If your regular treatment isn’t quite hitting the right spot, you may be trying one that doesn’t suit. Angela Beitz finds out which one is for you.
Massage is a great way to unwind from our busy and stressful lives, and it’s also the perfect way to escape for a bit of me time. But with so many options available to us, how do you know which one is for you, or which ones should be avoided if you have injuries or common ailments? We spoke to spa director Hannah Dowd, from Anantara Spa at Emirates Palace, to get the lowdown on which treatment is right for you.
Thai massage
Thai massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure with the hands and feet. These movements help to adjust the skeletal structure, increase flexibility, relieve muscular and joint tension, stimulate internal organs and balance the body’s energy system. It is known to many as ‘passive yoga’ because it offers the ultimate body workout while allowing you to enjoy a wealth of stretching, flexibility and vitality benefits.
Best for: Those who are feeling very tight, want more flexibility and are stressed and need an intense massage. It’s also good for people with back pain and neck pain. Can also help with high blood pressure, sinus problems and chronic fatigue.
Places to try: Namm Spa, Dusit Thani Hotel (02 698 8888). Anantara Spa, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara (02 656 1000). Anantara Spa, Emirates Palace (02 690 9000).
Swedish massage
Swedish massage is based around the Western concept of anatomy and physiology which involves using movements to warm up the muscle before attempting to remove knots and gradually break down fibrous tissue.
A Swedish massage has no particular speed, pressure, rhythm or sequence set, so you will find an array of styles and variations around world. However the traditional Swedish uses light to medium pressure, so this is best suited for people who have some pain or stiffness and would prefer the method of heating up the body for an easier release of tension.
Best for: Increasing your circulation and reducing swelling from injury. This will also help lower back pain, anxiety, migraines and water retention.
Places to try: Talise Spa, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (02 811 5555). Tips & Toes, Marina Mall (02 631 2730).
Pregnancy massage
Pregnancy or prenatal massage is a therapeutic massage that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of pregnancy. It focuses on pressured areas of the body such as the neck, shoulders, mid and lower back, legs, calves and certain areas of the feet and ankles. This provides a nurturing experience for the mother-to-be and relieves any mental and physical fatigue she may be experiencing. During this massage, it is important that the correct support is given to the mother-to-be when positioning her before applying any massage pressure, especially when she is in her last trimester, explains Hannah.
Best for: Helping to reduce fatigue, swelling and sciatic pain. Can be applied during the birth as well as after making both experiences easier and more comfortable.
Places to try: So Spa, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 813 777). Zen the Spa, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi (02 697 9000).
Deep tissue massage
A deep tissue massage targets the underlying tissue structure of the fascia and muscles which can be referred to as connective tissue. Deep tissue massage can break up and eliminate scar tissue from previous injuries and releases the built-up toxins by loosening the muscles that are stressed and possibly blocking nutrients and oxygen pathways. This process can often be quite a painful experience and may cause inflammation and soreness in the days after the treatment. However, when the toxins have been released, blood and oxygen will circulate more easily, providing a sense of release. This massage is definitely not the one to choose if you are looking leave the spa floating and feeling relaxed.
Best for: Chronic pain, limited mobility, postural problems and muscle tension.
Places to try: Atarmia Spa, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel (02 407 1107). Remède Spa, The St Regis Abu Dhabi (02 667 8770).
When should you avoid having a massage?
Fever: When you have a fever, your body is trying to isolate and expel an invader of some kind. Massage increases overall circulation and could therefore work against your body’s natural defences.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure means excessive pressure against blood vessel walls. Massage also affects the blood vessels and so people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should receive light, sedating massages, if at all.
Osteoporosis: Elderly people with a severe stoop to the shoulders often have this condition, in which bones become porous, brittle, and fragile. Massage may be too intense for this condition.
Skin problems: You should avoid anything that looks like it shouldn’t be there, such as rashes, wounds, bruises, burns, boils and blisters, for example. Usually these problems are local, so you can still massage in other areas.
Diabetes: While this is still safe, the only contra-indication is that the skin can become weak and thin. The pressure would have to remain light.
