Best Types of Massage for Arms and Hands

If your arms and hands need more intensive TLC, you may wonder if it's time to go beyond self-massage and see a masseuse. But what should you expect in a session, and which type of massage should you choose?

In truth, the best type of massage for arms and hands depends on your unique situation. At the beginning of a session, a massage therapist will spend a few minutes going over your health, concerns, and preferences to choose the best modality for you.

Here are some options they may recommend for your arms and hands.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a soothing type of massage that uses long, light strokes to ease pain and relax the muscle tissue. This is the type to try if you're interested in general relief and relaxation.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is helpful for athletic people, whether you're a weightlifter, tennis player, or MMA fighter. This type of massage is meant to boost performance, recovery, and your overall training regimen.

It combines deep pressure and focused work to target specific muscles, tendons, and structures that are used in your activities. The techniques that your therapist uses might include:

Vibration, rocking, or shaking

Percussion therapy

Effleurage and petrissage (Swedish-style strokes)

Deep tissue

Kneading

Friction

Stretching techniques to improve flexibility

Deep Tissue Massage

Many people receive deep tissue massages to work out deep tension and pain in active muscles, like those in the arms.

This modality uses slow, firm kneading and friction techniques to reach the deepest layers of your muscles. And it's not only good for musculoskeletal issues, but it's also a great way to relieve stress.