There are so many different types of massage treatments to choose from, each with their own properties and advantages for your physical and mental health. One difference between some types of massage is which muscles, tissues, and body parts they focus on. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between full-body massage and types of treatment that are more focused and body part-specific.

Full-body massage

During a full-body massage, you will spend a portion of your treatment laying on your front, and a portion of it on your back. You are usually asked to undress, but you will be draped with a towel at all times. If you feel uncomfortable with this, then you can request to keep your underwear on.

Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are the most common forms of full-body massage. The main areas focused on are the neck, back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, and hands. The buttocks, abdomen, and pectoral muscles may also be treated. The idea is to provide full-body relaxation, helping to relieve muscular tension and improve circulation throughout the body.

During a full-body massage, you can ask your massage therapist to focus more on a certain area if you’d like. For example, if you have a lot of tension in your neck and shoulders, they can spend more time working this area. Your massage therapist will still treat the entire body, but they will have to spend less time on other areas as a result.

Half-body massage

Many spas and massage therapists also offer a half-body Swedish massage. This is a shorter appointment and typically focuses on the neck, back, and shoulders first, as these are the main areas where people carry tension. You may be able to ask your massage therapist to prioritize other areas first. 

Localized massage

Some massage types treat specific areas, such as a scalp massage or foot massage. People may seek out treatment for an injury or pain in a specific area, such as the feet, in which case localized massage can be extremely useful. Scalp massage and foot massage also have great relaxation benefits, so they can be a good choice for someone who wants to relax but does not feel comfortable with undressing or having a full-body massage.

Sports massage also involves localized treatment because it is often used as a way to address injury or pain. This is especially useful for athletes who need to recover after a game or a tough workout, or from a specific injury. However, sports massage is beneficial for lots of people, not just elite athletes.

Knowing what you want to achieve from a massage can help you choose the right kind. If you have any questions about the different types of massage we offer and which is right for you, then contact us at Moonstone Massage in Winston Salem.