The types of massage therapy and related bodywork available today probably numbers in the hundreds. Choosing a massage style is often less about the technique itself than it is about the skill of the therapist.

The most commonly practiced type of massage in the U.S. is Swedish massage, which uses long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the superficial layers of muscles. Probably the next most common is deep tissue massage, which uses techniques with deeper pressure to work on the deeper layers of muscles. Deep tissue is a somewhat generic term, as there are many approaches to doing deep tissue massage. This massage style may also be referred to as Deep Muscle Massage.

Here's a list of some types of massage and related bodywork that you are likely to encounter:

Acupressure is an Asian-based type of bodywork that balances the body's energy by applying pressure to specific acupoints to release tension and increase circulation. A related technique is Amma, which combines deep-tissue bodywork to muscles and ligaments with the application of pressure to specific acupoints.

Chi Nei Tsang is of Taoist Chinese origin and literally means "working the energy of the internal organs." Chi Nei Tsang practitioners are trained in Chi Kung and massage mainly the abdomen with deep, soft, and gentle touches to train internal organs to work more efficiently.

Craniosacral therapy is a technique for correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that cause pain. Strictly speaking, craniosacral therapy is not massage, but massage therapists frequently learn this technique.

Esalen Massage is a blend of Eastern and Western massage types with an emphasis on empathy, nurturing, and the healing relationship.

Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure combines gentle, deep pressure to acupoints with simple body-focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension. The practitioner holds vital points for prolonged periods of 1 to 5 minutes.

Lomi-Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian blend of massage, energy and focus work, spiritual awareness, and universal principles of alignment in body, mind, and spirit.

Manual lymphatic drainage (also known as lymph drainage massage) is a specialized technique useful for swelling when other types of massage are not appropriate. It is especially useful for edema (swelling) after the removal of lymph nodes. This technique requires advanced specialized training on the part of the massage therapist.

Massage for injury treatment (or rehabilitation massage) is more of a goal than a specific technique. Techniques frequently used for injury treatment include NMT, Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Release, and deep tissue massage.

Myofascial Release provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. (Fascia is connective tissue that covers just about everything in the body. Myofascial refers to fascia covering muscles.)

Myotherapy (also called the Bonnie Prudden Technique) is based on manipulating trigger points with specific pressure.

Neuromuscular technique (NMT) is a specific type of deep tissue massage that recognizes that location of the pain is not necessarily the source of the pain. NMT is also used to treat trigger points—painful, irritated areas in muscles caused by accidents or everyday stress and tension. Trigger points often cause referred pain.

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based form of body therapy that is effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns.

Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy-based bodywork, diet, exercise, and self-awareness.

Reflexology is an energy technique that applies pressure to the feet, hands, and ears in order to affect the entire body.

Reiki is not technically a type of massage but is an energetic healing technique involving the laying on of hands. Its aim is to balance and amplify physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy.

Shiatsu uses pressure along meridian lines. There are various styles of shiatsu, including Five Element Shiatsu, Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu, Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Shiatsu Anma Therapy, and Zen Shiatsu.

Soft Tissue Release is a specialized technique that uses stretching, movement, and pressure to create freedom and looseness and reduce pain.

Sports massage is more of a goal than a specific massage type. Sports massage techniques may be drawn from various types of massage. The distinguishing characteristic of sports massage is that it is designed to help athletes perform better. Pre-event massage prepares the athlete to move and is usually fast and vigorous. The goal of post-event massage is to reduce muscle soreness and help the athlete recover faster. Maintenance sports massage is geared toward maintaining or improving flexibility and both preventing and treating injury.

Structural integration techniques seek to re-educate the body through movement and touch and systematically release patterns of stress and impaired function. Structural integration techniques require specialized training and are not taught as part of a general massage school curriculum. These techniques include Rolfing, Structural Integration, Hellerwork, SOMA, and Kinesis Myofascial Integration.

Swe-Thai Massage blends traditional Thai medical massage with specific, advanced soft tissue therapies. The Swe-Thai routine was designed specifically by Margie Meshew in 2001 to treat general neck and back conditions.

Traditional Thai Bodywork (Nuad Bo Rarn) uses a combination of stretches, yoga-like poses, pressure along the body’s energy lines, and breathing to open up energy passages and release chronic tension. Traditionally, Thai Massage is done on a mat on the floor with you fully clothed.

Trager Approach uses light, hands-on touch and exercises to release deep-seated psychophysiological blockages that cause pain and dysfunction.

Tuina is an Asian bodywork therapy that uses smooth gliding and rolling movements of the hands and arms to open stagnant meridian channels.

Visceral Manipulation is a gentle hands-on therapy that works through the the heart, liver, intestines, and other internal organs to locate and alleviate tension throughout the body.

Watsu is a massage performed in water.

More about types of massage.