Choosing a Massage That’s Right for You

Choosing a Massage That’s Right for You

When booking a massage, you may be wondering which type of massage would be right for you.  Massage is massage, right? Well, yes, but choosing the right massage will increase the chance that you reach the desired outcome.

Let’s dive into the world of massage. If you’re looking to relax and not be in “good pain”, then Neroli’s Signature Massage is the most fitting choice.  This service is all about de-stressing the body, and does not aim to fix that shoulder you haven’t been able to raise for a week.  The Signature Massage uses the “Swedish,” or relaxation, style.

So, let’s say you try the Signature Massage, but think the pressure could be a bit more even if your massage therapist increased the pressure after you asked. Alternatively, the pressure could be adequate, but certain areas still seem like they could use more work when doing a full body massage. This may indicate that a Therapeutic or Deep Tissue Massage would suit your needs more.

Deep Tissue Massage has been renamed “Therapeutic” in the massage industry.  This style is usually deeper than a relaxation-focused service, but varies depending on the client.  It has been renamed because it is more about seeking pain relief for specific areas or conditions.  It is slow and specific work, especially as the pressure deepens. Therapeutic Massage not only works the pain area you feel directly, but also the surrounding areas that work alongside the pain area, to increase your results.  It’s all connected.  For example, as the therapist, I want to focus on the upper shoulder where client feels it.  But if the upper shoulder is stubborn, I know if I work the outer and under side shoulder areas, and then go back to the primary stubborn upper shoulder area, then those stubborn upper shoulders release more and with less time.  This may mean that even with longer sessions, a full body massage may not always be accomplished.  Longer sessions make it more likely, but it just depends on what you feel you need.  It may be worth foregoing a full body massage for a few sessions to really address stubborn areas.

Length of time of appointment is also important to match needs with outcome.

• 35 minute massages are good for working on specific parts of body, but not the full body. This is most commonly used to work the back and neck. However, a runner may want hips, legs, and feet.
• 50 minutes is an ideal time for full body work.
• 80 minutes is an ideal time for full body work as well as extra time to work on focus areas.
• 110 minutes is an ideal time for full body work as well as even more focus area time.

Timing greatly depends on the client, their body, stress levels, and how long the tension and stress patterns have been  building.  It may also depend on frequency of massage appointments, and when your last massage took place.

The more frequency of services = the more the body can reset stubborn patterns for lasting relief.  I mean, if I only go to the dentist once every two years, I cannot expect the same results as if I go every 6 months. It’s as simple as that!

So, if you need increased focus work, schedule longer appointments. And if you still need more relief, massage frequency is key.  Let’s say you receive a massage once a year; that is better than no massage, but may not be adequate to experience enough effect on the muscular patterns.  Try fitting in a massage seasonally, or just four times a year, and see if you notice a difference. If you’re looking for a greater effect, increase your massage routine to monthly or biweekly.  Some bodies even do best with once a week!  Some need just a couple sessions to feel better, while others may need a few months.  Use frequency to get results faster and after that goal is achieved, it’s best to stick with some type of monthly or seasonally maintenance regiment.

You can tell if receiving more frequent services is helping your body by feeling a greater result after nearly every session.  If not, exploring another therapy or a combination of treatment may lead to better results.  Chiropractic work, physical therapy, acupuncture and massage are very complimentary to one another.  You may experience better results combining therapies if massage helps, but you still hit that plateau that you just can’t break through.  Regular massage services can increase benefits of relaxation, too.  I like to think of it as hitting the reset button for the body, mind, and nervous system.

Here’s a rundown of specialty massages offered at Neroli: 

• Stress-Fix Body Massage is a popular specialty massage choice. It’s 80-minutes of blending relaxation and deep tissue, incorporating acupressure and foot reflexology for a full body experience. This pressure is customized to what your body needs at the time, either relaxation or deeper muscle work. We also can combine the two types for those who are a little in between. Aveda’s Stress-Fix calming aroma is used throughout.
• Chakra Balancing Massage is 80-minutes, but does not cover the full body. This service focuses on therapeutic  massage techniques on the back, as well as foot reflexology, and Chakra energy balancing (light holding touch for energy centers). The result is grounding, balancing, and centering.
• The Aveda Hydrotherm Massage is 80-minute of full body work while face-up throughout. Cradled on warm water filled cushions kept at a constant 98-100 degrees, your therapist will reach under you to massage the backside of body. The massage uses a more relaxation-focused style and the warmth of the cushions help your muscles release tension as soon as you lay down. This massage is most suitable for the average body type.

• Stone Massage is 80-minutes of full body work. Mostly focusing on relaxation, but varies on your therapist. Smooth lava stones are great tools to aide in deep tissue work, and brings a sense of comfort and warmth.
• Maternity Massage is also available. Please inform when booking so we can have setup ready for you. We use specialty cushions which allow you to be face down with your belly supported.  You can also switch to side lying on the cushion if that is more comfortable.  Most guests find the specialty cushions to be very comfortable, and this gentle full-body massage is all about nurturing mama-to-be.

I hope this helps define your choices for you.  I look forward to seeing you and working with you soon!

Blog written by North Shore Massage Therapist and Nail Designer, Corey. Schedule your reservation on the Neroli app, online reservations or call 414.227.2888.