Massage therapy is an ancient tradition that is becoming more and more popular in modern times. Once considered a luxury it is now offered in hospitals and clinics. There are about 160 types of massage practiced today. Each type provides the receiver with a unique experience. If you are unfamiliar with massage choosing a modality that is good for you may seem overwhelming. Let's look at the top ten types of massage therapy used in clinics and spas today.

Swedish Massage, also known as classical massage, is the most popular type of massage practiced in the West. The strokes used in this style are the foundation for many other types of massage. It consists of long flowing strokes and kneading strokes. The therapist uses oil or lotion to allow their hands to glide across the skin. It is relaxing and therapeutic. This therapy relaxes tense muscles, loosens tendons and increases circulation.

Sports Massage is no longer just for athletes. This vigorous massage has been turning up in spas more often. Normally used to treat athletes pre- and post- sporting events, this treatment concentrates on loosening muscle tissue and treating injuries. It is usually focused on specific areas of the body that are in pain.

Deep Tissue Massage is a deep therapeutic massage that works underlying muscles. The therapist uses hands, fingers, forearms and elbows to work deep in the muscle tissue. This therapy is great for treating chronic pain.

Hot Stone Massage is very popular in spas. Smooth stones are heated and placed on various areas of your body as a heat treatment. The therapist then uses oil to massage you with the warm stones.

Neuromuscular Therapy is a deep therapeutic massage that uses trigger point therapy along with other methods to loosen knotted tissue and free nerves entrapped in the tissue. It is very effective in relieving pain.

Acupressure is based on the Chinese Traditional Medicine philosophy of qi (life force). The therapist uses finger pressure to unblock the flow of qi through the body. This therapy is done while fully clothed and no oil is used. The therapy focuses on very specific points of the body and can be used to treat conditions like nausea and hay fever as well as muscular pain.

Shiatsu is similar to acupressure but the entire body is worked in this therapy. The therapist applies rhythmic finger pressure along points on the body called meridians. This therapy is done while you are fully clothed and lying on a mat on the floor.

Rolfing works deep underlying tissues of the body to decompress joints and bring alignment and symmetry to the body. This therapy is notorious for being painful, but if you communicate well with your therapist you can have an enjoyable Rolfing session. This therapy is very good at relieving muscular dysfunction. It can even make you an inch taller.

Lomilomi is an ancient form of Hawaiian massage. The therapist uses hands and forearms to do long flowing strokes. Lots of oil is used for this massage to ensure that the therapist can do uninterrupted strokes along the entire length of the body.

Chair massage is performed on-site in a portable massage chair. This massage is done at fairs, festivals and in offices. The massage is usually short, about 10 minutes. You remain fully clothed and the therapist uses compressive strokes to release muscle tension and encourage blood and lymph flow.

Now that you know what the most common types of massage are you're ready to go out and try them. Make sure that you always get massaged by a therapy who is properly trained in the field.