Massages are known for their ability to help people relax and unwind but did you know that there are different massage options for different issues that can provide results based on why you need the massage? Essentials Spa of Brandon offers about a dozen different massage options – each one to help our clients address specific needs. Read below to see what each massage is best for so you can make the right selection for yourself.
Employing the traditional massage techniques of a Swedish massage, the relaxation massage does exactly that—bolsters your personal relaxation and the relaxation of your muscles. Ideal for those with mild knots or tension in the muscles. The kneading, circular motions, and long strokes of this massage work into the muscle tissue to alleviate tension and associated pain caused by knots or stress.
Best for: First-time spa-goes, mild back or muscle pain, self-treat, general relaxation.
Therapeutic massages are for more than just relaxation but for rehabilitation. Focus during the massage is kept on particular trouble spots in order to slowly work away deep muscle adhesions, scar tissue, or muscle tightness. Typically results in greater flexibility and mobility, and requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
Best for: Chronic pain, severe muscle tension, injury rehabilitation
This massage uses firm pressure and deep, slow strokes along the length of muscles in order to reach lower layers of muscles and connective tissues to help break up knots or adhesions in the muscles. Greatly improves circulation to carry away the broken-down tissue of adhesions or scar tissue. A deep tissue massage can also help improve mobility and flexibility.
Best for: Individuals with chronic pain or muscle issues, severe muscle knots, or bodybuilders and athletes.
Hot stone massages employ traditional Swedish massage techniques but instead of completing the massage movements by hands, your masseuse uses heated stones. The heat from the stones is worked into the muscles, deepening the release of muscle tension while increasing circulation to the area, and reducing inflammation.
Best for: Those with more tension or knots in their muscles, joint or muscle inflammation.
This massage employs the use of a warmed bamboo stick to help apply pressure and heat during the massage. The bamboo is able to penetrate adhesions deep in the muscles better than manipulations by hand. It also helps improve circulation, encourages drainage of the lymphatic system, and provides tension relief.
Best for: Individuals with chronic pain or targeted muscle issues, severe muscle knots, and athletes.
Gentle yet firm pressure is placed over pressure points. Reflexology utilizes specific pressure points on the hands or feet to garner a specific result somewhere else in the body. For example, manipulating the pressure points at the tips of the toes can help to alleviate issues associated with the head or brain such as headaches, migraines, and sinus issues.
Best for: Individuals who do not want a full body massage or wish to target only specific results.
The massage techniques in these massages are similar to those in reflexology but on the back. Trigger point therapy focuses pressure on select points in the body as well as muscle knots, and by applying pressure in these areas the goal is to reduce pain, pressure, inflammation, or tension in other areas of the body.
Best for: Injury rehabilitation, athletes, or individuals with chronic pain.
Prenatal massages are relaxation massages just for the mom-to-be. It is a safe way for pregnant women to enjoy the benefits of a massage—relaxation, minimized muscle pain, reduced tension in the back and hips, and alleviated aches from pregnancy.
Best for: Pregnant women past their first trimester.
Sports massages focus on the stimulation and kneading of muscles and tendons in a specific area of the body, typically areas that receive repetitive use during a sport or activity or the location of an injury. Helps to improve circulation, increase mobility and flexibility, and reduce pain and inflammation.
Best for: Athletes, active or fit individuals, recovering from sports or accident-related injury.
Raindrop Therapy implements heat, aromatherapy, reflexology, and traditional massage techniques to promote complete relaxation and mental, emotional, and physical health.
Best for: First time spa-goes, mild back or muscle pain, self-treat/self-care, general relaxation.
Essentials Brandon offers aromatherapy to be offered in conjunction with any massage option. Aromatherapy is the use of specific essential oils either in a diffuser or massaged onto the skin to increase the client’s level of relaxation, boost their mood, reduce feelings associated with depression, or relieve muscle tension.
Best for: Enhancing the effects of any massage.
A couple’s massage is essentially a relaxation massage with your partner on a massage table next to you. You each get to enjoy the benefits of a massage—the relaxation and easing of muscle tension—but can also enjoy the added benefits of emotional connection with your partner. Couple massages are a great way for two people to spend quality time with each other.
Best for: Romantic couples, friends, family, or siblings.