Nothing does self-care better than a long, relaxing massage. Whether you’re getting off from a week of stressful work or you’re gearing up for a high-intensity physical challenge, a good massage session could give you that much-needed boost or break.
Fortunately, getting a massage in Chicago isn’t all too hard, thanks to the wide range of massage types available in spas in the area. You can even find a 24-hour massage spa in case you’d like to go during late-night so you can have as much privacy.
Whichever part of town you may be--downtown, Old Town, West Town, etcetera--it only takes a quick search to find the spa for you. Heavenly Massage and Revive Massage are some examples of spa massage centers you can check out if you’re looking forward to having a relaxing massage in Chicago.
If you’ve never hit up a massage spa, you should start your appointment by determining what type of service you would like to have. Would you like to relieve the tightness and soreness in your muscles? Then you need a deep tissue massage. Do you prefer a gentle type of massage that can lull you to sleep in no time, and then wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated? Try the Swedish massage. There are plenty more options apart from these two, so make sure to check with your massage spa what types of massage do they specialize in.
Massages Around Chicago
If you’re the type of person who makes it a point to give your body a good rest on weekends, or if you’re someone who needs a good destress session, you’d be glad to know that there are a good number of massages around Chicago.
From therapeutic massages to luxurious spa sessions, you can find a spa that suits your needs, whether downtown, in Lakeview, or Chinatown. Some people usually have a go-to spa, but if you’re the more adventurous type, feel free to check out what different spas have to offer. Take note that because certain massage types are more specialized than others, such as sports massage, you need to make sure you're getting your appointment with the right spa.
Is it your first time heading to a spa for massage therapy? You should know that there are certain etiquettes that you should know about. First of all, make sure to take a shower before heading to your appointment. Massage therapy requires direct contact with your massage therapist; a fully showered client will be much appreciated by them.
Apart from basic hygiene practice, showering before a massage is also recommended because it’s not advised for you to take a shower, specifically a hot one, after a session. This is because showering in these conditions can get you dizzy, especially if you have low blood. There’s really no hard and fast rule that you should absolutely keep away from the shower after a massage, but for safety precautions, either you lower the heat or shorten your time in the shower. Or you can simply shower before your massage to get it out of the way, so you can go about the rest of your day after your session.
Another common spa etiquette is to keep the noise down. While you can engage in conversation with your companion or even your massage therapist, keep in mind that there are other clients in the spa that came there looking for some peace and quiet as well. Avoid making noise such as boisterous laughter or loud talking in general.
Meanwhile, as an added tip, don’t eat a heavy meal before your spa session, or at least 90 minutes prior. If you show up feeling full, and then get on the massage table, you will most certainly feel queasy and uncomfortable. Although this is as relaxing as any activity can get, remember that your body still needs ample time to digest your meal. You wouldn’t get on the treadmill or go swimming right after a hearty meal; the same concept applies for massage sessions.
Couples Massage Therapy: Treat Yourself + Your Date
Couples massage therapy is a great idea. Not only does it let you get your massage fix, it also gives you the chance to spend quality time with your partner. This is a healthy bonding opportunity that you can both enjoy in the privacy of your session.
You’ll have your own therapist attending to your massage, anyway, so you don’t have to worry about asking for your preferred massage. You don’t have to get the same massage service as your partner, which is great in terms of still being able to do your own thing while you’re doing it together.
Pregnancy and Prenatal Massage Therapy: For You + Baby
Lower back pain is one of the most common discomforts associated with pregnancy, but apart from that, there’s also leg cramps, swelling, and uncomfortable sleep to deal with among many others. For this, pregnancy and prenatal massage therapy work perfectly.
Unlike other typical types of massages, this is designed specifically with the pregnant woman in mind. The techniques applied are gentler to avoid putting mom and baby in distress, but stilI should be efficient enough to deliver relief. Pregnancy and prenatal massages can help reduce swelling. The massage can also help improve sleep as it helps ease pain and relieve soreness.
Sports Massage Therapy for Sore Muscles
Those living a more physically active lifestyle, such as athletes, could use a good sports massage therapy session regularly. Sports activities put a lot more strain and pressure on your muscle and joints. This type of massage not only offers relief from pain and soreness, but it can also help facilitate faster healing for certain types of injuries. Regular sessions also help prepare the muscle for better toning and warm-up,which then helps mitigate vulnerabilities to injuries.
Lymphatic Massage Therapy
Lymphatic massage therapy does offer relaxation benefits too, but primarily, its objective is to help move along the lymphatic fluids in the body. Certain health conditions can cause these fluids to build up, such fibromyalgia.
Lymphatic fluids drainage helps in reducing swelling, as well as helps improve circulation. As this is a highly specific form of massage, the pressure applied should only be gentle but firm. The targets are the lymph nodes after all, and not deep tissue, so a light but firm touch should suffice. Take note that there are also certain health requirements before you can get this type of massage. Ideally, you should consult first with your doctor before scheduling a lymphatic massage therapy, especially if you have medical conditions. This is not recommended for people with infections, circulation issues, blood or kidney conditions, or congestive heart failure.
Full Body Massage Therapy to Fully Relax
As its name suggests, a full body massage therapy is as complete as any massage session can get. It’s rejuvenating and refreshing, providing deep relaxation during the sessions, and even long after.
If you’ve never tried a full body massage, expect to get exactly that--from the top of your head down to your neck, shoulder, arms, torso, legs, and feet, you’ll get a pain-relieving massage experience. You can customize according to your preferences, of course. If you’d prefer the therapist to focus on your lower back pain, or the stiffness on your shoulders, you can ask them to do so instead. That said, it’s also up to you how extensive the massage coverage would be so if there’s any part that you find uncomfortable, you can just skip it.
Foot Massage Therapy to Protect Your Foundation
The feet are one of the body parts that are worked hardest. You spend hours on it, standing, walking, running, dancing, jumping, and others. A foot massage therapy is a great way to get your feet the rest and pampering it deserves. The massage can help relieve the pain points in the toes, soles, and heels.
Improving circulation also helps ease swelling, which could lead to pain when wearing shoes or even simply walking. A foot massage therapy also warms up the muscles enough, preventing easy injury.
Thai Massage Therapy
Done right, Thai massage therapy could be one of the best massages you’ll ever have. It’s a little rougher than your typical Swedish massage, however, combining deep tissue massage techniques with plenty of stretches.
If you’ve never experienced this type of massage, you’re in for a treat. Expected to be twisted and turned into positions you wouldn’t otherwise think of contorting yourself into for pain relief, but it works. The deep stretches can be so revitalizing not only for the muscles but also the joints.
Mobile Massage in Your Own Home
Desperate for a much-needed massage but cannot come to the spa? Then let the spa come to you. Mobile massage services are easily available in Chicago, making for the most convenient solution. Simply book an appointment with them, and they’ll come rolling by your place to give you the massage you need.
In-home massages are also perfect for those who are particular about getting massages in privacy. Some people would prefer to cap off a deeply relaxing massage with sleep, which would work out perfectly if they’re already in their own bed. No need to limit your time sleeping it off!
With these different options for types of massages, surely there’s one that suits your needs and preferences best. Make sure you get the all-clear from your doctor first, if necessary, before getting that appointment.