What Type of Massage Should I Get? A Los Angeles Guide
Choosing a massage in Los Angeles can be harder than it sounds. There are many styles, and they are not interchangeable. A relaxing Swedish massage is very different from deep tissue work, while lymphatic massage has a completely different purpose from sports massage.
The right choice depends on what you want from the session. This guide breaks down the most common massage options so you can choose a treatment that fits your body and your reason for booking.
12 Types of Massage You Can Get in Los Angeles
1. Couples Massage
A couples massage is about the experience as much as the massage itself. Two people receive treatment during the same appointment, usually in the same room.
It works well for partners, friends, or family members who want to relax together. Each person can still have different preferences. One person may want lighter pressure while the other prefers firmer work.
Best for sharing the experience with partners.
2. Hot Stone Massage
If regular massage pressure feels good but you want deeper relaxation, hot stone massage can be a strong option. Heated stones are placed on specific areas and may also be used during the massage.
The warmth can help tight muscles soften, allowing the therapist to work without relying entirely on heavy pressure.
This is particularly appealing if you carry tension in areas such as the back, shoulders, or legs but do not want an aggressive deep tissue session.
3. Combination Massages
Not everybody needs one technique from start to finish. Combination massage allows the therapist to use more than one approach during the same session.
For example, you might benefit from relaxing Swedish techniques over most of the body with firmer work on particularly tight areas. Another session may combine stretching with traditional massage techniques.
This can be useful when your needs are mixed. Maybe your shoulders are tight, your legs are tired, and you still want the overall session to feel relaxing.
If you are unsure which style fits you, a well-planned combination massage can be a practical choice. Tell the therapist what feels wrong rather than simply asking for “everything.”
4. Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is often the easiest place to start if you have never had a massage before.
The techniques are generally designed for relaxation, circulation, and reducing everyday muscle tension. Pressure can usually be adjusted, so you do not have to choose between extremely light and extremely deep work.
We recommend it if you want relief from general tension, mental stress, tired muscles, or simply want to feel more relaxed.
It is also a good option when you do not have a specific injury or physical problem that needs targeted treatment.
5. Thai Massage
Thai massage is different from a typical table massage. It commonly involves pressure, assisted stretching, and movement of the body through different positions.
It can be a good fit if you feel stiff rather than simply sore. People who spend long hours sitting or who want more mobility-focused bodywork may prefer this style.
Thai massage can feel active compared with Swedish massage. If you want to lie still and completely switch off, another style may suit you better.
It is best when you want stretching and mobility to be as important to you as massage pressure.
6. Contouring Massage
Contouring massage is generally chosen by people who want a more sculpted or defined appearance. Techniques may focus on areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or other parts of the body.
The important distinction is that massage does not permanently remove body fat. Changes in appearance after a session can be temporary and may relate to fluid movement, tissue manipulation, or reduced bloating.
If your goal is relaxation or relief from muscle tension, this is probably not the first massage to choose. If your main interest is body contouring, discuss exactly what the treatment can and cannot accomplish before booking.
7. Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage uses very gentle, controlled movements. It is not supposed to feel like deep tissue work.
The treatment is focused on supporting lymphatic fluid movement and is commonly considered when someone has swelling or a specific need for lymphatic drainage. The appropriate technique depends heavily on why the person needs it.
This is one massage where choosing the right therapist matters. If you have swelling related to surgery, a medical condition, or another health issue, ask your healthcare provider whether lymphatic massage is appropriate.
Do not choose lymphatic massage simply because you assume lighter pressure is better for swelling. The reason for the swelling matters.
8. Medical Massage
Medical massage is more targeted than a general relaxation massage. The session is built around a specific physical complaint, condition, injury, or treatment goal.
Instead of giving the same full-body routine to everyone, the therapist may focus on particular muscles, areas of restricted movement, or patterns of tension related to the problem.
This can make sense when you have a clear issue rather than simply wanting to relax.
If you are recovering from an injury, dealing with persistent pain, or receiving treatment for a medical condition, explain your situation before the session. Massage should complement appropriate medical care, not replace it.
9. Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy changes what is comfortable and what is appropriate during a massage. Pregnancy massage is adapted for the pregnant body, including positioning, pressure, and areas that may need special attention.
It can be helpful for common pregnancy-related discomfort such as tired legs, muscle tension, and general body soreness.
The therapist should know how far along you are and any relevant instructions from your healthcare provider.
If your pregnancy has complications or you have been given restrictions, get clearance from your healthcare provider before booking a massage.
10. Sports Massage
Sports massage is not only for professional athletes. It can make sense for anyone who trains regularly, runs, cycles, lifts weights, plays sports, or repeatedly uses the same muscle groups.
The session can be adjusted around your activity. Depending on timing and your needs, the focus may be on loosening overworked muscles, maintaining mobility, or supporting recovery.
Tell the therapist what you do, how often you train, and which areas take the most stress. A runner and a weightlifter may need very different work.
We recommend it when your physical activity is the main reason your body feels tight, tired, or overworked.
11. Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is usually chosen when you want more focused, firmer work on areas of persistent muscle tension.
It can be useful for people who feel that a lighter massage does not address certain tight areas. The therapist may work slowly and apply sustained pressure to deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
But deep pressure is not a requirement for an effective massage. More pressure can also be too much, especially if the area is already irritated or injured.
It is an ideal choice if you have specific areas of stubborn muscular tension and prefer firmer, targeted work. Tell your therapist immediately if the pressure changes from therapeutic to painful.
12. Watsu Massage
Watsu is performed in warm water. The water supports your body while the practitioner guides gentle movements, stretches, and massage techniques.
The experience is very different from conventional massage. There is less focus on digging into tight muscles and more emphasis on floating, movement, relaxation, and supported stretching.
Watsu can be worth considering if you enjoy water-based treatments and want a quieter, slower experience.
Choose it when being supported in warm water and gently moved through stretches appeals to you more than traditional table massage.
Final Thoughts
The best massage for you depends on the reason you are booking it. Still, you should not choose a massage based only on the name of the service. Explain your goals, symptoms, problem areas, and pressure preferences to your massage therapist before the session. A trained therapist can then recommend the technique that fits your needs and let you know if a different approach would be more appropriate.
Choosing the right massage is less about finding the most popular option and more about matching the treatment to what your body actually needs.
Resource development: Content developed by Massage In LA. Research and digital content support for this guide was provided by EleviaGrowth.