Massage Guides
What Type of Massage Should I Choose? A Guide to Massage Types
By Touch.Town Editorial Team · Published
No single massage type suits everyone. Your choice comes down to the style and pressure you prefer, the areas you want covered, and whether you'd like a mobile service or to visit a provider.
Key takeaways
- There is no single massage type that suits everyone.
- Swedish and relaxation massage are generally gentler; deep tissue commonly uses slower, firmer techniques, with pressure adjusted to you.
- Remedial massage commonly begins with a discussion of your goals and areas of focus, with techniques chosen accordingly.
- "Full body" describes coverage, not one specific massage technique.
- Massage type and appointment setting (mobile or provider premises) are separate choices.
- Tell the provider your preferences, relevant health information and anything that may affect the appointment.
There is no single best type of massage for everyone. The right choice depends on the style you prefer, how much pressure you're comfortable with, which areas you want the session to focus on, and whether you'd like a general, relaxation-oriented experience or a more targeted style. It also depends on whether you'd rather visit a provider or look for a mobile service that comes to you.
This guide explains ten common massage types in plain English, how they differ, and what to think about before you book. It's general information, not medical advice. You can also browse short definitions of each style on our massage types page.
Quick Guide to Choosing a Massage Type
The table below is a starting point. Every provider works differently, so always check the individual service description.
| Massage type | Generally focuses on | Pressure/style | Consider it if you prefer… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swedish | Long, flowing strokes, kneading and gentle circular movements | Generally light to moderate | A classic, steady massage style |
| Relaxation | A calm, unhurried experience | Generally lighter, gentle pressure | A slower, relaxation-oriented session |
| Deep Tissue | Slower, sustained techniques on specific areas | Commonly firmer, but adjustable | A firmer, more focused style |
| Remedial | Begins with a discussion of your goals and areas of focus | May range from gentle to firmer | A session tailored after talking through the areas you'd like addressed |
| Sports | Muscle groups used in your exercise or sport | Varies by provider | A focus on areas linked to the activity you do |
| Aromatherapy | Massage combined with diluted, scented oils | Often gentle to moderate | Scent as part of a calming experience |
| Full Body | Coverage of most of the body in one session | Depends on the style chosen | One session that covers back, neck, arms, legs and feet |
| Head & Shoulder | Scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back | Varies; sometimes seated | A shorter, targeted appointment |
| Foot | Feet and often the lower legs | Varies by provider | A focused session on the feet |
| Couples | Two people booked at the same time or together | Depends on the style each person chooses | Sharing the appointment with a partner or friend |
Some providers may also offer a custom or combined session. Check the provider's description to understand what the appointment includes.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a classic full-body style built around long, gliding strokes, kneading, gentle circular movements and light tapping, usually with oil or lotion on the skin.
Pressure is generally light to moderate and the pace is steady and flowing. It's a common choice for people trying massage for the first time, or for anyone who wants a familiar, well-understood style. You can usually ask the provider to adjust the pressure.
Relaxation Massage
Relaxation massage is defined more by its purpose than by a fixed set of techniques. The aim is to help you unwind, so sessions usually use gentle, rhythmic pressure, a calm setting and an unhurried pace.
Many providers draw on Swedish-style strokes for relaxation sessions. The difference is that "Swedish" describes the techniques, while "relaxation" describes the kind of experience the session is designed around.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses slower, firmer and more sustained strokes, often concentrated on particular areas such as the back, neck or shoulders.
Deep tissue does not simply mean maximum pressure. A good session works at a level you're comfortable with, and the provider can adjust the pressure as you go. Firmer techniques can feel more intense than a relaxation-style massage, so tell the provider straight away if anything feels uncomfortable.
Remedial Massage
A remedial massage session commonly begins with a conversation about what you would like the session to focus on. The provider may then choose techniques, such as stretching, deeper pressure or gentler work, depending on the service they offer and what you've discussed.
Healthdirect notes that remedial massage techniques can range from stronger, deeper pressure to gentler touch. Remedial massage is considered a complementary therapy and should not replace appropriate medical care.
If you have a health condition, an injury, recent surgery, are pregnant, or have another concern that may affect whether massage is appropriate, discuss it with an appropriate healthcare professional and with the massage provider before booking.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is generally aimed at people who exercise or play sport. Sessions often concentrate on the muscle groups and areas associated with the person's activity, for example the legs for runners or the shoulders for swimmers.
The style varies between providers. Sports massage doesn't necessarily mean very firm massage, and it isn't only for professional athletes. If this focus appeals to you, check how the provider describes their sessions.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage combines massage, often using gentle Swedish-style strokes, with diluted essential oils chosen for their scent. Some providers let you smell or choose the oils before the session begins.
Because oils are applied to the skin, tell the provider about any allergies, skin sensitivities, scents you dislike, or pregnancy before the appointment.
Full Body Massage
Full body massage describes coverage: one session that typically includes the back, shoulders, neck, arms, hands, legs and feet, rather than concentrating on a single area.
The style within a full body session can vary. It may be Swedish, relaxation-oriented or firmer, depending on the provider and what you ask for. You can usually ask for particular areas to be skipped.
Head & Shoulder Massage
Head and shoulder massage is a shorter, targeted session focused on the scalp, neck, shoulders and upper back. Depending on the provider, it may be done seated and fully clothed.
It can suit people who want a quicker appointment, or who prefer not to have a full-length table massage. Check whether scalp work is included, as services differ.
Foot Massage
Foot massage concentrates on the feet and often the lower legs, using pressure, kneading and stretching of the soles, heels, arches and toes.
Foot massage and reflexology are not automatically the same service. Better Health Channel describes reflexology as a separate complementary practice that applies pressure to specific areas of the feet. Don't assume a provider offering foot massage also offers reflexology unless they specifically say so.
Couples Massage
Couples massage is mainly an appointment format rather than a single massage technique. It usually means two people booking together, but the arrangement can vary. There may be one provider or two, the sessions may run at the same time or one after the other, and each person may choose a different style or pressure.
Not every couples appointment is set up the same way, so read the provider's description carefully. Pricing can also be quoted per person or per couple; our guide to massage prices in Sydney explains what to check when comparing quotes.
Swedish vs Relaxation vs Deep Tissue Massage
These three are the styles people most often compare.
- Swedish describes a recognisable set of techniques (long strokes, kneading and circular movements) at generally light to moderate pressure.
- Relaxation describes the goal of the session. It often uses Swedish-style techniques, but the focus is on a calm, unhurried experience.
- Deep tissue uses slower, more sustained and generally firmer techniques, usually concentrated on specific areas.
More pressure does not automatically mean a better massage. People's preferences vary widely: some enjoy firm pressure, while others find a lighter touch more comfortable. Whatever style you choose, tell the provider your preferred pressure and let them know during the session if you'd like it lighter or firmer.
Deep Tissue vs Remedial Massage
The two are often confused because they can overlap.
Deep tissue describes a technique and pressure level: slower, firmer, more sustained work.
Remedial describes an approach. The session usually begins with a discussion of the areas you'd like addressed, and the provider then chooses techniques accordingly. That may include deep tissue work, but it may also include stretching or gentler techniques.
In short, a remedial session may use deep tissue techniques, but a deep tissue session isn't necessarily remedial. If qualifications matter to you, check what the provider lists on their profile.
Full Body vs Targeted Massage
"Full body" describes how much of the body a session covers. Terms like "Swedish", "relaxation" or "deep tissue" describe the style or approach. That's why a full body massage isn't automatically the same as a Swedish massage: you could have a full body session in a Swedish, relaxation or firmer style.
A targeted session, such as head and shoulder, foot, or a deep tissue session concentrated on the back, spends the time on fewer areas. Neither is better. It comes down to whether you'd like broad coverage or more time on particular areas, and how long an appointment you want.
Mobile Massage or Visiting a Provider?
The type of massage and the appointment setting are separate decisions. Once you know the style you're after, you can choose how to have it, depending on what the provider offers:
- Visit the provider's premises, such as a studio or treatment room.
- Choose a mobile service, where the provider travels to your home or another suitable location.
Not every provider offers both, and mobile providers usually only travel within a set area. On Touch.Town, an Australian marketplace for discovering and comparing independent massage providers, each listing shows whether a service is at the provider's premises, mobile, or both. You can start from our locations page to see areas listed on the site.
What to Tell a Massage Provider Before Your Appointment
A short conversation before the session helps the provider plan an appointment that suits you. Consider mentioning:
- your preferred pressure and comfort level;
- areas you'd like the session to focus on;
- areas you'd prefer to be avoided;
- allergies or sensitivities to oils, lotions or other products;
- relevant health information;
- pregnancy or recent surgery, where applicable;
- any accessibility needs or appointment requirements.
Healthdirect advises that massage therapists should discuss relevant health information before a session. You can also ask questions at any point, and you can ask the provider to change the pressure or stop.
Before booking, it's worth comparing session length, price, the areas included, whether the service is mobile or at premises, and the information the provider shares on their profile. Our frequently asked questions cover how booking works on Touch.Town.
Explore Massage Types on Touch.Town
If you're still deciding, our massage types page has a short, plain-English definition of each style covered here. Start with the style and pressure you think you'll enjoy, then check what each provider includes before you book.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of massage should I choose?
There's no single best type for everyone. Think about the style you enjoy, the pressure you're comfortable with, the areas you want covered, and whether you'd prefer a mobile service or visiting a provider. Then check each provider's service description.
What is the difference between Swedish and relaxation massage?
Swedish massage describes a set of techniques: long, flowing strokes, kneading and circular movements at generally light to moderate pressure. Relaxation massage describes the goal of a calm, unhurried session, and often uses Swedish-style techniques.
What is the difference between deep tissue and remedial massage?
Deep tissue describes slower, firmer, more sustained techniques. Remedial massage usually begins with a discussion of the areas you'd like addressed, and the provider then chooses techniques, which may or may not include deep tissue work.
Is deep tissue massage always very firm?
No. Deep tissue massage generally uses firmer, more sustained techniques, but it doesn't mean maximum pressure. Tell the provider your comfort level; they can adjust the pressure during the session.
Is a full body massage the same as Swedish massage?
Not necessarily. "Full body" describes coverage, meaning most of the body in one session, while "Swedish" describes a style. A full body session may be Swedish, relaxation-oriented or firmer, depending on the provider.
Can I ask a massage provider to focus on or avoid certain areas?
Yes. Tell the provider before the session which areas you'd like focused on and which you'd prefer avoided. You can also ask for changes during the appointment.
Should I choose mobile massage or visit a provider?
It depends on your preference and what the provider offers. Some work from their own premises, some travel to you within a set area, and some offer both. Massage type and appointment setting are separate choices.
Explore Massage Types
Compare common massage styles and learn what to consider before choosing a provider or appointment type.
Explore Massage Types