If there is one thing we women have in common, it is our love for a little R&R. Most of us would neglect everything else on our To Do lists for an hour alone with a massage therapist. But with over 80 different types of massage therapy, picking the right technique for you can be confusing. The most common types of massage therapy are European or Swedish, Deep Tissue, Russian or Sports, and Asian. Read about four types below to help you pick the right massage for you.

Other Common Types of Massage Therapy:
The European Massage is also known as the Swedish Massage. The therapist uses long strokes, kneading and friction on the muscles to encourage flexibility. Some styles of European massage also use hot stones to relieve tension. The European massage is the most common type of massage, and is well known for the relaxation it provides.

In a Deep Tissue Massage, the therapist uses heavy finger pressure on areas of tight muscles to release toxins and relieve problem areas such as aching necks or tight shoulders. The Deep Tissue massage can be painful, but is well known for its long term results.

The Russian Massage is commonly called a Sports Massage. The therapist uses non-evasive techniques, including stretching, to treat sports or athletic injuries. But it is also helpful for active people who want to relieve aching muscles. Many elderly people enjoy the sports massage because of its gentle nature.

Asian Massages include Shiatsu or Thai massages, where finger pressure is used to stimulate the flow of energy in the body. Asian massage therapists locate trigger points in the body and apply pressure to cure common ailments.