In our chaotic and often stressful lives, most of us dream about the perfect massage.
And treatment from a professional therapist is a great solution for stress and pain relief. First timers are often a little nervous about the idea of being touched by a stranger, but there’s no need to worry: a professional massage is a stress-free and very relaxing experience.
At Radiance Salon and Spa, our massage therapists are absolute professionals who are experienced with all body types and issues including scars and body hair. They’ll do their best to make you feel comfortable, which in turn will leave your body and mind feeling great. Here are a few tips on what to expect at your appointment:
Massage can help with pain and joint stiffness as well as stress relief. Your massage therapist will discuss your medical history and areas of concern. You can let your massage therapist know if there are particular areas you’d like to work on or if there are parts of your body that you don’t want touched. If you are uncomfortable with anything, you can ask the therapist to make changes or stop the session.
When you arrive for your massage, you’ll be taken to a peaceful and calm massage room (music is optional). Your therapist will leave the room while you undress (most clients prefer to be fully undressed for their massage while others prefer to wear a few articles of clothing). Once you’re ready, you can lie on the massage table covering yourself with the fresh sheet provided.
You’ll be covered by a sheet throughout the massage, and you can expect a soothing experience. Your massage therapist will only expose the part of the body that he or she is working on at that time. Our massage therapists use high quality oils to moisturize the skin and reduce friction between your skin and the therapist’s hands.
Some suggestions for a more pleasant and effective massage include letting go of thoughts and concerns, breathing evenly and allowing your muscles to relax. Making a conscious effort to let go of muscle tension will help make your massage as relaxing and productive as possible. Also, try not to eat a big meal right before your massage.
And don’t forget, as with most service professionals, it’s customary to tip your therapist in recognition of a job well done.
At Radiance Salon and Spa, we offer several types of massage from professional therapists:
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most commonly available type of massage and is thought of as the classic form of massage. Swedish massage uses several hand strokes including gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping and shaking or vibration to release tension in your body.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is similar to a Swedish massage but with slower movement and increased pressure designed to penetrate specific trouble spots. Deep tissue massage often concentrates on problem areas and is particularly effective in treating stiffness in the neck, upper or lower back, shoulders and leg muscles.
Hot Stone Massage
The increasingly popular practice of stone massage involves using heated stones to penetrate the muscles and relieve tension. Smooth, volcanic stones are warmed and then placed on key body points to relax both body and soul.
Maternity Massage
Our popular maternity massage is a gentle massage designed to relieve stress on weight bearing joints and reduce back and neck pain, leaving you feeling relaxed and soothed. Maternity massage is available only after the first trimester and makes a great gift for moms-to-be!
In some cases, a single massage can help with occasional body pain or stiffness and infrequent anxiety. However, if you have chronic pain or feelings of stress or anxiety, you may consider adding a regular massage appointment to your routine. Radiance Salon and Spa’s Massage Club offers a great deal on monthly massages in three or six month increments.
After your massage, you’ll be feeling relaxed and refreshed. But as muscle tension is released, some clients feel a little shaky immediately following bodywork. We recommend taking it easy right after your massage. Have a cup of tea and take a few deep breaths before heading out to your car and the wider world.
A professional massage is truly one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Savor the sense of calm and relaxation you’ve just experienced and try to carry it with you throughout your day.