Aloha bhenry,
Yes, massage can help with releasing physical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual blockages.
All massage is not the same. All touch is not the same.
Swedish, Hot Stone, Thai, Lomi-Lomi, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Watsu, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic, etc...each are unique.
Talk to the SalonSpa or independant massage therapist you're considering going to and ask for their recomendation for what you are looking for, taking into account your limited experience with massage, personal comfortability, and flexability
A respectable therapist or spa director will find a custom fit for your needs and will be willing to refer you to another specialist or spa if it will better suit you.
Feel free to email me if you have any further questions. I have been trained in sacred bodywork in Santa Fe, Kauai, and New York as well as having very close independant and spa friends that teach, train, develop and do most types of bodywork as well as friends that own some wonderful SalonSpas.
A luscious treatment for someone who's anxious or In-Their-Head (and that I take advantage of when available) is a Lomi-Lomi Hawaian two person massage. Having someone working on your upper body as someone else is working on your lower body allows one to let go of "tracking" or following what's going on and just relax through it. It is a wonderfully intentional and nurturing work.
If you have access to someone skilled at Syntropy, a massage modality developed by Shari Sunshine (which is based off of the Feldenkrais method), you will find yourself leaving the table wondering "Oh, I thought that pain, tightness, and limited range of motion I used to have was normal!"
It really comes down to the therapist - and one with good hands, heart, and expertise is invaluable. Find someone who's very highly recommended and don't expect that the experience you have with one (good or bad), will be what you'll get from someone else-even if they do the same type of massage.
Once you get a good referral, talk to them ahead of time about your expectations and needs, and let them explain what they'll be doing so that your brain can let that part go. Finally, let go of your thoughts as you lay down on that table and treat yourself.
Remember that if you need to tell them something during the treatment go ahead -it's your experience. On the other hand, ask your questions before getting on the table -once your on the table be there for you.
Smile, take a slow relaxed breath and thank your body for all it's done for you. Thank the hands that are nurturing it right now, and thank yourself for taking care of you.
You can fall asleep, yawn, giggle, shed a tear, smile...enjoy
babyada: hot stone massage can be a moving experience. It tends not to be coupled with the deep tissue/St John's method work like you seem to be referring to as a personal favorite, but is a gift to yourself and body none the less.
Much Love, Shawn