With so many styles on offer, choosing can be confusing. Here are the seven most common types of massage in Australia, compared side by side.
| Type | Best for | Pressure | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxation / Swedish | Stress relief, general wellbeing | Light to medium | $70–$110 / hr |
| Remedial | Pain, injury, tightness | Medium to firm | $90–$140 / hr |
| Thai | Stiffness, flexibility, staying clothed | Firm, stretching | $70–$120 / hr |
| Reflexology | Foot-based relaxation, gentle therapy | Firm on feet/hands | $60–$100 / hr |
| TCM / Acupuncture | Holistic health, pain, energy | Needles / acupressure | $80–$130 / session |
| Day spa | Pampering, special occasions | Light to medium | $90–$250+ |
| Sports / Physio | Injury recovery, performance | Targeted, varied | $90–$150 / session |
Start with your goal: to unwind (relaxation or day spa), to fix a specific problem (remedial or physio), or to stretch and energise (Thai). If you are still unsure, call a clinic and describe what you want — a good therapist will point you to the right style.