Traditional Thai massage is nothing like a Swedish massage. You stay fully clothed in loose clothing and lie on a padded floor mat while the therapist uses acupressure, compression and assisted stretching to move your body through yoga-like positions.
Thai massage works along energy lines rather than individual muscles. The therapist uses hands, elbows, knees and sometimes feet to apply firm, rhythmic pressure while stretching your limbs and spine.
Firm and active. You are a participant rather than a passive recipient — your body is gently moved, pulled and pressed. It should feel releasing, not sharply painful.
Sixty to 90 minutes is ideal. Traditional Thai uses no oil; some studios offer an oil-based Thai variation, so ask which style they provide.