A Guide to Choosing Your Treatment at Massage by Danielle
If you’ve ever looked at a list of massage treatments and wondered, “Which one do I actually need?”, you’re certainly not alone.
Massage has come a long way, and today there are so many different treatments available – from traditional Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage to lymphatic drainage, facial massage and specialist therapies such as Madero Therapy.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert before you book.
For me, massage has always been about the individual. Every person who walks through my door is different. We carry tension differently, our bodies respond differently, and what we need from a treatment can change depending on what is happening in our lives.
Sometimes you might want help with a particular area of tension. At other times, you simply need an hour where you can stop, switch off and allow somebody else to take care of you.
So, if you’re thinking about booking a massage but aren’t quite sure which treatment to choose, here’s my simple guide.
“My neck and shoulders feel really tight”
This is probably one of the most common reasons people come to see me.
Long hours at a desk, working on a laptop, driving, looking down at our phones and everyday stress can all leave us carrying tension around the neck, shoulders and upper back.
A Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage is a great choice if these are the areas you particularly want me to concentrate on.
Rather than spending time on a full-body treatment, we can focus the session on those areas that need attention most.
If you feel as though your muscles need something a little firmer, Deep Tissue Massage may be another option.
Deep Tissue Massage uses firmer, more focused techniques to work with areas of muscular tightness and tension. Despite the name, however, massage shouldn’t simply be about applying as much pressure as possible. I always adapt the treatment and pressure to the person in front of me.
“I just need to relax”
Sometimes there doesn’t need to be anything wrong.
You don’t need to have a painful shoulder, a stiff back or a particular concern to justify having a massage.
Sometimes you’re simply tired.
Life can be busy. We spend so much time rushing from one thing to another that giving yourself permission to stop for an hour can feel like a luxury in itself.
If relaxation is your main priority, a Swedish Massage is a wonderful place to start.
Using traditional flowing massage techniques, Swedish Massage is designed to help you relax, unwind and enjoy that lovely feeling of allowing both your body and mind to slow down.
Another beautiful option is Warm Bamboo Massage.
This treatment uses smooth, warmed bamboo sticks alongside traditional massage techniques. The warmth and rolling movements create a deeply soothing experience and can be a lovely choice when you want something a little different from a traditional hands-on massage.
As we move away from summer and towards the cooler months, this can be an especially comforting treatment.
“I feel puffy, bloated or heavy”
This is where lymphatic massage may be worth exploring.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in moving lymph fluid around the body. Unlike your circulatory system, it doesn’t have a heart continuously pumping that fluid around, so movement, breathing and muscular activity all play their part.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage uses gentle, rhythmic techniques designed to encourage lymphatic flow.
Some clients are surprised by just how gentle this form of massage can be. It isn’t about deep pressure or vigorously working the muscles. It’s a very different experience from something like Deep Tissue Massage.
I also offer Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, which takes a more dynamic approach.
Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage combines drainage-inspired massage movements with more energetic body-contouring techniques. Clients often choose it when they are particularly interested in feelings of puffiness or bloating, as well as the appearance and contours of the body.
If you’re unsure which type of lymphatic treatment would be most appropriate for you, please ask. I’m always happy to talk you through the differences.
“I’m interested in body sculpting and contouring”
This is an area of massage that has become increasingly popular, and I now offer several treatments for clients interested in body contouring.
One of these is Madero Therapy, sometimes known as Wood Therapy.
Madero Therapy originated in Colombia and uses specially shaped wooden massage tools to work across different areas of the body.
The tools come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used alongside hands-on massage techniques. It creates a very distinctive treatment which can feel more targeted and energising than a traditional relaxation massage.
Clients often discover Madero Therapy because they’re interested in body contouring, skin texture or the appearance of cellulite, while others simply enjoy the focused massage experience.
I also offer a combined Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage and Madero Therapy treatment.
This brings the rhythmic, flowing techniques of Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage together with the targeted wooden tools used during Madero Therapy.
It’s a lovely option if you’ve been curious about both treatments and would like to experience them together.
It’s important to me, however, that we keep our expectations realistic. Massage isn’t about creating a so-called “perfect” body. Every body is different.
For me, these treatments are about helping you feel cared for, confident and comfortable in your own skin.
“My face looks tired or puffy – and I hold tension in my jaw”
We often think about massage as something we have on our back, shoulders or legs, but we can carry an enormous amount of tension in our faces too.
Think about how often you clench your jaw, frown at a screen or tense the muscles around your face without even realising you’re doing it.
I currently offer two different facial massage experiences.
My Natural Facelift Therapy is a relaxing, non-invasive facial treatment using massage techniques designed to work with the facial muscles while giving you a wonderful opportunity to switch off and unwind.
For clients looking for something a little more advanced, I also offer my Quantum Sculpt & Drain Facial Massage.
This treatment combines facial lymphatic drainage and sculpting techniques with an intraoral buccal massage technique, where some of the muscles are carefully worked from inside the mouth.
It can be particularly interesting for clients who carry tension around the jaw and lower face or who are interested in facial sculpting and reducing the appearance of puffiness.
Don’t worry if you’ve never experienced buccal massage before. I’ll explain everything beforehand, and the intraoral element is only ever carried out with your full understanding and consent.
“I’m pregnant and my body needs some TLC”
Pregnancy brings some incredible changes to the body – but those changes can also bring new aches, tension and tiredness.
Pregnancy Massage is specifically adapted to make massage comfortable and appropriate during pregnancy.
The techniques are generally gentler than those used in treatments such as Deep Tissue Massage, and particular attention can be given to areas experiencing tension and discomfort.
Most importantly, it’s also time for you.
Pregnancy can become very focused on preparing for the baby’s arrival, appointments and everything that needs doing. A massage gives you an opportunity to stop for a while and concentrate on your own comfort and wellbeing.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or particular medical concerns, I recommend speaking to your doctor or midwife before booking.
“My head feels full and I just want to switch off”
Sometimes stress seems to settle around our head, neck and shoulders.
If that sounds familiar, you might enjoy an Indian Head Massage.
This treatment concentrates on areas where many of us hold tension and can be a lovely choice when you don’t necessarily want a full-body massage but still want the opportunity to relax and decompress.
It can also work well when you’re short on time and simply need a little space in your day to stop.
What if I still don’t know which massage to book?
Then please don’t worry!
You don’t have to diagnose yourself or arrive knowing exactly which treatment you need.
One of the most important parts of what I do is listening.
Tell me what has brought you to massage. Tell me where you’re feeling tension, what you’d like to focus on and what you’re hoping to get from your appointment.
And tell me how you want your massage to feel.
Some people love firm pressure. Others don’t. Some want an invigorating treatment, while somebody else may want nothing more than to close their eyes and completely relax for an hour.
There isn’t a single massage that’s right for everybody.
That’s why I tailor my treatments to you.
Make a Little Time for Yourself This September
September always seems to bring a change of pace.
Summer begins to fade, schools return, holidays come to an end and suddenly diaries start filling up again. For many of us, it’s almost like pressing the reset button and returning to our usual routines.
It can also be a good time to remember to put a little space in that diary for yourself.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, struggling with muscular tension, curious about lymphatic drainage or body-contouring massage, expecting a baby, or simply feel ready to try something new, I’d love to welcome you.
You can find me at Body Matters Clinic in Belsize Village, London, where I offer a wide range of professional massage and facial treatments in a friendly and welcoming environment.
And if you’re still wondering, “Which massage is right for me?” – just get in touch.
We can work that out together.
Make today the day you put you first.
