You’ve put on your most comfortable pair of sweatpants. Your water bottle is by your side. You’re ready for your first massage! But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? The answer starts by knowing what you want to accomplish.

“By telling us your overall health goals, or any ailments you have we can help tailor a massage to help you get the most out of your experience.” says licensed massage therapist Cymbelene Nardo with Atlantic Health System’s Chambers Center for Well-Being. “The ability to customize your treatment is one of the things that makes massage so beautiful.”

Let’s look at nine of the most common massage motivations:

I want to feel refreshed

For first-timers, a rejuvenation massage offers a great start. It’s a full-body massage that uses gentle-to-moderate pressure over a 60- 75-, 90- or 120-minute time period. If your new to massage, your therapist will help you get situated inside the room so you’re most comfortable and will explain the muscle groups to you while he or she works on them.

I want to feel pampered

Warm salt stone massages incorporate the use of Himalayan salt stones to deeply relax the body and exfoliate the skin. During this 90-minute treatment, a therapist will apply the stones with their hands to warm up your muscle tissue. Then he or she will apply moderate pressure in the back, shoulders and neck—places where pain typically exists.

Another great option for people who love to be pampered is an aromatherapy massage. You can choose from three different blends. You’ll breathe in your chosen blend before the massage begins so you feel relaxed right from the start.

I’m feeling totally stressed-out

If you need 90 minutes of pure bliss to escape the stresses of your day, the ultimate relaxation massage is a good choice. This full-body massage offers deep relaxation. You can choose the level of pressure you want. You can also incorporate warm stones, aromatherapy, or scalp and foot treatments into your massage.

If all your stress is making you tense up your muscles, a deep rejuvenation massage might be for you. This full-body, deep-tissue massage is specifically designed to relax muscle tension.

I have pain in my back and arm

A custom therapeutic massage incorporates a mix of techniques to help relieve chronic pain in certain areas of the body, including the arms, leg and back. The massage is performed with medium-to-deep pressure.

A pain management massage with the use of a plant-based remedy oil is also designed to help relieve chronic pain and reduce inflammation from the body.

I need relief after running a 5K

A deep-tissue sports massage may be what you need. It targets the specific muscle groups that get overworked during a sport or activity, helping your muscles recover, increasing your flexibility and relieving your pain.

I feel bloated

Bloating may be caused by blockages in the lymphatic system. During a 90-minute lymphatic massage, a therapist uses a very gentle, rhythmic touch to help drain buildups of lymphatic fluid, improve circulation and release toxins from the body.

I want to take better care of myself and my baby

For women past their first trimester of pregnancy, a maternity massage can ease body aches, reduce stress and soothe tense muscles. Postnatal maternity massages are also available,  

My cancer treatments are tiring me out

An oncology massage provides light-to-medium pressure and is designed specifically to help people in active treatment for cancer.

I don’t have time for a massage

No worries! An express massage focuses on one area of the body and takes just 45 minutes to complete.

Interested in experiencing the benefits of a massage? Book an appointment online or call us directly at 973-971-6301.