How to get most out of your next massage at a Spa
Choosing the right Massage Therapy for you
I've worked in the massage
industry now for almost 20 years. Admittedly mostly in resort spas and day spas.
I've enjoyed working in this environment for several reasons. What I want to do
for you, the consumer, is to guide you to knowing the best type of massage
therapy for that will help you get a wonderful massage.
In the last twenty years or
so it seems that there's a massage facility on every corner, and hundreds more
on the web which could make deciding which one will fit your needs a daunting
quest. And how do you know you'll even be happy with the massage you receive
and the money you've spent. I agree it can be like a crap shoot. I've had
guests report that they had less than desirable massages, which is really too
bad. At least it hasn't discourages them from seeking a massage with someone
else. So what makes a great massage for you? Why are seeking a massage? These
may seem like obvious questions to answer but let's look a little deeper so
that you can make the right choice and hopefully not be disappointed.
The history of massage has
been used a remedial therapy for centuries. Massaging causes various physiological
effects which comfort the body. Manually kneading or manipulating the soft
tissue to relative pain, stress, discomfort and to promote overall health and
wellness.
So let's examine the types of
spas. There is the Day Spa, the Resort Spa, the Destination Spa, Salon Spa, and
the Franchise Spa.
The Day Spa
is smaller with one –three rooms. It may
or may not have a relaxation room. Most don't offer a robe or shower facilities
so make sure you wear comfortable garments that may absorb some of the massage
oil residue.
If you're booking for a group of you &
your friends make sure they can accommodate you all. Is it important to all get
your treatment at the same time? Also,
are all the rooms private?
If these amenities are
important to your relaxation time then ask them make sure you ask ahead of time
so there won't be any disappointing surprises.
Salon/day spas
are similar to the day spa and most will also provide a hair/nail salon. Here
the noise and smells may be a deterrent for your relaxation.
Personally I find that noise from all chatter
and hair blowers a great distraction for me.
Resort Spa
will have a relaxation room again if you're doing a party make sure there is
enough seating for everyone and do they provide any beverages and snacks. They
will have the robe/slippers and shower in the locker room and maybe even a sauna.
Here you can spend as much time as you want relaxing before and after. And you
can receive a variety of services for your day of pampering.
Destination Spa
is very similar to the resort spa but it will feature many other amenities such
as a week of cooking healthy meals, Yoga, Pilates you name it.
The next thing you want to
examine is what type of massages services they provide.
Within the massage/bodywork field there are
hundreds of types of different massage therapy styles ranging from the many
Eastern techniques to our western style Swedish. They all offer a different
benefits, which is a story for another time, but the massage work will affect
the body in different ways.
The benefits depend on what it is you're
looking for. What type of discomfort are you experiencing chronic pain, acute pain,
or no pain at all, but just want to take the time to just relax and unwind? Chronic pain is something that you've been
dealing with for some time such a tight neck or tension between your shoulder
blades from working on the computer. Acute
pain is more from being the weekend warrior on a ski trip or over doing it at the
gym or sleeping in a different bed with a different pillow on your vacation.
Generally, the terms that are
used are for relaxation are Swedish, wellness massage will increase circulation, allowing the
oxygen and the blood nutrition to be delivered to all parts of the body , also reduces the tension in those over used muscles
and decrease the stress hormones which allow you to relax and sleep better.
Deep Tissue, Deep Massage,
Sport Massage are the terms that denote a more direct, deep pressure to relieve
pain and restore a more normal movement in the very deep muscle layers. This
type of massage may not be very relaxing and yes there are tender points that
will cause some discomfort or even pain when massaged.
Deep tissue massage therapy stimulates circulation
in areas of pain allowing muscles to relax and loosen and thus alleviate pain
even in sever conditions.
This work usually focuses on
a specific area or musculoskeletal problem. An efficient way to recover after
injuries from falls, sport, and even whiplash
.
A holistic massage therapy
combines a balance of Swedish massage therapy and deep tissue. This combination
provides the relaxation that increases your well being and unwinds those pesky
musculoskeletal problems. The therapist will also take the time to find the
cause of your discomfort.
The goal for any type of
massage is to provide a way for the person to find a homeostatic state or feel
balanced.
Though massage is considered
safe for most people, however there some groups of people that should avoid
circulatory massage. Which they can't receive another type of bodywork which is
just as relaxing such as Cranial-Sacra l work or a type of energy work. Folks
that are experiencing bleeding disorders, low platelets counts or taking blood
thinners. In addition massage should be avoided over areas of the body with
blood clots, open wounds or people with weakened bones.
Make sure you let your
therapist know if you have any medical or physical conditions that may affect
the work they perform on various areas of your body without causing you any
harm. Also, if the discomfort of their work is too intense for you be sure to
voice that because their work should never be beyond your comfort level.
Lastly, there are 5 basic techniques
are applied with either pressure or just strokes. Effleurage, Petrissage,
Percussion, Vibration and Friction.
Effleurage strokes are long,
gliding & soothing. These strokes are done to warm up the muscle tissue or
to finish. They can be performed with either an open flat hand or the forearm
with a little more pressure.
Petrissage or kneading
loosens the muscles. Skin and muscles tissue is rolled or squeezed gently and
firmly by grasping between thumb and fingers. Helps to release the fascia from
the skin and muscles.
Percussion or Tapotment is
done with both hands, fingers and fists. This stroke stimulates the muscles by
chopping, cupping, slapping, and hacking.
Vibrations strokes stimulates
the nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back & forth rapidly on the soft
tissue to shake them.
Friction strokes are used to
break up adhesions & congestion. The hand or fingers are moving rapidly or
slowly crosswise over the superficial tissues.
All these technique sin
combination of each other will provide
the many benefits of well being , pain relieve that you are seeking.
Remember each therapist will apply
their very much like artist working on a canvas and that no two massages are
ever the same because you bring your body with different needs each time.
Relax enjoy and stay as healthy as you can.
