If you’re a regular at spas, you’ll have developed an expertise for choosing the right massage. If not, this post is for you.
You want a massage, but being new to the pampering world, you are unsure of which one you will benefit from the most. How does one decide?
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision about which massage you should pick the next time the will hits you.
What types of massages exist?
This is probably the most obvious. Above all else, you should look into the types of massages that exist and that are available for you to consider. There are so many to choose from, and different companies will offer different options, depending on the massage therapists available, your location, and whether you’re looking at getting it in a spa or in your living room, to name a few.
A few examples described in more detail below are the Swedish, the Remedial, the Sports, and the Pregnancy Massage.
What is the difference between massages?
That’s a lot of massages, and as previously mentioned, whilst not all will be available everywhere, the top contenders almost certainly will be. The next step then, is to work out what each of them does and how they might help you. What do you hope to gain from your massage? This question is important because each massage type is different. Whilst there may be some overlap, ultimately, with a bit of research, it’s not difficult to find the perfect massage for you.
Some of the reasons you might want a body massage are physical, emotional, or psychological, or you just feel like being pampered. Whatever the case there is a massage for you.
Here’s a quick guide to help differentiate some of the more popular massages types to enlighten your decision:
Are you feeling stressed and need a day to just chill out and catch up on some much-needed TLC?
Swedish
With long strokes, a gentle approach, and all about releasing the tensions of everyday life, the Swedish is the go-to relaxation massage.
Do you have a physical ailment causing you discomfort that isn’t quite significant enough to warrant a visit to the Doctor?
Remedial
More intense than the Swedish, the main purpose of the Remedial is to remedy something. Sore joints, aches, chronic pain, troubled sleep, whatever the problem, this massage is designed to apply a thorough focus to a specific injury or set of injuries.
It’s intense, and some discomfort may linger for up to 48 hours following the therapy, but it comes highly recommended in the event of chronic pain. Expect a detailed assessment on behalf of the massage therapist to locate your issues, and an even more thorough treatment to help remedy them.
Have you just run a race?
Sports
The Sports massage seeks to, generally speaking, improve recovery time after training or sporting events and is tailored to your level of training and output. It isn’t as narrowly fixated as the Remedial because often, a sporting event will leave you sore all over, rather than injured in one spot. Almost entirely devoted to recovery time, the Sports massage will help get you back on track (so to speak) after a marathon.
Are you pregnant?
Pregnancy
The Pregnancy massage is for the pregnant (obviously). Pregnancy can be tough on most women, so this massage is designed to treat some of the less wanted side effects. It takes into account the discomfort experienced by lying on one’s back, with the use of specialised equipment. A pregnancy massage will help take the pressure off your feet, and help you feel more comfortable in your body. You might even get some much-needed sleep.
What not to choose
Do you have any allergies?
- Before booking yourself in for Aromatherapy, or indeed any kind of massage, it would be prudent to contact your massage therapist to see whether their products might have a negative effect on your health.
Do you have any injuries or are you sick?
- Even if you think a Remedial massage will help you, it’s always worth contacting your doctor or a massage therapist to see whether your injury or illness might be too risky to treat with a massage. It’s not worth the risk of making it worse.
Are you pregnant?
- There is a lot of contradictory research out there. Instead of relying on the Internet, a quick trip to your local GP for guidance on whether a pregnancy massage is appropriate is the safest option.
Add it all together, and…
…voila! The right massage for you is out there, it just requires a bit of research.
It’s worth bearing in mind that all our mobile massage therapists are expertly trained to tailor their massage to your needs and wants. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to regulate pressure to your liking, and to just kick back and relax.
