We all need a little pampering and relaxation occasionally and massage therapy is the one of the best ways to achieve this. Whether you're looking to treat yourself or someone special, a massage is always a great choice. Many options are available, from luxurious all day long spa packages to effective 1-hour massages, there's something for everyone when it comes to the benefits of massage therapy.
Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Did you know, massage therapy is associated with many health benefits? According to Mayo Clinic, massage therapy can accomplish the following:
lessen pain and muscle tightness
increase relaxation
improve the work of the immune system and improve circulation in the body
provide relief for tense, tight muscles and increase the flexibility of joints throughout the body
relieve stress and conditions associated with it, such as tension headaches
also have mental health benefits such as reducing anxiety and depression
With so many benefits, many experts recommend getting a massage at least once per month. But if you’re not already a regular spa-goer, you might wonder, what are the types of massage to choose from and what is it like to get a massage, as well as what to expect for your first visit.
Different Types of Massage Therapy
There are many different types of massage available, each with its own set of benefits. We will describe here the types of massage we offer at Glosshouz.
Swedish Massage
Let’s begin with Swedish massage, which is the most popular type of massage, it focuses on relaxation by using long strokes with light pressure. It is a type of massage that can help relax and soothe your muscles. It involves long, gentle strokes and kneading techniques to reduce tension and promote an overall sense of well-being. The goal of Swedish massage is to relax the entire body, from head to toe. With regular sessions, you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle and improved physical performance.
Deep Tissue Massage
Next is Deep tissue massage, this type of massage is a great way to relieve chronic muscle tension. It utilizes slow strokes with strong pressure to release tight muscles and stimulate the body's natural healing process. The therapist will work deep into the muscles to help you relax, reduce stress, improve circulation, and alleviate pain.
Prenatal Massage
Next, is Prenatal massage. Did you know that pregnant women can enjoy the benefits of prenatal massage? This type of massage helps reduce stress, relieve muscle tension and reduce discomfort especially in the back of pregnant women. It also helps to improve sleep quality and overall wellbeing during pregnancy. This massage is quite popular among expecting mothers who want to take care of their bodies during this special time.
Trigger Point Massage
Have you heard of Trigger point massage? This type of massage therapy targets localized tender, painful, or hyper-irritable spots in the muscles. These spots, also called trigger points or knots, are areas where the muscle fibers have become tight and contracted due to overuse, injury, or stress. Trigger point massage aims to release these knots and restore normal function of the muscle and surrounding tissue.
Sports Massage
Lastly, we have Sports massage. It is a type of massage therapy that uses various techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. It is designed to correct imbalances caused by athletic performance, especially repetitive movements. It can also help with injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement.
Custom Massage at Glosshouz
With so many different types of massage available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. Each type of massage offers its own unique benefits, so it's important to understand the differences between them to make sure you get the most out of your experience. We believe at Glosshouz, that it is a good idea to talk with your massage therapist about what kind of treatment might be most beneficial for you on any given day. That is why we offer a “Custom” massage experience for our guests.
Glosshouz offers 3 custom massage appointments based only upon the time you desire:
60 minutes appointment for our Serenity Custom Massage (50 mins hands-on time*)
80 minutes appointment for our Sublime Custom Massage (70 mins hands-on time)
100 minutes appointment for our Surreal Custom Massage (90 mins hands-on time)
*”Hands-on time” means the time that the massage therapist is actually performing body work on you. Ten minutes are normally reserved for time to consult with your therapist and to get comfortable on the treatment table.
You might notice that all Glosshouz massages are “customizable”. This is because at Glosshouz no matter which massage appointment you book, you may always choose any type, style, and technique of massage that you prefer (as discussed above). This contrasts with other typical spas that charge extra for deep tissue or prenatal, for example. With us you will just pick the amount of time and then consult with your therapist about the type of massage which will be beneficial for you at the time of your appointment.
What to Expect for Your First Massage.
If this will be your first massage ever, you might wonder, what is it like to get a massage? And What should you expect for your first massage? Now, we’ll describe the process of how you will get a massage at the spa and what you can expect.
First, you’ll want to text/call or book online – choose the appointment based upon the amount of time you would like to reserve for your first custom massage, 60 – 80 – 100 mins. Next, you’ll choose any massage Upgrades or Add-ons you desire. Upgrades and Add-ons at Glosshouz are the same options, but while Upgrades are included during your massage time, Add-ons simply add extra time (15 mins) to your massage appointment time.
Upgrades and Add-ons at Glosshouz for your massage therapy session may include the following:
Hot stones – warmed flat, smooth Baltic stones glide over your body to heat tired muscles and tissues.
Full-body sugar scrub – Vigorous exfoliating and relaxing scrub which moisturizes and smells divine is rubbed over limbs and body and removed with steamed hot towels.
Reflexology for hands and feet – technically a science in relieving pressure points and ailments but chosen typically because it feels so relaxing.
Peppermint scalp massage – Peppermint oil is drizzled to scalp and massaged into hair which can revitalize your senses and provide hair follicle stimulation
CBD (non-psychoactive) – CBD Cannabidiol is used for spot treatment or for full-body pain relief treatment.
Once you’ve chosen your massage duration and any Upgrades or Add-ons to book your appointment, you will want to arrive at the spa early. In fact, no later than 15 mins prior is required, but you can always come sooner to have more time for a refreshment (mimosa or other) and for changing in the locker room. Also, keep in mind that when you first arrive, you will also need to first complete an intake form which will ask you a few short questions about your medical condition, your massage preferences for pressure, and any areas to avoid or focus upon, as well as you will need to sign a liability consent.
What to Wear for your Massage Appointment
One burning question that all spa-goers always have is - what should I wear for my first massage? To attend the spa, you can arrive wearing anything you like! At Glosshouz, we offer a nice ladies’ lounge area with lockers, robes, and slippers and this is what you will change into prior to your massage therapy appointment. Under your robe, which you’ll remove during the session, you should dress down to your comfort level. While you may have a female or male massage therapist (you may ask for your preference ahead of time when you are booking), be assured that these individuals are professionals and are extensively trained to maintain your modesty during the massage session. Massage Therapists “drape” your body so they are careful to only uncover the massage sheets from one limb at a time to perform the body work. Regardless, spa-goers may choose to leave undergarments on during a massage, or they may choose to go bare. All dress scenarios are completely appropriate and up to each individual guest.
Once you are dressed in robes and slippers for your massage appointment, you will go to the “Relax Room” where you will wait by the fireplace for your massage therapist to come and collect you at the time of your appointment.
What is it Like Getting a Full-body Massage
When you first meet your massage therapist, they will ask you how you are feeling. They may ask if there is any specific area of pain or discomfort that they can address during the session. They will review your intake form with health history and other personal information. For example, if you are pregnant, you would want to make sure you tell your massage therapist this. Likewise, if you have an injury that you would like them to stay away from, you should let them know ahead of time. If you prefer not to talk during your massage, this is an option you can inform your therapist of as well. Though, typically, they are in tune with your own lead on talking or just relaxing and not speaking during the session. Typically, your massage therapist will check in with you about “how is the pressure”, they want to ensure that you are receiving the type of massage that you prefer. Everyone has different needs when it comes to massage therapy, and even for each individual, these needs may differ from one session to the next. Always remember, you are in charge of your massage therapy session, and you are encouraged to speak up during the massage to give your therapist the feedback they desire to provide you with the best massage therapy session possible.
To get ready to begin the massage, your therapist will leave the room for a couple of moments while you are instructed to undress and get on the treatment table under the sheet and blanket. The treatment table is also warmed with a heating pad. Ahhh!
Most massage therapists will have you start face down, though not always, but they will instruct you as to the starting position before they leave the room for you to get undressed and ready. Depending on your needs for massage therapy on this day, the therapist will then proceed to undrape each area of the body that they are working on and give you the pressure and type of massage that you have requested in that area. Then, they will re-drape you (cover that body area again) and move on to the next body area. They will continue to do this, until all of the body areas have been thoroughly massaged: back, neck, arms, legs, glutes, calves, hands and feet.
During your massage, relaxing spa music is playing and aromatherapy scents are filling the room. The experience should be very relaxing and stress-relieving.
Concluding Your Massage Therapy Session
Typically, towards the end, your massage therapist will hold the blankets/sheets up over you in a tented fashion and they will instruct you to turn over and slide your head off the face cradle and down onto the treatment table area. While you are now lying on your back, they will finish the massage with shoulders and neck and/or any scalp massage that you’ve requested.
When it is time to conclude your massage therapy appointment, your therapist will let you know and will step out of the room momentarily to let you get redressed. When you are ready, come out of the treatment room and your therapist will take you back to the Relax Room. Here, you can take your time and have some fruit-infused ice water while you are relaxing. When you are ready, you can go back to the locker room and get dressed. Once you are dressed, you’ll come back out to the reception area to check out. Don’t forget to book your next massage in one month, the recommended interval for massages by many experts.
After the massage, if you have received deep tissue therapy today you may feel some stiffness or soreness in the next couple days. This is completely normal, but it should subside within a day or so. Be sure to contact your massage therapist if you have concerns after having a massage. Drinking plenty of water after the massage may help to flush the metabolic waste from the tissues and muscles.
Are you ready to get your first massage?
Book your appointment at Glosshouz today or text/call us 303-459-4210.
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