There are a number of common massage techniques employed by massage therapists. These techniques include shiatsu, deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point, hot stone, sports, aromatherapy, prenatal, lymphatic, and reflexology massages. Each technique focuses on different ways to target your body’s muscles, and the massage type you choose will depend on your reason for getting a massage in the first place. Trying to relax? Try a Swedish massage or a hot stone massage. Need help alleviating ongoing, persistent pain? Try trigger point massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage, or if the pain is brought on by labor, a prenatal massage. Some forms of massage are believed to be as effective for relieving pain as medication.