Despite the credit crunch, there is a steady growth in the demand for massage in Brighton. People are increasingly more aware and have a greater understanding of the powerful health benefits that massage, reflexology, aromatherapy and other holistic therapies can bring. In Brighton and Hove you are spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for a massage therapist, but in this relatively unregulated world the quality can vary massively. So where should you go to get a fantastic massage in Brighton?
Check that your therapist is qualified. You want a massage therapist who not only has their basic qualification (ITEC or BTEC) but who undertakes ‘Continued Personal Development’ to keep building their skills and to keep up with current trends and research in the field. The best therapist will be one who incorporates a number of different modalities (myofascial release, deep tissue, stretching, acupressure etc) to create the most effective massage for you.
If you are looking for a sports massage, look for a massage therapist in Brighton who not only has their Level 3 or 4 Diploma but who has significant experience and worked with a variety of clients. These treatments tend to be about the nuts and bolts; your therapist will be focused on one specific area (eg if you have presented with calf strain) and their approach will be strictly remedial. Think deep heat rather than aromatherapy oils, and strip lighting rather than candles. Sports massage includes a lot of deep tissue work and can often be quite painful; and work over the IT Band, for example, can even leave you with bruises. Gyms and health clubs are often a great place to look for a sports massage therapist.
If you are looking for a more holistic treatment, there are plenty of choices for your massage in Brighton. There are many places on the high street; these treatments will no doubt be fine, but remember that you are on a conveyer belt. They have high overheads to pay and large quotas of clients to fill – in an hour-long appointment your massage will probably be 45 minutes, and there will be little flexibility. Massage therapists are often paid a low wage and less empowered in the care of their clients. Be aware that if you visit a spa, their therapists are likely be told to stick strictly to a certain massage routine; they will not be able to tailor a sequence specifically for you.
A third option is looking for a therapist who works from home or offers mobile treatments. This is their own business, and there is often a much greater flexibility in the treatments they can offer their clients. Treatments are often more bespoke, and timings are flexible – you can often get appointments at shorter notice, on Sundays and during the evening. Make sure that the therapist’s working are, if in their home, is clean and professional. Their website should give you a clear idea of their setup, and it is worth looking at independent reviews from previous clients. If you are unsure, call the therapist directly to discuss the massage treatments they offer before you make a booking.
Amy Weinberger is a qualified massage therapist working at Brighton Bodyworks, a home-based holistic therapy studio located centrally to Brighton and Hove. Amy brings together her experience in numerous massage modalities from deep tissue massage and myofascial release to hot stones, thai compress massage and reflexology to create bespoke treatment sessions for each client based on their needs at that particular time. Amy uses 100% organic products in all her treatments.