Which therapy will suit you?

Not sure which massage best suits you? Here are the popular picks...

✢ SWEDISH Good for muscular tension. Massage expert Beata Aleksandrowicz, founder of the Aleksandrowicz System, says, ‘If there are no specific issues, it can simply relax and ease postural pains.’ TECHNIQUES USED Long strokes, kneading, cupping and knuckling.

✢ THAI ‘It’s an intensive, stretch-based massage providing meditative, rhythmic pressure, ideal for people who don’t move enough,’ says Beata. TECHNIQUES USED The therapist will use hand pressure and sequences of stretches to align joints and ligaments.

✢ HOT STONE ‘Smooth heated stones are used to relax muscles and allow for deeper pressure to be applied,’ says John Holman, director of massage training at The Massage Company. TECHNIQUES USED Stones are usually used in circular motions.

✢ DEEP TISSUE ‘This isn’t so much about pressure, but about accessing the deeper layers of muscle tissue,’ says Ruth.

TECHNIQUES USED Therapists use their elbows, while compression techniques are also common for this massage.

✢ AROMATHERAPY ‘Massage creams and essential oils work on the olfactory system,’ says John. ‘They’re inhaled and absorbed through skin, relieving stress.’ TECHNIQUES USED Strokes are very light to allow the oil to penetrate.

✢ SPORTS ‘Not just for athletes, this can resolve soft-tissue issues such as frozen shoulder or lower back pain with a more targeted treatment,’ says Ruth. TECHNIQUES USED Forearms, hands and elbows are used.

✢ SHIATSU ‘It’s used to release tension, but also to promote a sense of balance,’ says Beata. ‘Shiatsu focuses on the body’s energy system, known as meridians.’

TECHNIQUES USED Gentle pressure is applied in different places on the whole body.

✢ TRIGGER POINT ‘A trigger point is a catch-all name for points in muscles that, when pressed, can cause referred pain,’ says Ruth. TECHNIQUES USED Usually there’s some discomfort. Compression, breath work and, sometimes, stretching is used.