Which type of massage is right for me?

Not All Massage Is Created Equal — Here’s How to Find What Your Body Actually Needs

Massage isn’t just about “relaxing.”
It’s about recovery, performance, pain relief, or just moving better in your own skin.

But with all the options out there, it’s easy to feel like you’re guessing:

• “Do I need deep tissue or something gentler?”
• “What’s therapeutic massage actually for?”
• “Is this going to hurt… in a good way or a bad way?”

At YFS (Your Form Sux), we match your massage to your goals — not just your tension.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of massage — and how to know which one’s right for you.

✅ 1. Deep Tissue Massage

Best for: Chronic muscle tightness, knots, postural tension, and “I carry my stress in my shoulders” people.

This is the one people think of when they say, “I need someone to really get in there.”

Deep tissue targets the deeper layers of muscle and fascia — but it’s not about pain for pain’s sake. At YFS, we apply deep pressure strategically, with your breathing and feedback guiding the session.

👉 Choose this if you want serious release work with a purpose — not just pressure for show.

✅ 2. Therapeutic / Clinical Massage

Best for: Injury recovery, rehab, mobility issues, and functional movement problems.

This style blends assessment and treatment. Your therapist will look at how you move, identify what’s contributing to your symptoms, and treat accordingly.

It may include:

• Soft tissue release
• Fascial work
• Trigger point therapy
• Movement re-education
• Home care exercises

👉 Choose this if you’re dealing with pain, injury, or specific limitations — and want results, not just relief.

✅ 3. Relaxation or Swedish Massage

Best for: Nervous system down-regulation, stress management, burnout, and mental reset.

This one’s not about digging in — it’s about calming everything down. Long, flowing strokes, gentle pressure, and rhythmic pacing signal your parasympathetic nervous system to chill.

👉 Choose this if you’re overwhelmed, anxious, touch-averse, or need your nervous system to come off high alert.

✅ 4. Sports Massage

Best for: Athletes, active people, and gym-goers prepping for or recovering from intense training.

This is goal-driven massage that helps:

• Reduce muscle soreness
• Improve circulation
• Address muscle imbalances
• Restore tissue mobility
• Support recovery timelines

It can be deep or light, depending on the timing in your training cycle.

👉 Choose this if you train hard, move often, and want to stay ahead of injury.

✅ 5. Prenatal Massage

Best for: Pregnant clients looking to reduce discomfort, swelling, and stress — safely.

Our RMTs are trained to position and support your body properly during each stage of pregnancy. Prenatal massage helps with:

• Low back + hip pain
• Round ligament discomfort
• Neck/shoulder tension
• Sleep quality
• Nervous system calm

👉 Choose this if you’re expecting and want a therapist who understands what your changing body actually needs.

✅ 6. Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Best for: Post-surgical clients, swelling, inflammation, or anyone needing gentle detox support.

This is a light-pressure, highly specific technique that supports your lymph system — helping move fluid, reduce puffiness, and support immune health.

👉 Choose this if you’re recovering from surgery or dealing with persistent swelling/inflammation.

Final Word: The Right Massage = The Right Intent

Your massage should match:

• What your body is asking for
• What your nervous system can handle
• What phase of recovery or performance you’re in

At YFS, we don’t do one-size-fits-all sessions. We ask questions, assess your needs, and match you with a therapist who can actually help you feel better.

Still not sure which massage is right for you?
Book a consult or chat with our team — we’ll help you figure it out, no guesswork required.