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.  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

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 your first session!

Have more questions?  No problem.  Book a FREE 15-minute phone call with me and we'll chat through it more!