Spa’s Are The Best
If there is one thing that living in London has taught me, its that stress is only around the corner. I deal with issues like rent, illnesses and mental health on a daily basis and stress causes my body pain. You see, I have scoliosis, hypermobile joints and a dislocated deltoid, all of which leaves me in pain most of the time. The biggest factor is my lack of sleep which leaves me feeling sore and disorientated yet my lifestyle contributes too. I spend hours on my feet or in front of a computer screen, meaning that I do not give my body enough rest, causing knots underneath the skin. Knots feel like stones and if you feel my upper back and neck you would be alarmed to feel how many there are underneath the skin.
But I digress, my back is completely f***ed up but it doesn’t have to stay that way, I still have time to fix things. My physio always recommended me having deep tissue massages to release some of the pain from my upper back but I could never afford to what with the cost of living in London. Luckily there was a savior on board and that savior was Spa and Massage. Renowned for their aromatherapy and deep tissue massages could they tackle the severity of my joint issues? There was only one way to find out. As I scurried into Spa and Massage, I was eager to flee the rain. Despite being 15 minutes early the therapist was available immediately and after offering me a plant based natural tea I was whisked into the treatment room. I notified my therapist R that I had a few allergies but she assured me that all of the products used were natural and did not irritate the skin, thus I felt satisfied that the treatment would be without complications.
To begin with R poured warm oil over my feet and legs and gently massaged them with great attention to the balls of the feet and calves. It felt like a peaceful dream and I sighed wistfully at the thought of being able to relax like this at home. R said my legs were in good shape and I laughed and said ‘wait until you start doing my back’, but I was thankful that there were no knots in my legs. Regardless, she explained ‘ you should still have a full body massage because it will allow the rest of the body to relax’ and she is right. As I said to her I have had tons of supposed ‘full body massages’ in the past that were not full body massages at all. When she asked me what I meant by that I explained that they only did half of the body which she agreed with me is a complete swizzle. After all that is like leaving a job half done and expecting it to have magically cured all your problems.
I was impressed by R’s upfront manner and she was happy to answer any questions I had regarding massages and the treatment. Having hailed from Romania, R has over 10 years of experience in physiotherapy and because she has worked with the disabled, elderly and those with severe back issues she was able to pinpoint problem areas in the body and help alleviate the tension. For me, when R got to the back she was careful to ask me whenever she was applying pressure whether I was feeling pain. After all there are very important nerves in the central nervous system and one false move can leave you in more pain than necessary. In reality though, throughout most of the treatment there was very minimal pain and instead I felt ticklish. I was pleased that she paid greater attention to the problem areas including my deltoid, upper back, shoulders and neck as that is where most of the pain was located. It is only when R began ‘squeezing the knots’ from underneath the skin that I felt pain but R was very quick at locating the knots and popping them.
R was gentle and always made sure that I was comfortable with the amount of pressure and although the upper half of the body massage was not as relaxing as the bottom half I knew I needed a deep tissue massage to feel better. Plus R succeeded in removing every single knot which I was surprised about since no other masseuse has been able to leave me completely knot free. Because of the nature of the massage, R explained that I would feel some pain for a few days but not to worry as it was normal. It was true, already I felt soreness in my shoulders but I did feel so much better than I had pre-treatment. Having advised me to have a massage once a week I made a wish to the wish fairy to grant me an infinite pot of money where I could take some time out and give myself up to the massage gods.
The next day I had very little sleep but to my surprise despite the soreness and the nausea from my illnesses I did feel more relaxed and my friend told me she could see a visible difference in my mood. C told me that I looked ‘far more relaxed’ and in less pain than the rest of the week and it was true. I had been sick the entire week and extremely dizzy yet the day after the massage my dizziness was abated and I only threw up a few times which was a miracle! By day two the soreness was minimal and the massage had even helped me focus and be more productive. When you are being sick your productivity levels weaken but because of the massage I felt so much better.
Pros
- If you have any back issues a deep tissue massage can temporarily alleviate tension and remove knots
- It allows you to have some me time and relax, an experience we could all benefit from
- The experience is simple but effective, paying close attention to problem areas
- Tea! Specifically caffeine free tea which is great as I can’t have caffeine.
- The therapist was friendly but professional and answered any queries I had about the treatment
- For 6o Minutes the deep tissue massage only costs £59
Have You Ever Had A Deep Tissue Massage?
*Disclaimer
Please note I was given this treatment for free but this does not affect my review and all views are my own. If you have any queries about my disclosure policy please email me using the contact form provided.
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This sounds great. I haven’t had a deep tissue massage before x
Only 5 pounds? What a deal! Your experience sounds amazing. Maybe when I’m in London again, I’ll pop in this shop. I love massages in theory but I’m extremely ticklish and I laugh and squirm. Especially my feet. I’m going to have to try again and truly relax.
P.S. Always looking lovely!
Girl, I feel your pain! Because I work from a computer I often find myself gathering knots in my neck and back. Thanks for the reminder to go get a massage! 😉
I loved reading your post. Within the past three months I’ve added a massage to my monthly ritual. It’s made a world of difference! Thanks for sharing
Although my schedule is not so hectic, I still feel tired and have body pain now and then. I personally love head and foot massages a lot, helps to relax me completely. Back in India, massages are much cheaper so one can get those frequently. I recommend you take a trip there…You would come back rejuvenated!
I can relate so much to this and I too have been recommended to go for weekly or fortnightly deep tissue massages! If only they weren’t so pricey, it all would add up! p.s I LOVE the eye makeup you’re rocking!
I really want to have another massage, especially a deep tissue one as they’re so relaxing and you feel so good after x
I do love having a massage. Personally I prefer a hot stone massage, but I’d love to try a deep tissue one x
wouldn’t it be great to get a massage every week. I know near to me the local collages charge a small fee for people to have treatments done, maybe that could a cheaper way round it. I’m glad your massage has made you feel better x
Deep tissue massages are wonderful, especially full body massages. I wish that I was able to have them on a regular basis, once a week would be heaven! It sounds like your experience with R at Spa and Massage was really great, I’m glad you felt some good relief.
This sounds so good and beneficial when you’re suffering like you are. £5 is such a bargain too, would love to have a service like this near me xo
I’ve never had one, but I would love one! xo
Oh I need this right now. I am unwell and in pain and this sounds heavenly. Kaz x
I have had a deep tissue massage, I looooove it!
I love deep tissue massages. They are the best! Ps. Love your outfit.
Never tried a deep tissue massage or a massage of any kind actually! I have been feeling a sore back as my job has been more manual recently x
I could really do with a deep tissue massage especially for my shoulders x
This sounds really great! I’ve never had a massage in my life, but always wanted one!
Glad you had a good experience. Also..I love your fluffy jacket!
My mummy could really do with a massage! She’s very stressed at work this month and her shoulder really hurts, hopefully a nice bath might help.
Oh I need one of these right now, so ready for a bit of relaxation x
When I tried, spa was a great solution for my sleeplessness and neck pains. In particular it was water what really helped me, cold water massages on my neck.
oh wow that sounds incredible and I think I need to be adding a spa day to my wish list for this year for sure
I haven’t actually had a deep tissue massage yet. Must give it a go! I’m a bit of a wuss though so that’s why I’ve avoided it!
I can imagine that your life is very hectic. I’m sure that massage was amazing. It’s great when you can find a place that is so attentive to you and your needs.
I’ve started getting quarterly deep tissue massages. They are just heavenly. I tend to hold a lot of stress in my neck and upper back. Last year I also did a hot stone massage…it was quite the indulgence, but completely worth it!! On another note…I LOVE this outfit. Absolutely gorgeous skirt! The metallic design is just stunning!
I sit all day at work, often with bad posture, so my back gets really sore and there’s nothing I enjoy more than going to the spa and receiving a nice, long massage 🙂
I have never had a deep tissue massage, but it sounds so good. I sleep 5 hours on work days because either I studied late, or I drank coffee late, or my mind wouldn’t stop thinking so my rest time is limited. My school bag is also pretty heavy and school isn’t around the corner. Any kind of massage would be a great deal of help to me!
That sounds awesome! I think it’s nice to be able to get a deep tissue massage. I sit all day working in front of my computer and it would be nice to experience a massage like this!
I had therapy from BUPA on my shoulder, neck and back. They’ve been giving me pain for years.
My wife has just given me a gift voucher for a massage! I’ll report back on how it compares to your experience! 🙂
This sounds absolutely amazing and you definitely needed and deserved it. Its not something I have ever tried before but i too suffer with a bad back and this sounds like something that I could benefit from having as well x
Sounds very relaxing I could really do with having a massage like this especially with the stress and strain of day to day life.
I love going for massages. They’re a great way to me to relax, chill out and have some phone-free time! xxx
I have definitely had my fair share of deep tissue massages and they are amazing when done properly. Up until we moved to Norway I would get regularly massages… once a month or so. I have back issues as well from competitive gymnastics so the massages always helped with the pain.
If there is one thing I am always in need of its a massage but not yet had a deep tissue massage before.
This sounds like something i need! Ive never had one before but my back plays up more often than not and would definitely benefit!
I love having a deep tissue massage, its so relaxing x