the body. In the second trimester, the techniques will change to accommodate the lower body region (particularly the hips and the legs). In the third trimester, flowing movements will help to move any problematic fluid build-up and loosen tight muscles in the lower body. The arms, hands, and feet may also be involved in this stage to help treat any swelling. Schedule motherhood around your massages and you will be a better, happier mother. Women need to make sure to prioritize self-care, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.

Benefits: Emotional support, reduces pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, improved breathing, relaxation, and better sleep, and may also help with depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Can help to relieve the stress, aches, headaches, and swelling related to the different stages of pregnancy.

Try it if: your pregnancy is causing you significant lower back pain (just make sure to check with your doctor first).

Specifically designed with athletes in mind, sports massage is a variation on Swedish massage that aims to address aches caused by repetitive motion and help active people make a quicker recovery from stress and injury.

Benefits: Quicker workout recovery times, better range of motion, and improved performance are just a few of the benefits reported by those who receive regular sports massages.

Try it if: you play sports or frequently work out and want to keep your body in top condition.

Like deep-tissue massage, trigger point massage aims to dispel chronic tension located deep in the muscles. But while deep tissue is ideal for tension spread out over a large area, the trigger point is better for pain that radiates from a very specific spot (or spots).

Benefits: Eases pain caused by sciatica, rotator cuff issues, stiff joints, plantar fasciitis, and other specific issues.

Try it if: you suffer from any of the above ailments AND you can handle some tough love (trigger point massage has a reputation for being a little painful).

– need to be booked ahead of time to schedule with another massage therapist

Massage therapists knead two client’s side-by-side in the same room. Swedish massage is the typical modality used, but you may also request other types of massages such as deep-tissue or hot stone.

Benefits: Though it often has a romantic context, a couple’s massage is also a great way to reconnect with a close friend, sister, mother, daughter, or anyone you do not mind being semi-undressed around.

Try it if: you are looking to reconnect with a romantic partner, or you can't bear to be parted from your spa buddy.

Massage Cupping stems from a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that uses Silicone cups to create suction on the skin. Massage Cupping, on the other hand, focuses on the skeletomuscular system - the fascia, muscles, ligaments, and other tissues that support & mobilize the body. The vacuum effect created in the cups pulls blood to the surface, which helps to improve circulation and promote healing by releasing 'congestion' in the tissues.

Like other bodywork techniques, Massage Cupping helps stretch & release tight connective tissue, improves joint Range of Motion, and may reduce inflammation for a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Unlike other techniques which use compacting pressure, the suction lifts tissues apart and creates more fluid space between them.

Cupping is ideal for treating chronically tight connective tissue (fascia), and scar tissue, and for rehabilitating Range of Motion after injury or surgery. It's also great for athletic recovery, treating tight ITT Bands, and plantar fasciitis. Additionally, it's helpful for breast health - to treat pain and scarring and revive lymph flow long reduced by restrictive clothing.

Massage Cupping is effective as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with a regular massage session. When combined with massage, it increases the benefits by softening the tissues before deep tissue and neuromuscular work. It stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous system, which turns on your "rest and digest" mode for profound relaxation.

Synergy Hot Stone Therapy is a style of massage where synergy-heated stones are used as an extension of your massage practitioner’s hands to bring your body into a deep state of relaxation and promote circulation. Soothing heat energy radiates from the stones into the skin, muscles, facia, and circulation with a calming yet healing effect. Muscles that are heated with these stones release tension and stress much more deeply and quickly than with a traditional massage. Besides helping to relieve tense areas, the heat from the stones can help improve blood flow. The overall experience is very relaxing, nurturing, and rejuvenating.

Benefits: Promotes relaxation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, knots, and trigger points. Relieves muscle pain, encourages improved blood and lymph circulation helps detoxify the body and tone the skin, stimulates the immune system and activates the body’s healing response, and calms the mind and stress.

Try it if: you suffer from hard-to-loosen trouble spots and like the therapeutic heat.