Types of Massage Explained: Find the Right One for You
If you’ve ever looked at a spa menu and paused, unsure which massage to choose, you’re in good company. Deep tissue. Relaxation. Signature. Aroma Detox. Himalayan salt stones… there are lots of choices!
We sat down with one of our long-time massage therapists to talk through the differences between massage styles and, more importantly, how they’re actually used in real appointments.
Deep Tissue Massage: More About Muscles Than Pain
Deep tissue massage has a reputation it doesn’t really deserve.
A lot of people assume it has to hurt. That if you’re not wincing a little, it’s not “working.” Our therapists hear this all the time.
“It doesn’t have to hurt,” they say. “Deep tissue just means you’re working into the muscle.”
If a therapist places their thumb into an area and you can feel the muscle engage, that’s deep tissue. The pressure can be slow, steady, and very controlled. It can also be lighter than people expect.
The direct pressure of deep tissue is very effective for working out stress, making it a great choice for most people, unless you have a special sensitivity, are recovering from a procedure, etc.
This style works well if you:
Carry tension in your neck, shoulders, or back
Sit at a desk or work out regularly
Want relief that lasts beyond the table
What feels like a “four” to one person might feel like a “six” to someone else. That’s why our therapists make sure to discuss pressure at the beginning, and to check in with you throughout.
Relaxation Massage: Slowing Everything Down
Relaxation-focused massage, often called Swedish massage, is about smooth, flowing strokes and an overall sense of calm.
This style doesn’t target specific knots or problem areas as intensely. Instead, it helps your nervous system to settle.
“Some people really love those long, smooth strokes,” our therapist says. “They don’t want pinpoint pressure. They just want to relax.”
While TRUCE doesn’t heavily market Swedish massage by name, this approach is always available. If your goal is rest rather than repair, your therapist will adjust accordingly.
Relaxation massage is a good fit if you:
Feel mentally drained or overstimulated
Are sensitive to pressure
Want to fully unwind without focused muscle work
Tropical Escape Massage: A Flexible Starting Point
The Tropical Escape is great for people who don’t really know what they want yet. It incorporates tropical essential oil blends, which add a light, calming sensory layer without overwhelming the experience. This massage is customized to each client, each visit.
When you arrive, your therapist will ask a few simple questions:
How much pressure do you like?
Where do you usually hold tension?
Are you looking to relax, work things out, or a mix of both?
From there, the massage unfolds based on your answers.
Two guests can book the same Tropical Escape and receive very different massages, and that’s intentional!
Why guests often choose this option:
It’s ideal if you’re unsure what to book
Pressure and technique are fully customized
It works well for first-time visits
If you’re deciding between services and overthinking it, this is a comfortable place to land.
TRUCE Signature Massage: A Balanced Introduction
The TRUCE Signature Massage is designed to give you a little bit of everything. While every massage here is personalized, this service includes a consistent framework that all therapists follow:
A nourishing back scrub with essential oils
Compression to help muscles release
Long, flowing strokes to create rhythm
Targeted deeper work where needed
The therapist we interviewed noted that her favorite element of this massage is the included back scrub.
It uses an enzyme-based Epicuren product that exfoliates gently without being scratchy or drying. And because your back is an area you can’t easily reach on your own, it feels especially satisfying.
“I don’t like pain,” she pointed out. “This exfoliates without being harsh. It just feels good.”
This massage is ideal if you:
Are new to TRUCE
Want a balanced, full-body experience
Enjoy thoughtful spa details
Aroma Detox Massage: Calm First, Everything Else Second
The Aroma Detox Massage is designed to be a thoroughly relaxing experience.
It includes dry brushing to encourage circulation and lymphatic movement, followed by massage using detoxifying essential oil blends like lemon and grapefruit.
“It’s meant to help you zone out,” our therapist says. “People come in for this when they want to relax first.”
Some guests choose it specifically because they love dry brushing or aromatherapy. Others love this more relaxation-focused experience, rather than working out specific areas. Because it’s so effective at refreshing body and mind, this massage is featured in our Travel Recovery Ritual to combat jetlag and soreness.
This service works well if you want:
A calming, sensory experience
Light detox and circulation support
Stress relief without intense muscle work
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage: Warmth, Not a Workout
Salt stone massage looks different depending on where you go.
At TRUCE, the stones are integrated thoughtfully, rather than used nonstop. Therapists combine hands-on massage with warm Himalayan salt stones, instead of placing stones on the body for long stretches. The reason for this is that the salt stones require frequent reheating, and removing and replacing them can, in our opinion, break up the flow of the massage in an unpleasant way.
The stones contain magnesium, which the body absorbs through the skin. People who enjoy heat tend to respond well to this service.
“This one’s really about comfort,” notes our therapist. “A lot of guests with arthritis or stiffness like the warmth.”
The Reviving TRUCE Journey: A Full Reset
If you want to experience everything TRUCE is known for, the Reviving TRUCE Journey brings it all together.
This extended body treatment includes:
A salt scrub
A warm mud wrap
A scalp treatment
Time to shower and reset
A full one-hour massage
“It used to be shorter,” says our therapist. “But we made it longer so people actually have time to relax.”
The wrap is adjustable, never restrictive, and your comfort is checked throughout. Guests who feel hesitant about wraps are always encouraged to speak up. Everything can be modified.
This experience is best if you:
Are new and want the full picture
Crave a deeper sense of escape
Are celebrating a milestone or transition
In the End, It’s About How You Feel
Some days you want focused work, and other days you just want to relax. Either way, our goal is for you to leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more at ease than when you walked in.
Remember, no matter what massage you book, nothing is locked in. Your therapist will always check in, and you ask for a change in pressure or a change in focus area anytime. Our skilled therapists will apply their expertise to creating an amazing, personalized experience for you.
If you’re ready to book, you can explore our massage services, body treatments, or make self-care a regular part of your routine with a membership.
And if you have questions, just ask. That conversation is part of the experience too!