Massage Modality Questions/Preferences

Hi,

I enjoy getting the occasional therapeutic massage from an LMT. I currently have a membership to a large national massage chain but find the therapists to be hit or miss depending on my preferences, their experience level, and technique. I typically try different providers until I find one I like, but after some time they inevitably leave.

My question revolves around modality types, which I am not that familiar with. I think I typically get Swedish massage, but not sure how that differs from say “deep tissue” other than the pressure. I generally prefer “deep” fingertips with a decent amount of pressure around isolated muscle areas rather than say a therapist bearing her elbow down on a sore spot or using “broader” strokes with whole hands or palms. Is there a “type” of massage I should request?

One of my favorite therapists described her technique as something between Swedish and “acupressure” but I can’t find much on what an “acupressure” massage is. I generally prefer medium to deep pressure but also like it to be soothing/relaxing rather than traditional deep tissue.

What other modalities are there and how do they compare. Do any of you have a favorite type, and why?

This is from my wife, who is a LMT. If you go to a chain, it will be hit or miss. Swedish is all they tend to be good at, so it’s not surprising that’s what you’re getting. Deep tissue would tend to be, as you said, could be elbow on a sore spot. Maybe say you like Swedish with pressure, but not too much pressure.