A beginner's guide to massages
If you’ve never had a massage before, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for pure relaxation, relief from tension, or something specific like prenatal care, there’s an Ava Bella Day Spa massage suited for your needs.
Here’s a beginner’s guide to our massage services and what you can expect from each.
Relaxation massage Also known as Swedish massage, this is the most common type of massage, especially for beginners. It involves long, gliding strokes, gentle kneading, and circular movements on the superficial layers of muscles. This type of massage focuses on relaxation and stress reduction.
Benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves circulation
Promotes general relaxation
Eases muscle tension
Best for: Those looking to unwind, de-stress, or enjoy a light, soothing experience. Perfect for first-timers.
Stress reliever massage Our stress reliever massage is a 30-minute, specialized massage designed to target common areas of stress-related tension, such as the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This type of massage combines relaxation techniques with firmer pressure to address both mental and physical stress.
Benefits:
Reduces tension headaches
Lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone
Improves mental clarity
Releases tight muscles due to stress
Best for: Busy professionals on a tight schedule, students, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.
Deep tissue massage This massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Therapists use more intense pressure than in a relaxation massage, working on specific problem areas to relieve chronic muscle tension.
Benefits:
Helps with chronic pain and stiffness
Reduces muscle tension and inflammation
Promotes healing for injured muscles
Best for: People with chronic pain, athletes, or those with significant tension in specific areas.
Healing stone massage In a healing or hot stone massage, smooth, heated stones are placed on specific parts of the body to warm and relax tight muscles. Your therapist may also hold heated stones as they massage your body. The warmth from the stones allows your therapist to apply deeper pressure without discomfort, making it a great option for anyone who prefers a less intense massage but still wants deeper muscle relief.
Benefits:
Relieves muscle tension and pain
Improves blood flow
Reduces stress and anxiety
Promotes better sleep
Best for: Those who enjoy warmth and want to ease muscle tension without intense pressure.
Sports massage Aimed at athletes or those with physically active lifestyles, sports massage focuses on preventing and treating injuries. It often involves deep pressure, stretching, and a range of motion exercises tailored to the needs of the athlete or active person.
Benefits:
Improves athletic performance
Prevents injuries
Reduces muscle soreness after exercise
Enhances flexibility and range of motion
Best for: Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or those recovering from sports injuries.
Prenatal massage
Specifically designed for pregnant women, prenatal massage helps alleviate the discomforts associated with pregnancy. Your therapist will use a pregnancy bolster that will allow you to lie in the prone position and receive a relaxing massage without having to sacrifice personal comfort. This massage involves gentle pressure to reduce swelling, relieve back pain, and promote relaxation.
Benefits:
Reduces back and joint pain
Lowers stress and anxiety
Eases pregnancy-related swelling
Improves sleep quality
Best for: Expectant mothers who need relief from pregnancy-related aches and pains.
Couples massage
A couples massage allows two people to receive massages simultaneously in the same room. This is a great way to share a relaxing experience with a partner, friend, or family member.
Benefits:
Strengthens emotional bonds
Encourages relaxation together
Provides the same benefits as a regular massage for both individuals
Best for: Couples looking for a bonding experience, or friends and family members who want to enjoy a relaxing time together.
Call 501.954.8888 to book
Ready to relax?
Whether you’re looking to relieve tension, manage stress, or just enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, there’s a massage for everyone. If you're still unsure, call us at 501.954.8888 to chat about your specific needs, and we’ll help guide you to the perfect choice.
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