Which Massage Therapy Technique is Right for You?

If you’ve ever booked a massage and paused at the list of options—Swedish, deep tissue, prenatal, lymphatic—it’s not just you. With so many techniques to choose from, it can be tough to know which one best fits your body, goals, and lifestyle.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the different massage techniques we offer, what they’re best for and how to choose the one that’s right for you.

Why the Right Massage Technique Matters

Massage isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that’s a good thing. 

The technique that works wonders for someone with high stress may not be the right fit for someone healing from an injury or managing chronic pain. That’s because different massage methods affect the body in different ways. Some focus on relaxing the nervous system, while others target deep layers of muscle or support the body’s natural healing processes.

In short, choosing the best method for your body ensures the care you receive is both effective and enjoyable.

Types of Massage Therapy We Offer

Here’s a closer look at the message therapy options available at our center, and what each one can help you with:

Swedish Massage

This gentle, flowing massage uses light to moderate pressure to relax the entire body. It typically includes long, flowing strokes, kneading, and circular motions on the topmost layers of muscles to promote circulation and relaxation.

Swedish massage is ideal for first-time patients or anyone dealing with stress, anxiety, or general tension. It promotes circulation, encourages lymphatic flow, and leaves you feeling calm, grounded, and refreshed.

Deep Tissue Massage

Designed to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, deep tissue massage uses slower, more forceful strokes to break up adhesions and relieve chronic muscle tightness. It often focuses on areas such as the neck, shoulders, and lower back, and is especially helpful for those with old or chronic injuries, postural imbalances, or areas of persistent pain.

Prenatal & Postpartum Massage

Tailored specifically for expectant and new mothers, this nurturing massage technique eases the common discomforts of pregnancy and the postpartum phase—like lower back pain, swollen legs, and poor sleep—while promoting overall relaxation. It can also help with hormonal regulation, reduce swelling, and support physical recovery after childbirth.

Our massage therapists are trained in safe positioning and techniques to ensure your comfort throughout every stage.

(Looking for even more relief from pregnancy-related discomfort? Our team of prenatal chiropractors is here to help.) 

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic therapy designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. This technique uses very light, sweeping strokes, typically much softer than those used in Swedish or deep tissue massage. 

Often recommended after surgery or illness, lymphatic drainage massage helps to reduce swelling and promote detoxification. It can also benefit anyone dealing with fluid retention or inflammation.

TMJ Massage

If you suffer from jaw pain, teeth grinding, or chronic headaches, TMJ massage can provide targeted relief. This focused technique works on the jaw, neck, and surrounding muscles to ease tightness, improve alignment, and reduce pressure on the temporomandibular joint.

(Click here for more information about our TMJ Treatment options)

Trigger Point Therapy

This highly targeted approach focuses on releasing tight “knots” or trigger points—small areas of muscle that create pain elsewhere in the body. Ideal for clients with chronic tension, repetitive strain, or localized discomfort, trigger point therapy helps restore mobility and ease pain at its source. 

This technique can provide great relief, but may trigger mild discomfort during the session. If discomfort is ever too great, please notify your massage therapist so that they can adjust their pressure to your comfort level. 

Sports Massage

Perfect for athletes and active individuals, sports massage combines deep tissue techniques, stretching, and movement to support muscle recovery, reduce injury risk, and improve performance. It’s also great for pre- or post-event care or ongoing maintenance.

Hot Stone & Chair Massage (By Request)

Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated stones to deeply relax the muscles and ease tension. 

For those who cannot lay face down or flat on their back due to health conditions or mobility issues, chair massage offers a convenient, clothed option that targets common tension areas like the neck, shoulders, and back.

How to Choose the Right Massage Technique for Your Needs

Now that you’ve seen the different types of massage we offer, you might already have a sense of what sounds right for you. If that’s the case, just let us know when booking your appointment, and we’ll match you with a therapist who specializes in your preferred technique.

But if you're not sure which massage is best for your body or goals, don’t worry. That’s what we’re here for.

When you book your appointment, we’ll ask a few quick questions about why you’re coming in and what you’re hoping to get out of your session. Whether it’s stress relief, pain management, postpartum recovery, or just the need to feel better in your body, our team will guide you in the right direction.

Each of our certified massage therapists brings a unique set of skills and specialties. Once we understand your needs, we’ll pair you with the therapist who’s the best fit.

But our tailored approach doesn’t stop there. During your session, your therapist will also take time to learn more about:

• What you hope to achieve from the session
• Any current tension, soreness, or sensitivity
• Your activity level, posture, and lifestyle
• Whether you're healing from an injury or have chronic pain
• How you typically respond to pressure or specific techniques

From there, you’ll receive a massage that’s perfectly suited to your body.

Ready to Book?

Located in the heart of Bixby Knolls, we’ve been Long Beach’s trusted provider of massage therapy and chiropractic care since 2018. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to add massage therapy to your ongoing wellness routine, our expert team is here to help you feel your best. 

Just give us a call or fill out our secure online form to schedule your appointment today.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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