Full Body Massage

General, or classic, massage is hands-on work on the whole body or on specific areas. Depending on the strength and pace of the movements, it either relaxes or invigorates. It is used to relieve muscle and nervous tension, for prevention, and as part of recovery from back and neck pain.

Common concerns

• tension and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back after desk work;
• fatigue, stress, difficulty relaxing;
• heavy, swollen legs at the end of the day;
• muscle fatigue after workouts;
• you simply want to rest and recover.

If back or neck pain is sharp, radiates to an arm or leg, or comes with numbness, you first need to see a neurologist or orthopedist; massage is added after the examination.

What a session involves

The specialist asks what is bothering you and whether you have any chronic conditions, injuries, or blood pressure problems, since these determine the technique and pressure. The massage is done on a massage table with oil or cream and includes stroking, rubbing, kneading, and vibration.

Relaxing massage is gentle and slow. General and wellness massage go deeper and work on tense muscles. If the pressure feels too strong or too light, let the specialist know during the session.

Formats and add-ons

• Full body — general, wellness, or relaxing massage; the relaxing massage is also available as an extended 1 hour 30 minute session.
• Specific areas — back and chest, back and arms, head and neck, legs and abdomen, or legs only, when tension is concentrated in one area.
• Lymphatic massage combined with a back or full-body massage — a gentle technique that supports lymph drainage and reduces swelling.
• Cupping and gua sha — add-ons to the main massage, not offered separately. Cups create suction and increase blood flow to the muscles; gua sha works the skin and muscles with a special scraping tool.
• Taping — elastic tape applied to one or two areas to support the muscles after the session.
• Dry needling — a thin needle, with no medication, applied to painful muscle knots (trigger points).
• Scrub for the whole body or legs — cleanses the skin and makes it smoother.

How often to get a massage

For relaxation, one session may be enough. For chronic tension in the back and neck, a course is usually needed. The specialist will suggest the number of sessions and the interval after your first visit, based on your concerns and how you feel.

Who performs the massage

Diana Akopovna Alagezyan — manual therapy specialist, kinesiologist, and spa technologist with 30 years of experience. She graduated from the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture, completed advanced training in foot reflexology (Hanne Marquardt school), and is a certified specialist in lymphatic drainage and body-contouring (lipomodeling) massage.

How to prepare

• avoid a heavy meal right before the session;
• let the specialist know about blood pressure issues, varicose veins, pregnancy, and recent injuries or surgeries;
• if you have a cold or a fever, it is better to reschedule;
• after the massage, do not rush to get up; give your body a few minutes to rest.

If your main concern is swelling and heaviness in the legs, read which massage to choose for swelling.