What kind of massage should you ask for?

Here is a list of massage types I offer with a brief description of what you can expect and a recommended time length for the treatment. 


Swedish - 

  • A lighter touch. 

  • Designed to induce relaxation for the whole body. 

  • Long, fluid motions, elongating the soft tissues, and promoting dopamine and serotonin production.

  • 60-minute sessions are perfect


Therapeutic -

  • The pressure is only at a point where your muscles can handle without causing discomfort. 

  • Focus on the physical issues we have developed through the years and what hurts/bothers you and determine the source of the problem. 

  • 30 minutes is just enough time to focus on the neck and shoulders.

  • 60 minutes is good for issues elsewhere.

  • 90 minutes is perfect for a whole-body therapeutic massage.


Deep Tissue -

  • The pressure is usually firm and can, sometimes, be uncomfortable. If necessary a light touch can accomplish the same results, it would just take a longer time.

  • Our bodies have layers of muscles, deep tissue massage is designed to accomplish two things: aid the muscles under the top muscles, and strip all the muscle of their adhesions and allow the muscle strands to move freely. 

  • 60-minute sessions are necessary if there’s one complaint.

  • 120-minute sessions are enough time to provide full-body deep tissue. 

  • I’ve written another blog on Deep Tissue Massage if you want to know more.



Hot Stone -

  • The pressure is medium and is coming from the stones being used instead of my hands or elbows. 

  • The stones are heated to approximately 127 degrees.

  • Using the hot stones introduces heat to the areas being worked on and aids in releasing the muscle tension, allowing for deeper work. 

  • 60-minute sessions are adequate if that is the amount of time available.

  • 90-minute sessions are ideal. 


Reflexology -

  • The pressure used is only light to medium. 

  • Our areas of the body for reflexology include our feet, hands, and ears.

  • Clients sit up with their backs propped on pillows, or my new inclining table. 

  • During the session we are working with the points associated with the internal organs. The goal is to relax the inner workings of your body and allow proper flow. 

  • I have also written a blog on Reflexology if you’re interested in understanding it better.

  • Sessions are no longer than 30 minutes.



Sports - 90- to 120-minute sessions

  • The pressure is medium to firm. 

  • Sessions are customized specifically to meet the needs of each activity

  • Stretching techniques as well as massage strokes geared towards injury prevention and enhancing performance. 

  • Read my blog on sports massage to understand why this is necessary for everyone, not just athletes.

  • 90-minute sessions are ideal.

  • 120-minute sessions are available if necessary.


Prenatal - 

  • The pressure here is always light to medium. 

  • Only offered after the first trimester. 

  • You will be side-lying with pillows to be propped up.

  • 45-minute sessions are available and ideal for full-body massages. Of course, there are different lengths of time available if necessary. 



Chair massages -

  • Applying pressure in a massage chair is different than on a table, but firm pressure is possible, and light pressure is always an option. 

  • Great way to introduce clients to my massage, or introduce future clients to massage therapy if they’ve never had a massage and are apprehensive of the idea in general.

  • Clothes stay on and the technique is more kneading than gliding. 

  • The wonderful thing about the chair is I am able to go anywhere and provide a few minutes of rest. 

  • Sessions last 5 to 30 minutes.


My goal as a massage therapist is to aid as many people as I can. With these modalities, I truly believe that is what I am able to do. If you have any questions or believe I can help you, contact me by phone at (760) 486-8750, FaceBook messenger @elisabethsmassage, or email lizzross@massagetherapy.com.

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