What is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States?

• A. Swedish massage
• B. Shiatsu
• C. Deep tissue massage
• D. Thai massage

Answer: (A)

Swedish massage is the most common massage therapy in the United States because it’s the standard Western approach that most massage programs teach and that most clients encounter first. It uses a familiar set of techniques—long, gliding strokes (effleurage), kneading and rolling (petrissage), friction, tapping, and light to moderate pressure—usually with oil or lotion. This combination makes it versatile, safe, and relaxing for a wide range of people, from beginners to athletes, so it’s widely offered in clinics, spas, and wellness centers. Its broad applicability also makes it easy to train consistently and fit into standard appointment times, reinforcing its prevalence. Other modalities come from different traditions and target specific goals—Shiatsu focuses on pressure along energy channels, deep tissue targets deeper muscle layers, Thai massage emphasizes stretching and is often done on the floor without oil—so they’re not as universally available in everyday settings.