Studies have shown that massage can help with various conditions including physical, mental, and emotional. We often get questions about the best type of massage for many situations, from a strenuous workout or stressful day at work to reducing chronic pain or relieving tension in achy muscles. Here at Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy, our therapists are focused on customizing a massage to meet your specific needs. We created a helpful guide to assist you in choosing what type of massage you might need based on your levels of activity, stress, and/or discomfort.

When you’re stressed or overwhelmed: Deep Tissue Massage

When our bodies are stressed, we can physically hold tension. Deep tissue massage is for our clients who enjoy slow strokes and deep pressure. This technique is used in helping to heal injured muscles with myofascial release to healing chronic pain and strained muscles with trigger point therapy. It can also be used as a way to prevent pain from overextending our bodies. Our therapists will consult with you about your areas of need and focus on specific areas of pain. During this massage, they may use their fingertips, knuckles, hands, forearms, and elbows to hit rooted muscles. Remember to drink plenty of water to help release tension even after the massage is over. 

When you need a good stretch: Thai Massage

If an active massage is more up your alley, choosing a Thai massage might be the right choice. Using traditional Thai massage techniques, our therapists will use their hands, feet, legs, and knees to help move your body into yoga-based stretches. Thai massage encompasses muscle compression, joint mobilization, and a range of motion, which can help relieve joint stiffness, muscle pain, and mental stress. It has also been proven to help revive energy levels, increase flexibility, and relieve headaches. This massage is performed fully clothed on a padded mat that lays on the floor.

When you need to relieve pain and tension: Ashiatsu Massage

Ashiatsu massage, also called barefoot massage, targets deep tissues in the body. This technique delivers deep, broad, and consistent pressure from the therapist’s feet and body weight. Using gravity to their advantage, the therapist will use bars above them for balance, support, safety, and to control the pressure they apply. The long strokes in an Ashiatsu massage help to elongate the spine, helping to flush the lymphatic system and improve posture. Refresh-ology is proud to be the only massage therapy location in Greenville, North Carolina that offers Ashiatsu massage. Our owner, Caroline, and our long-time massage therapist, Paige, have gone through continuing education training to provide this exclusive service to our clients. Due to this unique – and sometimes intense – therapy, it’s not recommended for first-time massage clients, those wanting light pressure, or those with certain medical conditions.

When you’ve had a tough day at the office: Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages can reduce anxiety and stress when those rough days leave us feeling down. Our massage therapists combine traditional techniques with hot stones to amplify your senses and ease tired, achy muscles. The stones are smooth, flat, and retain heat, making them ideal for using on specific spots of the body to promote relaxation, rest, and recovery. With light to moderate pressure, this massage is ideal for stress relief, light pain relief, and even insomnia. 

When you need to relax: Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common massage and most likely what you think of when someone mentions massage. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes and light, rhythmic, tapping motions to promote circulation. Our therapists focus on light to moderate pressure for advanced relaxation. Since no deep pressure points are targeted, this massage creates a calming and balancing effect on the body’s nervous system. Swedish massage is your best choice if you have never had a massage, are nervous about massage, or are just searching for some time to relax and care for your body. We guarantee your body and mind will thank you! 

When you’re experiencing achy muscles: Sports Massage

Here at Refresh-ology, we know that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to have sore, overworked muscles. Although sports massage is an excellent choice for athletes to use pre/post-performance, during training, or for rehabilitation, sports massage is for everyone. This upbeat massage focuses on assisted stretching and manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Our therapists will use moderate to deep pressure and different movements and techniques to flush toxins, increase flexibility, and help muscle tissues find their most relaxed state. 

Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy is dedicated to serving you during your wellness journey. Our friendly and knowledgeable massage therapists are here to guide you find the best massage to fit your needs. Our experts can work with you through a detailed consultation to create a massage experience that meets your goals. We’ll also address any types of concerns and answer any questions you may have during this time. Feel free to reach out so we can discuss your massage therapy options by calling us at 252-931-1111.