Swedish massage is a lighter form of massage. It may be best for people who require stress relief or help with their general anxiety disorder. It helps promote circulation and relax the surface muscles.

Deep tissue is a more intense bodywork, reaching underlying muscles and fascia. The overall aim is to realign the muscles, release chronic muscle tension and pain, and speed up the healing process for recovering injuries, and increasing circulation. A deep tissue massage may be uncomfortable, but never painful.

A sports massage is best for people who live an active lifestyle. It is basically a deep tissue massage, but it is a targeted approach that focuses on specific areas of the body that are in need of healing or relief. For example, a volleyball player will get work on their hitting shoulder and the surrounding areas that are affected by overuse. While a cross country runner may need knee or leg work for overuse or muscle recovery.

Being completely undressed can allow the massage therapist to work on all areas without working through the sheet. In saying that, any knowledgeable massage therapist can work through clothing or sheets. If the client feels more comfortable with their clothes on, they should keep them on.

All massage therapist should be asking what type of pressure is prefered. They will usually ask if light, medium, or deep pressure is desired. People have different perceptions and someone’s idea of medium pressure might be someone else’s deep. That’s why a massage therapist should keep up communication and ask if the pressure needs to be changed.

Gratuity is about gratitude, and you should not feel obligated to tip. If you feel your massage therapist did a good job, then tipping 15% - 20% is is the standard, but any tip is appreciated.