The UK is a fantastic place to live, but we all know certain seasons are preferable to others. While we look forward to spring and summer each year, autumn and winter can result in depression, a lack of energy and zero motivation.
Muscle pains and tension can occur during all seasons - for many different reasons - and massages are one of the best ways to relieve them.
In this guide, we’ll explore which massages are best for your needs. Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn or winter, there’s a massage for you.
Spring and Summer
It might surprise you that muscle pain is common in the warmer months. However, many people deal with aching muscles and joints, partly due to losing more fluids.
Hot weather causes sweating, which can increase the risk of dehydration. While drinking plenty of water can prevent this from happening, you might find your muscles are a bit sore.
The most common reason for muscle pain during the warmer seasons is - of course - exercise. When the sun’s out, and the weather’s nice, it’s much easier to get active and enjoy more exercise.
This can cause injuries, including pulled muscles and joint pain. So, with that in mind, let’s look at the best massages for spring and summer.
Sports massages
The sports massage is a go-to for athletes and people with exercise-related injuries. Why? Because it treats muscle pain and helps you recover quickly, making booking a session highly beneficial.
However, sports massages aren’t just about healing because they can also prevent injuries by keeping your muscles supple and enhancing circulation. When you invest in a sports massage, you’re giving your body a powerful dose of healing therapy.
Aromatherapy massage
Imagine your favourite scents, and you’ll know why aromatherapy massages are so popular. In those hot summer months, you can switch off in a cooler setting, with essential oils healing your body and opening your mind.
Most massage oils are proven to promote relaxation, minimise stress and soothe the mind (NCBI). For example, a combination of lavender and rose can relax, while eucalyptus and menthol will cool you down on hot days.
Pregnancy massage
There’s nothing quite like being pregnant in summer. Sure, you have everything to look forward to, but carrying around an extra human being and dealing with sweltering heat can be challenging.
Luckily, pregnant women can benefit from a soothing pregnancy massage tailored to their unique needs. Many women find these massage sessions also eliminate the need for pain relief and help with any swelling.
Deep tissue massage
A lot of activity often means your muscles require a little TLC, and that’s where deep tissue massages come in. They work out any knots, relieving general aches and pains while treating sports-related injuries.
Some people find these massages painful, but a good therapist will work with you to define the right pressure.
Jet lag massage
Spring and summer typically mean one thing: getting away and discovering exotic places. Whether climbing up a mountain, going on a safari or relaxing on a far-flung beach, you’ll need to travel there - which usually means flying.
Jet lag massages are the perfect way to say goodbye to sore muscles and stiff necks while relaxing your mind.
Autumn and Winter
We all know that autumn and winter are testing times for many people. With the cold weather and dark nights, low moods, aches, and pains are expected.
However, it’s not all bad, because there are ways to enhance your wellbeing during the colder seasons. Whether recovering from the flu or feeling run down constantly, a massage can give you a much-needed boost.
Here are some of the best techniques available during this time.
Hot stone massages
Yes, the hot stone massage is a perfect winter treat, warming your body and relieving muscles. There are many female and male massage therapists specialising in this technique, which involves heating hot stones and placing them on the body.
The experience is highly soothing, resulting in a sense of warmth throughout the body and looser muscles.
Hot oil massages
While they’re not as well known as hot stone massages, hot oil massages offer the same healing benefits and relieve muscle fatigue. Your therapist will heat one oil or a combination of scents, then use long strokes and other techniques to relax your body.
It’s a healing experience that can promote wellbeing and renewed energy—both essential in the colder months.
Swedish massage
You’ve probably heard about the Swedish massage. It’s one of Europe’s most popular techniques and is renowned for its ability to soothe the body while rejuvenating the mind.
Therapists use a combination of techniques, including long strokes, kneading, percussive motion, shaking and rocking motions, and circular movements. While Swedish massages don’t use any heat, they’re ideal if you feel lethargic and run down.
Reflexology massage
Reflexology massages involve a therapist working on your feet, using different areas to target points of your body. While some people don’t notice their therapeutic benefits, others swear by reflexology.
Either way, there’s nothing like a good foot massage to satisfy you when the cold weather gets too much.
Relaxing massage
The relaxing massage was designed to help people find some relief from the stresses of daily life and melt away any tension in their muscles.
With the days getting much shorter, it’s easy to feel a bit low, but the techniques associated with relaxing massages will give you a new lease of life. Whether you book a session at home or go to a clinic, everyone needs relaxation when the weather gets them down.
The bottom line
Hopefully, this guide gives you some ideas about which massage experience to book, and you can enjoy some TLC. If you’re looking for the best massage in London, our website is full of qualified experts who specialise in every technique imaginable.
With a seamless booking system, you can choose your therapist and have a massage the same day.