Massage types compared
A relaxing massage uses light pressure and enveloping movements over the whole body, a deep tissue massage applies firm pressure to specific areas, a sports massage prepares for or recovers from effort, and lymphatic drainage uses very light rhythmic pressure.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- A standard session runs 50 to 60 minutes.
- The price in a hotel setting runs 60 € to 120 €.
- Deep tissue work can leave soreness for 24 to 48 hours.
- Lymphatic drainage uses very light pressure, not deep pressure.
Asking for a massage without saying what it is for is the fastest way to leave the room feeling it achieved nothing.
The four main types
Relaxing aims to reduce general activation with light pressure and steady rhythm across the whole body. Deep tissue locates areas of tension and works into them, covering less area with more intensity. Sports adapts to the moment, with stimulating work before effort and recovery work after. And lymphatic drainage uses very light rhythmic pressure following the lymphatic pathways.
| Type | Pressure | Usual duration |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxing | light | 50 to 80 minutes |
| Deep tissue | deep and localised | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Sports | medium to deep | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Lymphatic drainage | very light | 50 to 80 minutes |
| With hot stones | light with heat | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Head and face | light | 25 to 40 minutes |
| Price in a hotel | 60 to 120 € | 50 minute session |
Which to ask for
With localised tension in the neck and trapezius after weeks at a desk, 30 minutes of deep tissue focused there does more than 60 of general relaxation. To switch off on holiday, relaxing. After a long day of hiking or cycling, sports recovery. And for heavy legs or fluid retention, drainage, which should not be confused with a firm massage because its pressure is precisely the opposite.
What to say before starting
Where it hurts and since when. Recent surgery, implants and injuries. Anticoagulant medication, which requires the pressure to be adapted. Allergies to oils or essences. Pregnancy and the week of gestation. And your tolerance to pressure, because firmer is not better: a massage that produces a defensive contraction achieves the opposite of what was intended.
After an intense deep tissue session it is normal to feel sore for 24 to 48 hours, and worth drinking water and avoiding heavy effort that day.
When it is not the right answer
With fever or acute infection, thrombosis or suspicion of it, wounds and skin conditions in flare, recent fractures or acute inflammation with heat and redness. And where pain has no explanation, particularly if it is worse at night or progressive, medical assessment comes before massage: back pain that has not improved in 2 weeks is not a treatment room matter.
Frequently asked
+What is the difference between relaxing and deep tissue?
Relaxing uses light pressure over the whole body; deep tissue applies firm pressure to specific areas.
+What is lymphatic drainage?
A very light rhythmic massage following the lymphatic pathways, not a firm massage.
+What does a session cost?
Sixty to one hundred and twenty euros for 50 minutes in a hotel setting.
+Is soreness afterwards normal?
After an intense deep tissue session, discomfort for 24 to 48 hours is normal.
+When should I not have a massage?
With fever, acute infection, suspected thrombosis, wounds, recent fractures or acute inflammation.
Sources
- 1Ministerio de Sanidad, Gobierno de España (August 2026)
- 2Govern de les Illes Balears, Govern de les Illes Balears (August 2026)