1. In addition to stress relief and relaxation, a medical massage focuses on a medical need. It is often used to manage pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relieve nerve compression, improve digestion, increase flexibility or treat other health care concerns.
2. It targets your needs through a variety of techniques. Spa massage and medical massage may feel similar, but their techniques differ. During a spa massage, the techniques likely focus on relaxation. A medical massage therapist will use a broader set of therapies for muscle health and recovery.
3. It includes specific follow-up recommendations. A medical massage therapist will provide a targeted plan for treatment, along with recommendations for a series of timed visits versus a periodic spa visit.

Types of massage

Based on your goals, practitioners can use multiple treatments together to meet your specific needs.

• Swedish massage
• Deep tissue and trigger point therapy
• Sports massage
• Reflexology
• Myofascial release
• Healing touch
• Prenatal and postnatal massage
• Aromatherapy
• Cupping therapy
• Graston Technique