There isn’t much you need to do to prepare – our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you. Here are a few simple tips:

• Try to be well-hydrated before you come in (drink water earlier in the day). Being hydrated can help your muscles respond better to the massage.
• It’s best not to eat a heavy meal immediately before a massage. A light snack is fine, but you might feel uncomfortable lying on your stomach on a full stomach.
• Arrive a few minutes early to your appointment. This gives you time to check in, use the restroom, and start relaxing. Rushing in stressed, and late isn’t a great way to begin a relaxing treatment!
• Wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to change out of (and back into). You’ll undress to your underwear or comfort level in the treatment room, and we’ll keep you covered with a sheet at all times except for the area being worked on.

If you have any specific concerns or areas you want to focus on, jot them down or simply remember to mention them to your therapist before you start.
Other than that, just bring yourself – we’ll take care of everything else, from fresh towels to soothing music.

During a deep tissue massage, you may experience some discomfort or “good pain,” especially when the therapist works on a very tight or knotted muscle. However, it should never be unbearably painful. Our therapists check in with you and adjust pressure as needed – the goal is to effectively release tension, not to make you suffer. Many people describe the intensity as a “hurts-so-good” feeling that leads to relief. In fact, many clients find that by the end of the session, they feel a wave of relaxation as those knots release and calm sets in. Always communicate with your therapist if something hurts too much; we can modify the technique or spend more time warming up the area.

It’s pretty common to feel some muscle soreness or tenderness in the day or two after a deep tissue session. Don’t worry – this is a normal response as your muscles have been worked deeply (similar to how you might feel after an intense workout). The soreness is usually mild and should fade within 24-48 hours. In fact, after a couple of days you’ll likely notice you have less tension and improved flexibility as the benefits kick in.

To help minimize any post-massage soreness and maximize the benefits, here are a few aftercare tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Massage can release metabolic waste from your muscles; staying hydrated helps flush those toxins out and reduces muscle fatigue.
• Take it Easy: If possible, avoid heavy physical activity right after your massage. Your muscles need time to recover. Light movement, like a gentle walk, is fine – but save the intense gym session for another day.
• Apply Heat: A warm bath (even better, with Epsom salts) or a hot shower can soothe muscles and improve circulation. Heat helps relax muscle fibers and can ease any lingering tightness.
• Stretch Gently: Doing some gentle stretches or yoga poses later in the day or the next day can prevent stiffness. Focus on the areas that were worked on – but keep it light and easy.

If you have any concerns after your massage, feel free to reach out to us. But generally, a bit of soreness is a sign that the massage did its job in releasing deep-seated tension, and you’ll be feeling better than ever shortly.

Absolutely – deep tissue massage is often recommended for lower back pain relief. By working on the deeper layers of muscle in your back (such as the QL muscles, piriformis, and glutes), a therapist can release tension that may be pinching nerves or contributing to pain. Many of our clients with chronic low back pain or sciatica (that radiating leg pain associated with the sciatic nerve) report significant improvement after a series of deep tissue sessions. The massage can loosen tight muscles around the spine and hips, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation, all of which help alleviate back pain. However, it’s important to identify the cause of your pain – if your sciatica is due to a herniated disc or other spine issues, you should also be under a doctor’s care. Deep tissue massage can be a wonderful complementary therapy for back issues, working alongside physiotherapy or medical treatments. Always let your therapist know about the specifics of your condition, so they can adjust the massage techniques appropriately (for example, using gentler pressure around very inflamed areas). In summary, yes, deep tissue massage can be a powerful tool in managing back pain and sciatica symptoms, helping you regain mobility and comfort.

The ideal frequency depends on your individual needs and goals. If you’re dealing with chronic pain or a specific injury, you might start with more frequent sessions (say, once a week or every two weeks) until you see improvement. For general maintenance and prevention of muscle tightness, many people find that a monthly deep tissue massage keeps them feeling their best. Athletes in heavy training might come even more often during intense periods. The key is consistency – making massage a regular part of your self-care can prevent new issues from arising, not just address existing ones. Our therapists can help advise you – during your appointment, ask for a recommendation tailored to your situation. They might suggest a series of sessions or a maintenance schedule based on what they find in your muscles.

Deep tissue massage is very safe for most people, but there are a few cases where we’d either modify the treatment or suggest waiting. If you have a serious medical condition, it’s always wise to consult your doctor first. In particular, people with blood clotting issues (or on blood-thinning medication), uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe osteoporosis, recent major surgery, or any open wounds or skin infections should get clearance before deep tissue work. Also, deep tissue is not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy – expectant mothers should opt for our specialized pregnancy massage instead. Always inform your therapist about any health conditions or injuries; we can adjust pressure and techniques or recommend a different approach (like a gentler massage type) to keep you safe. Your well-being is our top priority.

Deep tissue massage and sports massage share some techniques but serve slightly different purposes. Deep tissue massage is fantastic for addressing chronic muscle tension, knots, and general aches – it’s beneficial for anyone, not just athletes. Sports massage, by contrast, is tailored for athletes or very active individuals. It often includes more stretching, range-of-motion work, and focuses on muscle groups used in specific sports. Sports massage can be used to prepare muscles before activity, as well as help with recovery after heavy training or competition. It tends to target areas that get overused or injured in sports (for example, hamstrings for runners or shoulders for swimmers). If you’re an athlete dealing with a sport-specific issue, a Sports Massage might be ideal. If you have widespread tension or desk-job stiffness, a deep tissue massage could be the better choice. Our staff can also combine techniques or guide you on which treatment will meet your needs best.

Absolutely. We understand that some clients have preferences regarding their therapist. When you book your deep tissue massage, you can request a male or female therapist (all our therapists are equally skilled – it’s just about what makes you most comfortable). We will do our best to accommodate your request based on the availability of our team at your chosen time and location. Your comfort is very important to us, so don’t hesitate to let us know your preference when scheduling your appointment.

As you can see, a deep tissue massage isn’t just a luxury; it’s a smart investment in your health and wellness. By addressing the root causes of muscle pain and tension, this therapy helps you move better, feel better, and ultimately live better. Our Spa & Massage team truly cares about your well-being and will support you every step of the way on your journey to a pain-free, relaxed body.

It’s time to prioritize your wellbeing – don’t let pain or stress hold you back any longer. Book your deep tissue massage with Spa & Massage today and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you!