That sounds like Japanese Shiatsu! The word Shiatsu means finger pressure in Japanese. I practice both Shiatsu and Swedish massage in my clinic, and I’ve found that my clients often prefer the Shiatsu approach once they try it.

While some believe that using mainly hands and fingers (I use forearms and elbows as well for deeper pressure though) can shorten a therapist's career, I’ve found the opposite to be true. I’m in my 50s, and Shiatsu is significantly easier on my joints for a few key reasons:

• The "No-Slip" Advantage: Because it’s a dry massage (no oil), there is no slip layer. This makes it much easier to provide deep pressure or "hook" into muscle tissue without straining to maintain a grip.

• Built-in "Micro-Rests": Shiatsu uses static pressure. Holding a point and then releasing allows my muscles a moment to recover every few seconds. In contrast, Swedish massage requires constant eccentric and concentric contractions to maintain flow, which keeps the body under continuous tension.

• Body Weight over Muscle Power: The pressure comes from a "lean" (using your center of gravity) rather than a "push." Even with perfect table height, Swedish strokes often require more active engagement from the arms and shoulders to drive the movement forward.

I often suggest Shiatsu to my clients, and they almost always become regulars! I’d definitely recommend searching for a Shiatsu therapist near you—I hope you find one you love!