What makes an EXCELLENT massage therapy treatment in Honiton?
The Art of Pace & Pressure – What makes an EXCELLENT massage therapy treatment and why is it so hard to find?
Most massage is too hard and too fast. It takes a skilled therapist to sink into their body and create that therapeutic feeling.
If you come for a massage with me, this is how I would approach it: I spend as long as it takes to settle before beginning treatment. Encouraging felt sensations in the body.
Should massage be painful? To answer your question simply, no. In my professional experience, discomfort over pain.
Have you ever walked away from a massage feeling either underwhelmed or bruised, that it was too fast paced, or that your body and needs didn’t feel listened to Perhaps it was too light, or maybe the pressure was so intense that you couldn’t relax. Finding the perfect massage therapist that strikes the right balance between pace and pressure can be a challenge, but it’s one of the most essential elements of an excellent massage therapy session.
So why is it so hard to find, and what exactly makes pace and pressure the key to a truly therapeutic experience?
The pace of a massage refers to the speed and rhythm of the therapist’s movements. A slower, more deliberate pace can bring about a sense of deep relaxation, allowing the nervous system to calm down, allowing you to truly settle, feeling supported and safe and muscles to fully release tension. On the other hand, a faster pace can stimulate circulation, invigorating the body and energising the client.
The pressure of a massage can either feel wonderful, or you’re left feeling like the treatment was too painful or perhaps wasn’t adapted to addressing your needs.
What Makes an Excellent Massage Therapy Treatment in Honiton?
Intuitive Listening & ‘Practitioners Presence’
A skilled massage therapist knows how to listen – not just to the client’s words, but to their body. Not only is the therapist listening through their hands, it is important that they are also in a settled state themselves. As a massage therapist receiving treatments I can feel if the therapist is focused on me in the treatment and not distracted.
Distraction can lead to a treatment feeling rushed, where pace and pressure can feel ignored. It can take a good therapist to be able to sink into their own body and create a therapeutic feeling. This intuitive connection between therapist and client makes the difference between a “good” massage and an unforgettable one.
Communication is key!
Excellent communication at the beginning during your consultation, before and during the session allows the therapist to adapt the pace and pressure according to the client’s preferences and the body’s feedback. Ensuring they check in during treatment and responding to subtle cues like body tension or changes in breathing. Encouraging the client to feel into their own ‘felt senses’.
Adaptability to Individual Needs
No two bodies are the same. An excellent massage therapist tailors each session based on the client’s unique muscle structure, sensitivities, tension points, and desired outcomes. The therapist must recognise when to adjust the pressure from one area to another, shifting from very slow, deep pressure to lighter strokes.
Consistency and Flow is crucial.
A great therapist maintains a consistent rhythm and seamlessly transitions between areas of the body. If the pace or pressure is jarring or inconsistent, it can interrupt the experience and pull the client out of relaxation. Consistency in pressure, even during a deep tissue session, helps the body adapt and trust the therapist’s hands. In my experience, slow is always best.
My Approach with Pace & Pressure
Each point above is considered in each massage treatment with Olivia @ Rejuva Remedy in Honiton. I’m passionate about being able to be present & listen, adapt, and adjust the pace and pressure to your needs.
Book a consultation here & have a massage therapist that values your input, and discover how an excellent massage can leave you feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, safe and restored.
Client Reviews
‘Olivia is an excellent therapist, so kind and gentle & understanding, a really lovely person, I’ll definitely be going back for more’
‘It was so gentle, yet so powerful.. I felt so peaceful and deeply relaxed.’
‘She is a kind and gentle person. Intuitive, knowledgeable and friendly.. Her touch is attentive and just right.’
Read more Client Reviews here