Swedish massage is a deep tissue massage, employing many of its basic strokes, but applying more pressure. Traditionally Swedish massage is performed with the hands and the fingertips.

This therapy focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains, like stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness and sore shoulders.

Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during, or after sports events. You might use it to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. Or, it may help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.