How many times have you seen the words "Relaxation" or "Therapeutic" when booking a massage at a spa or clinic? Massage Therapy for Stress

Relaxation/Therapeutic massage

Having worked at multiple spas in the city, this distinction always caught my attention. Spas are designed to offer a luxurious experience to help you relax, but they’re not always accessible to everyone—even when benefits can be applied. My experience working in spas was enjoyable: the skincare products were luxurious, the facilities were amazing, and the ambiance was serene. However, I found myself limited in how I could truly treat my patients.

Spas are primarily for pampering. While this has its place, it’s not the same as targeted therapeutic care. Guests often expect a full-body experience, which is understandable given the premium price they pay. But this expectation sometimes clashed with the tailored treatment approach I wanted to provide. For instance, focusing entirely on the upper body during a session—if that’s where the client needed the most care—could lead to dissatisfaction because it wasn’t the “head-to-toe” experience they anticipated even when it was spoken about. As a therapist, I felt a lack of autonomy in crafting individualized treatments in this setting.

Over the years, I’ve shifted my focus. Rather than offering strictly “relaxation” or “therapeutic” massages, I blend both. What truly matters is whether your massage therapist pays attention to you and what your body is presenting in that moment. A very stimulated nervous system requires massage therapy for stress relief.

Why Assessment Matters

I urge you to be cautious of places that skip a thorough pre-assessment. If there’s no discussion about your range of motion, joint function, or relevant questions about your health history, you might not be getting the care you deserve.

As massage therapists, we are trained to observe your posture, palpate your muscles, assess your tissues (are they hot, cold, swollen?), and collect data to customize a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. A skilled therapist uses this information to treat you effectively, whether through adjusting pressure, incorporating tools like cupping or hot stones, or adapting techniques to your body’s current state.

The Gaps in Practice

Unfortunately, not all practitioners consistently apply these principles. Some skip assessments, fail to ask the right questions, or neglect pre- and post-treatment evaluations. Others may not pursue additional training to refine their clinical thinking. This can result in a less effective session for you as the client.

What You Can Expect From Me

When you come for treatment, I aim to gather as much information as possible to ensure your care is safe and effective. For example:

• Are you hydrated?

• Are you on medications that may make you more prone to bruising?

• What’s your daily posture like?

• Are you under high stress?

• How do your joints and muscles move actively, passively, or under resistance?

These are some of the questions that guide my decision-making as I customize your treatment. Whether I use cupping, instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation, or hot stones, my choices are rooted in what your body needs in that moment.

A Thoughtful Approach

I don’t believe in the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. My goal is not to leave you feeling sore for days but to work with your body to promote healing and relaxation through your nervous system. Every session is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and help you feel better—not just in the short term but long term.

I’m not saying my approach is the only way, and I’m constantly learning and growing as a practitioner. My hope is that you find a massage therapist who listens to you, understands your needs, and ensures your hard-earned money is well spent on care that truly supports your well-being. If you would like to experience a different approach, you can book here.

Warmly,

Zam Ramirez