01 Oct Do you know what you want?
Have you ever wondered about having a massage but not sure what to expect or where to go?
It can be a minefield with all the different descriptions of treatments such as:
Holistic massage, Swedish massage, Aromatherapy massage, Indian head massage, Hot stones massage, Warm Bamboo Massage, Hot lava shells, Thai foot massage, Shiatsu massage, Acupressure massage, Myofascial release, Reflexology, Deep tissue massage, Sports massage.
Wow! That’s a lot of massages, no wonder it’s confusing.
The first thing to consider is why you would like to have a treatment, is it due to a particular issue such as backache, shoulder pain, headaches, sports injury? Or are you looking to be wrapped up in warm fluffy towels for some calm relaxation and to switch off completely, breathing in beautifully scented aromatherapy oils?
If there are specific issues to address, then a deep tissue or sports massage could be what you need. You do not have to be a sportsperson or have a particular injury to book a sports massage, common work-based aches and pains such as stiff neck and shoulders or tight hamstrings due to sitting down for long periods will all benefit.
Aren’t sports massages painful? I shall not lie, they can be, but any soreness after treatment is usually short-lived. Having said that, you do not need to be brutalised, there are many techniques used that are effective without you having to writhe around in pain. No pain, no gain is not always the answer.
What if you just want that spa experience, the soft music playing in the background, dim lighting, scented candles? Book yourself in for an aromatherapy massage where the scented oils toy with your senses! Or a relaxing Indian head massage, great for winding down and relieving stress-related headaches.
If you have had massages in the past, how did you feel? Did you wish the therapist had used more pressure because it felt as if she was hardly touching you? Or were you gritting your teeth in silence wishing it would end because it was so painful? Then next time, tell them! It is your massage, your time, your money. Most therapists will ask at various times if the pressure is okay, so say if it is not. Don’t be afraid of asking the therapist to apply more/less pressure, we would prefer it if you said as no-one wants a client to be dissatisfied. It should be a really enjoyable, satisfying experience which you do not want to end.
Where do you go? Some therapists will work from a salon or clinic, some are mobile and will visit you at home, so you have a choice. I shall just mention men at this point. I know it can be difficult for men to find a female therapist who will take you on as a client if they do not know you and this is because there is a small minority of males who spoil it for the majority. They will contact a massage therapist expecting the services of a massage parlour and so from a safety aspect, many female therapists will not take on male clients unless they are friends with/related to/referred by one of their existing clients. But some therapists will take on male clients, I have acquired many male clients over the years without any real problems, so you can get a massage, don’t give up hope!
We appreciate many of you who are used to our wonderful massage at work service are missing us and some spas are not yet open. Fear not! Our team of therapists, dotted around the UK, are happy to see you for individual treatments. Just let us know if you would like a 1-hour treatment at a clinic or your home and we will see if any of our therapists are in your area.
Contact Kathy Scott on 07989 367669 or email info@handsonatwork.co.uk and we will see what we can do.