Reviewed by Registered Massage Therapist Nuchanart (Mew) Kachowski
Updated: July 2026
Not sure which massage type is right for you? You’re not alone. That’s why we put together this simple, no-fuss guide to all the massage types to help you choose.
This breaks down what each massage is, who it’s best for, what it helps with, and when to book. If you’re looking for clarity on which massage is best for you, this will help.
Massage Types at a Glance:
| Massage Type | Best For | Key Benefits | Recommended Frequency |
| Relaxation Massage (Swedish) | Stress, anxiety, poor sleep, first-timers | Reduces stress, improves sleep & circulation, boosts mood | Every 2–4 weeks or during high-stress periods |
| Deep Tissue Massage | Chronic pain, old injuries, tight muscles | Releases deep tension, improves mobility, aids recovery | Every few weeks or post-activity |
| Traditional Thai Massage | Stiffness, low flexibility, posture-related tension | Improves flexibility, reduces pain, boosts energy | Every 2–4 weeks or post-injury |
| Prenatal Massage | Pregnant women (2nd & 3rd trimester) | Reduces pain, swelling, stress, improves sleep | Every 2–4 weeks, weekly in 3rd trimester |
| Sports Massage | Athletes, gym-goers, active individuals | Reduces soreness, improves performance, prevents injury | Weekly, biweekly, or around training |
| Lymphatic Drainage Massage | Post-surgery, bloating, lymphedema, swelling | Reduces swelling, supports immune system and circulation | Weekly or monthly as needed |
| Baby Massage | Infants with sleep/digestion issues or fussiness | Soothes, improves sleep, aids digestion, bonding | Any calm, alert time (daily or as needed) |
| Hot Stone Massage | Stress, tension, those who prefer warmth & gentle pressure | Relaxes muscles, reduces stress, improves sleep | Monthly or after stressful weeks |
| Thai Foot Massage | Tired feet, long standing, reflexology enthusiasts | Relieves foot tension, improves circulation & balance | Post-travel or after long days on feet |
| TMJ Massage | Jaw tension, clenching, headaches, neck pain | Reduces jaw and temple tension, eases headaches | Every 2-4 weeks or during high-stress periods |
Relaxation Massage (Swedish)
What It Is
A gentle, full-body massage using long strokes and light pressure to promote total body relaxation.
Who It’s For
Perfect if you’re feeling overwhelmed, mentally foggy, or new to massage. Ideal for high-stress jobs or people struggling with sleep.
What It Helps
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves circulation and sleep
- Supports emotional balance and mood
When to Get It
Every 2–4 weeks, or anytime you’re under high stress, having trouble sleeping, or just need to reset.
What to Expect
Light pressure, flowing movements, and personalized care from an RMT focused on your comfort.
Variation You Can Try
Relaxation Massage with Cupping Therapy: A combination of soothing massage and targeted suction. Cupping can help relieve deeper muscle tension and support circulation. Cups may be placed or gently moved on the skin. Expect a deeper, more therapeutic feel with the same calming effect.
For a deeper look at how relaxation massage works, see our guide to what relaxation massage is.
Deep Tissue Massage
What It Is
A firm, focused massage that targets deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to relieve chronic tension and tightness.
Who It’s For
Best for people with chronic pain, old injuries, or very tight muscles. Great if you’ve had other massages but need deeper relief.
What It Helps
- Releases muscle knots and tension
- Improves mobility and posture
- Helps with injury recovery and scar tissue
- Eases tension headaches and repetitive strain issues
When to Get It
Ideal after intense physical activity or when pain and tightness won’t go away. Some soreness is normal, and sessions every few weeks can help maintain progress.
What to Expect
Slow, deep pressure on tense areas. You control how deep it goes, and your RMT will check in to keep it effective but comfortable.
Variation You Can Try
Deep Tissue Massage with Cupping Therapy: A combo that blends deep massage with targeted suction using silicone or glass cups. Cupping can help soften fascia, work through scar tissue, and draw blood flow to stubborn problem areas. It is often used for chronic pain and post-injury recovery. Mild bruising is normal and part of how the tissue responds.
For a deeper look at how deep tissue massage works, see our guide to what deep tissue massage is.
Traditional Thai Massage
What It Is
A fully clothed, floor-based massage that blends assisted stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic compression to support full-body wellness and energy flow.
Who It’s For
Ideal if you feel stiff, sluggish, or want a more active massage experience. Great for anyone with tight hips, low flexibility, or tension headaches from poor posture.
What It Helps
- Improves flexibility and joint mobility
- Reduces head, neck, and shoulder tension
- Helps ease chronic back pain and sciatica
- Supports energy and circulation
- Helps with injury recovery and muscle stiffness
When to Get It
Perfect when you’re feeling tight or low-energy, recovering from an injury, or want to prevent stiffness. Many clients book every 2–4 weeks to maintain mobility and balance.
What to Expect
You’ll stay fully clothed while your RMT guides your body through stretches and applies deep, steady pressure. The session takes place on a floor mat—no oils or creams used.
Variations You Can Try
- Thai Oil Massage: A more relaxing variation of Thai massage done with oil on a massage table. It combines Thai techniques with long, flowing strokes, which works well if you want gentler pressure and calming touch.
- Thai Hot Stem Massage: A warming treatment using heated herbal compresses. It’s great for relieving muscle soreness, boosting circulation, and relaxing both the body and mind.
For a deeper look at how Thai massage works, see our guide to what Thai massage is.
Prenatal Massage
What It Is
A gentle, full-body massage designed specifically for pregnancy. Focuses on reducing tension, relieving discomfort, and supporting your emotional well-being—while keeping you and your baby safe.
Who It’s For
Best for pregnant women in their second or third trimester. Ideal if you’re dealing with back pain, hip tightness, swelling, poor sleep, or just need time to relax and reset.
What It Helps
- Relieves lower back, hip, and sciatic pain
- Reduces swelling and improves circulation
- Lowers stress and helps improve sleep
- Supports mental well-being and emotional calm
- Prepares your body for labour by reducing muscle tension
When to Get It
Usually safe to begin after the first trimester (around 13 weeks). Sessions are often booked every 2–4 weeks in the second trimester and weekly in the third. Always check with your doctor first.
What to Expect
You’ll be positioned comfortably on your side with supportive pillows. Your RMT will use light, soothing pressure to focus on safe areas of tension, adjusting based on your comfort and pregnancy stage.
Sports Massage
What It Is
A focused massage that targets muscles used in physical activity. It helps improve performance, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries.
Who It’s For
Great for athletes, gym-goers, or anyone with tight muscles from physical work or regular movement.
What It Helps
- Speeds up recovery after workouts
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Reduces muscle soreness and tension
- Can help reduce the risk of common sports injuries
When to Get It
Ideal before or after intense activity, during heavy training, or to maintain mobility during the off-season. Weekly or biweekly sessions can support consistent performance.
What to Expect
Firm pressure, targeted techniques, and stretching. Your therapist will focus on the muscles you use most, adjusting pressure to suit your needs.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
What It Is
A gentle massage that supports the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and encourage fluid movement through the body.
Who It’s For
Great for those recovering from surgery, managing conditions like lymphedema, or dealing with fluid retention. Also helpful for anyone seeking a calming massage that supports immune health and circulation.
What It Helps
- Reduces bloating, puffiness, and water retention
- Supports immune function and circulation
- Enhances skin tone
- Supports recovery from surgery or illness
When to Get It
Ideal after cosmetic or medical procedures, during periods of hormonal bloating, or as part of a regular wellness routine. Some clients book weekly or monthly sessions depending on their needs.
What to Expect
Very light, rhythmic strokes focused on lymph node areas (like neck, armpits, and legs). It’s a relaxing experience that isn’t painful, and your therapist will adjust based on any sensitivities or recovery needs.
For a deeper look at how lymphatic drainage works, see our guide to what lymphatic drainage massage is.
Baby Massage
What It Is
A gentle, nurturing massage for infants that uses soft strokes and light pressure to calm your baby, aid development, and strengthen your bond.
Who It’s For
Perfect for newborns and infants, especially during growth spurts, teething, or fussy periods. Great for parents looking to support their baby’s sleep, digestion, and comfort.
What It Helps
- Encourages deeper sleep and better digestion
- Soothes colic, gas, and fussiness
- Supports sensory and emotional development
- Strengthens the parent-child bond through touch
When to Get It
Try baby massage after a nap, post-bath, or before bedtime—any time your baby is calm and alert. Always check with your pediatrician before starting.
What to Expect
You’ll use soft, rhythmic strokes on areas like the legs, tummy, back, and face. Your baby stays warm and cozy while you gently help them relax. Watch for your baby’s cues and pause if they seem overstimulated.
For step-by-step techniques you can use at home, see our post on how to give your baby a massage.
Hot Stone Massage
What It Is
A soothing massage that uses smooth, heated stones to gently warm the muscles and enhance relaxation. Your therapist may place stones on your body and also use them to apply light pressure during the massage.
Who It’s For
Great if you’re dealing with stress, muscle tension, or just want a deeply calming experience. Ideal for people who prefer warmth and gentle pressure over deep-tissue work.
What It Helps
- Relaxes tight muscles and improves circulation
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes better sleep and emotional balance
- Eases mild aches without the need for deep pressure
When to Get It
Perfect after a stressful week, during colder months, or anytime your body feels tight and your mind needs to slow down. Many people book monthly to unwind and recharge.
What to Expect
Your therapist will use warm stones along with light massage techniques to help you fully relax. The heat penetrates your muscles, making it easier to release tension without intense pressure.
Thai Foot Massage
What It Is
A specialized massage that applies pressure to reflex points on the feet believed to correspond with different areas of the body. Often includes gentle lower leg massage and optional foot scrub.
Who It’s For
Great for anyone who spends long hours on their feet, experiences lower leg fatigue, or wants a relaxing way to support full-body wellness through foot-based reflexology.
What It Helps
- Relieves foot and leg tension
- Promotes better circulation and energy flow
- Supports stress relief and overall relaxation
- Traditionally believed to support balance through reflex points on the feet
When to Get It
Perfect after a long day on your feet, post-travel, or when you want to reset your body without full-body massage. Choose a longer session for added foot scrub and cream.
What to Expect
Your therapist will use hands, fingers, and a traditional Thai wooden stick to apply pressure along specific foot zones. It’s a deeply relaxing experience focused on lower-body recovery and energy balance.
TMJ Massage
What It Is
A focused treatment for jaw tension, headaches, ear pressure, and neck tightness related to the temporomandibular joint. Works on the muscles that control jaw movement rather than broad relaxation.
Who It’s For
People dealing with jaw pain, clenching, grinding, tension headaches, or neck stiffness that connects back to the jaw. Also helpful for those who’ve been told by a dentist that they clench or grind at night.
What It Helps
- Eases jaw tension, clenching, and grinding-related tightness
- Reduces tension headaches around the temples
- Relieves ear pressure and fullness (when muscular, not infection-related)
- Eases neck tension connected to jaw patterns
What to Expect
Focused work along the jaw, temples, and upper neck. In some cases your RMT may recommend intra-oral techniques (gloved work inside the mouth) to reach deeper jaw muscles. Always discussed and consented to first.
For a deeper look, see our guide to what TMJ massage is.
Book a Massage in Sherwood Park
Now that you know the differences between each massage type, the next step is finding the one that fits your needs best.
Visit our Massage Services page for individual treatments, pricing, and booking options, or book directly below.
Note: This article is for educational purposes and not intended as medical advice. Massage therapy can help with many day-to-day concerns, but if you are managing a health condition, mental health condition, or pregnancy, please speak with your doctor first and let your therapist know so your session can be adapted safely.