Getting a massage can be one of life’s little pleasures. Not only are you taking care of your body, which is important, but as a bonus, you can leave feeling relaxed. There are many types of massage to choose from, and it can be a little overwhelming to know what is right for you. Here are three types of massage and what then entail. If you’re still unsure, be sure to talk to a doctor or massage therapist to help select the best treatment for your ailment.

Swedish Massage

If you’re looking for classic, all-encompassing types of massage, then be sure to try Swedish massage. Most massage clinics will offer this technique and a lot of gyms and wellness centers will as well. Swedish massage involves oil or lotion paired with broad strokes that lead into more specific strokes and areas.

If you are looking for all-over relaxation, Swedish massage will help. It can target specific areas of the body, such as the back or arms, but can also be useful for an all-body session. Swedish massage uses a variety of types of strokes including rolling, kneading, and rocking. It also uses circular movements and long strokes.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is an intense, focused way of providing pain relief. It targets knots in muscles, which are also know as adhesions. These muscle knots are in deep layers of connective tissue and muscles, which is why targeting them is called deep tissue massage.

While some types of massage have a reputation for being painful, deep tissue massage aims to be forceful rather than painful. Slow strokes are used across the muscle, but if you’re finding it too hard, be sure to let the massage therapist know.

Deep tissue massage is especially good for treating repetitive strain, painful muscles, injuries and problems with posture. If you have osteoarthritis, this is definitely a type of massage to consider. Likewise, if you suffer from tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, it is one of the better types of massage.

Trigger Point Massage

Trigger point and deep tissue are similar types of massage, but while one focuses on a large area, the other focuses on a specific point. This type of massage is useful if you have pain that radiates from a very specific area in the body. This is often deep with muscle and connective tissue, so a lot of pressure if used to undo any muscle knots.

Trigger point massage can be one of the more painful types of massage, although it shouldn’t hurt to the point of never wanting to engage in it enough. Be sure to keep an open dialogue with your massage therapist so that if there are any issues, you can address them.

If you suffer from rotator cuff issues, stiff joints, sciatica nerves, or plantar fasciitis, then trigger point massage may work for you.