--- title: Diving into the 5 Types of Massage description: Choosing the right massage in Boston can be tough. Luckily for you, we made it easy. Whether you want a sports massage or deep tissue massage. image: https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/hubfs/TTW-LenaMirisola-Oct19-139.jpg --- [![ripple PHYSICAL THERAPY bird](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ripple%20bird.png?width=100&height=100&name=ripple%20bird.png "ripple PHYSICAL THERAPY bird")](https://www.ripplebasecamp.com) [Book a FREE 15-Minute Phone Call](https://www.ripplebasecamp.com/contact) Open main menu Close main menu # Diving into the 5 Types of Massage [Jeremy Dupont](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/author/jeremy-dupont) [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/diving-into-the-5-types-of-massage) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/diving-into-the-5-types-of-massage) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/diving-into-the-5-types-of-massage) ![Massage physical therapy](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/hubfs/TTW-LenaMirisola-Oct19-139.jpg) # **Here in Boston, your options for massage are endless...**   **On one corner, you can go into a very bougie, 500$ massage where you get the works or just on the other corner can go into a hole in the wall location that only takes cash but might be the best massage you've ever had.   Each clinic or spa also offers a wide variety of [massages](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-boston-massage-therapy).  Do you get the sports massage? Swedish? Do you get naked? Or stay in gym clothes? These are all questions that go through both a newbie and a frequent massage goer has, and we're here to answer them! [Oh, and by the way, we're offering 50% off your first sports massage.  Don't miss it](https://www.ripplebasecamp.com/sports-massage-50-off-landing-page)**   ## **Here are the 5 main types of massage in Boston, and what to expect during each!**   **1). Swedish massage** This is your typical “Spa Massage”. A gentle, full-body massage, usually for people who are looking to let go of all the stress they have been holding in their bodies. This type of session tends to last anywhere from 60-90 minutes. Using a combination of techniques like kneading, tapping, passive joint movements, petrissage, and effleurage the massage therapist designs a relaxing experience just for you. During these types of massage, you are usually on the table under a set of sheets that the therapist uses to drape over any area that is not being worked.   **2). Deep tissue massage** Here is where we start increasing the pressure. A deep tissue massage is a good option for those of us with chronic muscle tightness and stiffness that require a bit more focused work to work out the knots that form over time. Usually lasting anywhere from 60-90 minutes these sessions tend to be more focused on particular areas of concern rather than a Swedish Massage which targets the whole body Although this type of massage is deeper pressure you should not be too sore or in pain after the session   **3). Prenatal massage** During pregnancy, women experience an increase in stress, muscle tension, and body aches. That being said, depending on what trimester they are in you want to stay away from certain body parts and deeper pressure. Prenatal Massage is a safe and effective way for women to relax and feel relief from their muscle tension.   Just like a Swedish massage, Prenatal massage uses lighter pressure with better and more ergonomic padding. Sessions usually last anywhere from 45-90 minutes and spend a good amount of time laying on your side instead of face down to accommodate for limitations in body positioning during pregnancy.   ** 4). Cupping Massage** Cupping massage utilizes the use of suction cups placed on your skin for either an extended amount of time or moved up and down your muscles to elicit a relaxation response from your body. The therapist may either leave them on in particular areas for time or move them around according to what they want to accomplish. This technique promotes local blood flow to the area of concern improving the tightness and releasing any stiff spots along the muscle. Depending on what the main issue is these sessions may last anywhere from 45-60 minutes.   **5). Sports massage** This type of massage is geared for athletes who experience repetitive stress on particular body parts. During a sports massage, you will get your movement assessed in order to pinpoint any major limitations or overuse injuries. These types of sessions are great for improving flexibility and performance. They can be structured in accordance with your training schedule. Whether you are Pre or Post competition a sports massage can help you prepare for or recover from any athletic endeavors. Lasting anywhere from 60-90 minutes a therapist may use a combination of cupping, assisted stretching, active release or deep tissue therapy to daily in on your particular issue.   Here at Ripple, we specialize in deep tissue and sports massage.  De-robe and get under the sheets, or keep your gym clothes on and get stretched in combination with your massage -- we do it all!  Plus, we're offering[50% off](https://www.ripplebasecamp.com/sports-massage-50-off-landing-page)your first session! Have more questions?  No problem.  Book a FREE 15-minute phone call with me and we'll chat through it more!       ### Leave a Comment ## Related Articles [![](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/angel+ripple+headshot.jpg)](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/blog/angel-boston-massage) ### [Meet Angel, Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/blog/angel-boston-massage) [Jeremy Dupont](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/author/jeremy-dupont) [Read More](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/blog/angel-boston-massage) [![Boston Massage Therapy](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/hubfs/angel%20massage%20elbow.jpg)](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-boston-massage-therapy) ### [The ultimate guide to Boston Massage Therapy](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-boston-massage-therapy) ## Ahhhhhh – are you relaxed just thinking about getting a massage?  There really is nothing better. Just knowing you’re about to have 60 or 90 minutes worth of shutting... [Jeremy Dupont](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/author/jeremy-dupont) [Read More](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-boston-massage-therapy) #### Location - 661 Boylston Street STE 202 - Boston, Ma - (617) 275-6022 #### Services - [Physical Therapy](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/www.ripplebasecamp.com/boston-physical-therapy) - [Sports Massage Therapy](https://blog.ripplebasecamp.com/www.ripplebasecamp.com/boston-massage-therapy) - [Hybrid Personal Training](https://www.ripplebasecamp.com/boston-personal-training) #### Contact - contact@ripplebasecamp.com Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram