Choosing the Right Massage

I want a massage, but I don't know which one to book.

That's probably the most sensible place to start.

You don't need to understand massage techniques or work out which treatment name best describes what your body needs. Tell me what has brought you here and what you'd like to get from the session.

Maybe your shoulders and upper back constantly feel tight. Perhaps your legs are heavy after training or physical work. You might feel generally stiff and want some proper attention paid to it.

Or nothing particularly hurts at all. You simply want to switch off for an hour.

Those are much more useful starting points than knowing the name of a massage.

So, what would you normally recommend?

For many clients, the Signature Hot Oil Massage is a good place to begin.

It's a full-body treatment that can be adapted to you rather than following exactly the same routine for everyone. That means we can spend more time where you need it, adjust the pressure and still keep the overall treatment relaxing.

If you've got tension through your shoulders and upper back, tired legs, tight hips or simply feel like your whole body needs a reset, we can work around that.

What if I want something firmer?

Then tell me what you're feeling rather than simply asking for the hardest massage available.

If you've got persistent muscular tension or particular areas that feel tight, Deep Tissue Massage may be more appropriate. It allows us to work more specifically and progressively through areas that need greater attention.

But deep tissue doesn't mean spending the session gritting your teeth.

More pressure isn't automatically more effective. The aim is useful treatment, not seeing how much discomfort you can tolerate.

What if it's from the gym, sport or training?

That's where Sports Massage may be the better fit.

You don't need to be a professional athlete to benefit from it. If you train regularly, run, cycle, play sport or have particular muscle groups taking a hammering, the treatment can be focused around what you're doing and how your body is responding to it.

That might mean working on your legs after training, shoulders from lifting, or areas where repeated movement is leaving you feeling tight or restricted.

The important bit is knowing what you're doing, what you're feeling and what you want to get back to doing comfortably.

What if I don't want all that, I just want to relax?

Then say exactly that.

Not every massage needs a problem to solve.

If what you really need is warmth, slower work and an opportunity to properly switch off, a Hot Stone Massage may suit you better. The treatment is relaxation-led, using warmed stones alongside massage to create a slower, deeply relaxing session.

And if you don't want to talk while you're having your massage, that's fine too. You can request a Silent Massage and enjoy the time without feeling obliged to make conversation.

Sometimes "I've had a bloody long week and I want an hour to myself" is all the treatment objective we need.

Do I have to have a full-body massage?

No.

If there's a particular area you want to concentrate on, tell me. Likewise, if there's somewhere you don't want massaged, that's fine too.

Your treatment should reflect what you actually need and what you're comfortable with, not what a predetermined routine says should happen next.

We'll agree what we're doing before we start, and you remain in control throughout the treatment.

What if I'm still not sure which one to choose?

Don't worry about choosing perfectly.

Book based on what seems closest to what you're looking for, or get in touch and tell me what's going on. I can help guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.

And if we talk when you arrive and it becomes clear that something slightly different would suit you better, we can adapt the session where appropriate.

You're booking time to look after yourself, not sitting an exam on massage terminology.

Okay, I've chosen. What happens next?

If this is your first visit to ManSpa, you probably have a few questions.

What information do I need from you? What happens when you arrive? Is there somewhere to shower? What do you wear? How much do you take off? Do you have to talk? And what happens if you want me to change something during the massage?

All perfectly normal questions.

That's exactly what the next Guide, Your First Session, walks you through.