What happens during the massage?

First the therapist will ask you to remove the required amount of clothing needed to perform the type of massage you have agreed to have.  For example if you are receiving a back and shoulder massage you will be asked to remove all upper clothing.  If you are having an all over body massage you will be required to remove all clothing except pants.  You will then be asked to lie face down or face up on a massage couch and cover yourself with a sheet or blanket for your modesty.  The therapist will then expose the body part he/she will be working on and move around the body so forth.

Although the concept of a Swedish massage is the same, usually the therapist adapts their own routine and technique.  Please don't be afraid to tell your therapist what kind of pressure you like and also if you require a bit longer on a specific area, i.e. the neck and shoulders, which is where we carry most of our stress and tension.  Or you may be a runner, or footballer, and may then require more attention to your calves.  Which ever you prefer, you must always remember that it is 'your treatment' and a good therapist will not be offended if you ask them to adapt a technique that suits you.

Massage is deemed by many as a luxury, but to the contrary - massage is vital for our bodies’ well-being and promotes all round good health.  In fact just 1 hour of relaxation massage can have the same healing effects on the body as 4 hours deep sleep, this is due to the endorphins that are released into the body (which are our bodies healing mechanism) this is also sometimes called as the 'feel-good factor'.
So next time you feel guilty from a little self indulgence - just think about it being part of your healthy lifestyle and part of what is needed to stay young, fit and above all, healthy.

Although it is very rare that a person could not receive a Swedish Massage, there are certain conditions that may restrict or prevent a massage going ahead, therefore you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire prior to or at the time of your appointment.  If you do have any medical conditions or are taking medication, always check with your GP for approval, after all, your health is 'your' responsibility.