Those who have never had a Thai massage before may be in for a nice surprise. There are a few significant distinctions between Thai massage techniques and the “normal” procedures used by western massage therapists. Many of these differences will be obvious right away, and a few may surprise you. However, as you progress through the massage, you’ll learn that they exist for very excellent reasons.

What’s the Difference Between a Thai Massage & a Regular Massage

Classic Western Massages vs. Thai Massage

The lack of equipment is the first thing you’ll notice when comparing Thai massage to traditional western approaches. While Swedish and deep tissue massages are performed on a massage table, Thai massages are performed on a floor mat. This gives the customer a more comprehensive range of motion, which is useful. Because, unlike western massage approaches, a Thai massage will not have you resting on your back or stomach.

Neither will your masseuse, who will benefit even more from being on the floor rather than stooped over a table. The masseuse goes all about and above the client during a Thai massage to access a broader range of angles over each region of the body, even when the client is much larger than the masseuse.

Rather than merely employing hands, fists, forearms, and elbows — the usual Swedish masseuse’s instruments — the Thai masseuse may also use legs and feet throughout the massage. They frequently utilize a mix of both to establish leverage as they begin deep stretches of the client’s arms, legs, hips, and shoulders.