Which massage suits you? An overview of types and effects

“I need a massage” is a common sentence, and usually the start of a question, not an answer. Because not all massage is the same. Different techniques are used depending on the concern, and the difference between a relaxing wellness massage and a therapeutic deep tissue massage is significant. What suits you?

First, the most important: an integrative approach

In many practices, including Anzhelika Wyss in Opfikon, there’s no rigid prescription of one massage type. Instead, different techniques are combined in one session as needed. It starts with a brief history: where does it pinch, how often, for how long, how intense? From that, an individual combination emerges.

The following descriptions are therefore less “menu items” and more techniques that are chosen or combined depending on the situation.

The main massage techniques

Relaxation massage

Technique: gentle, flowing strokes over the whole body. Slow pace, even pressure. Often with oil, calm atmosphere, quiet music.

Effect: calms the autonomic nervous system (parasympathetic), lowers stress hormones like cortisol, promotes sleep and general regeneration. Not primarily therapeutic, but from a medical perspective not to be underestimated: chronic stress is one of the biggest health burdens.

Suitable for: – Stress, tension, inner restlessness – Sleep disorders, exhaustion – Need to “just let go” – General self-care

Deep tissue massage

Technique: slow, deep pressure reaching down to deep muscle layers and fascia. Often with forearm, knuckles, elbow.

Effect: releases chronic tension, mobilises adherent fascia, improves circulation in deeper tissue layers. Can be uncomfortable during treatment (“pleasant pain”) but often delivers the clearest relief for chronic tension.

Suitable for: – Chronic muscle tension (neck, shoulder, back) – Movement restrictions due to muscle shortening – Regular strain (desk job, physical work) – Athletic, trained people

Important: not suitable during pregnancy, with acute inflammation, or fresh injuries.

Trigger point therapy

Technique: targeted work on specific “knots” in the musculature (trigger points) with static pressure. These points often radiate pain to other body regions (e.g. neck knot → headache, hip knot → leg pain).

Effect: releases referred pain, reduces chronic myofascial pain syndromes.

Suitable for: – Headaches from neck tension – Radiating muscle pain – Chronic tension patterns – Complementing physiotherapy

Sports massage

Technique: combination of deeper grip techniques, stretching, and activating elements. Varies depending on phase (before, during, after sport).

Effect: supports regeneration after training, prevents injuries, mobilises tissue, improves circulation and mobility.

Suitable for: – Amateur athletes with regular training – After intensive training sessions or competitions – Movement restrictions from sports strain – Injury prevention

Neck & shoulder massage

Technique: concentrated work on trapezius, levator scapulae, posterior neck muscles, and adjacent structures. Combines deep tissue with trigger point work.

Effect: releases the typical tensions from screen work, stress, one-sided strain.

Suitable for: – Desk jobs with long screen time – Little time, focus on one problem zone – Recurring tension headaches from the neck – Movement restrictions in the cervical spine

Pregnancy massage

Technique: gentle strokes, lymphatic drainage elements, targeted release of pregnancy-typical tensions. In side position, with special pillows.

Effect: relieves back, hips, and legs, reduces water retention, promotes relaxation and sleep.

Suitable for: – Back pain during pregnancy – Heavy legs, swollen ankles – Stress and difficulty falling asleep – General need for body awareness in a physically changed phase

Not suitable in high-risk pregnancy, premature labour, preeclampsia, or other medical indications without medical clearance.

Decision tree: What do I need?

60 or 90 minutes, which length?

60 minutes (CHF 140): ideal for a targeted problem area, acute tension. Focus on 1 to 2 body regions. Efficient work but less space for deep relaxation.

90 minutes (CHF 190): most clients perceive this as the “right” length for a complete treatment. Time to arrive, comprehensive work, deep release. Particularly recommended for chronic patterns or when it’s about more than just acute tension.

How often massage?

• Prevention/wellness: once a month
• Chronic tension in acute phase: 1 to 2 times a week over 2 to 4 weeks
• After stabilisation: every 2 to 3 weeks
• With intensive physical/professional strain: every 2 weeks

Massage or acupressure?

Both work on tension, but in different ways:

• Massage works directly on muscle and connective tissue, mechanical, noticeable, often intensive
• Acupressure works through pressure points on meridians, subtler, energetically oriented, often perceived as “calmer”

In practice, both are often combined. For autonomic exhaustion, stress, or functional complaints, acupressure (EMR-certified, reimbursable) is often a sensible complement.

Pricing

Massage 60 min.: CHF 140 Massage 90 min.: CHF 190

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Also of interest: Acupressure as an alternative

Sources

• Crane JD, et al. Massage therapy attenuates inflammatory signaling after exercise-induced muscle damage. Sci Transl Med 2012;4(119):119ra13.

Individual results may vary. This content does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between relaxation and deep tissue massage?

Relaxation massage works with gentle, flowing strokes to calm the nervous system. Deep tissue massage works with slow, deep pressure reaching into deeper muscle layers, more effective for chronic tension, sometimes slightly uncomfortable.

Can I combine different massage techniques?

Yes, that’s how work is usually done at Praxis Anzhelika Wyss. An integrative session combines relaxation elements, deep tissue, trigger point work, and possibly acupressure depending on the history. No massage is the same.

How often should one get a massage?

Prevention: once a month. Chronic tension in acute phase: 1 to 2 times a week, then stabilisation every 2 to 3 weeks. With intensive strain, every 2 weeks.

### Read more Back pain from desk work → · Massage or acupressure for back pain? → · Relaxation massage and health → · Pregnancy massage: from when? → · Sports massage: before or after training? → · Deep tissue vs. relaxation massage →

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