Hey lovely readers,
Another weekend is here again, and while its completely #lockdown in India to combat the spread of the deadly virus #COVID-19, I thought to spare some time (from #WFH) for my new blogpost. Well, this blog is about my experience hiring the ‘popular’ Urban Clap services for my first ever massage at home.
I hope everyone is aware of Urban Clap. Its the one-stop destination if you are looking for professional help for anything from the plumber, electrician, cleaning to Fridge, RO & AC repair as well as women beauty salon and massage services.
Read more about my makeup kit essentials here.
I never did a try to Urban Clap before my sister discussed her relaxing home massage appointment via them. The way she explained each and every minor thing- from the expert arrival to the surrounding she created and performed her overall job, I literally craved to experience the same at the very moment. Probably this is the reason why I haven’t put a second thought booking an appointment with Urban Clap the very next weekend.
From their vast menu of massages, I booked Swedish Medium pressure massage with essential oils. Let me explain a little about my chosen Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you. PS: Don’t get carried away too soon..continue reading my in-depth experience of the same.
The moment I booked my choice of massage, they allotted me a therapist who was expected to be reaching to my home (Gaur City, Greater Noida) on my preferred time slot. Her name was Rajni and I can call as well as track her too via the details Urban Clap sent on my phone. She arrived on time and was holding a big folded massage bed. I asked her how she has been here holding so much weight. She replied- “Mam aaj saturday hai, husband ghar par the to unhone chhord dia.”
I took her to my room and she started unfolding the bed. She was carrying some other massage utilities like disposable massage clothes, a portable music system, aromatic candles and 3 bottles of essential oil. I was then asked to change. She prepared the bed, put on the disposal sheet over it, played the soothing music of nature, lighted the aromatic candles and asked me to lay over the bed. As a precautionary measure, she inquired a few things from me like- if I have an underlying medical issue, any symptoms or expecting. (out of no way :D)
Read more about my pre-wedding photo shoot in Rishikesh here.
As she started her job relaxing my nerves, she switched off the light and covered me with a sheet. For a full 1 hour, I was literally in heaven. The sound of chirping birds, the flow of water made me feel so much relaxed. She started with my feet>legs>back>arms and ended with my thighs, lower & upper abdomen and neck. She used those essential oils to reduce friction as well as let my skin absorb that nutrient-rich oil. In between, she asked to determine about the pressure needed.
The massage session lasted for 60 minutes.
That Massage really made me feel good. Its really a great way to indulge or pamper yourself. On the contrary, massage can really be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. I am really looking forward to booking my next appointment with Urban Clap ( maybe this time with another variant –Deep Tissue one!).
Hope to see things normalize soon!
Lastly, I am mentioning a few things that I really liked about Urban Clap massage and some that I feel could have been better.
Thumbs Up:
- Expert Professional
- On-time service without any delay
- Deliver what they promise with all mentioned utilities
- Various Payment Options (Like I chose for the card on delivery)
Thumbs Down:
- I found 1 hour pretty less. She consumed the time of preparation from that 1 hour only.
- Found prices a little high. (I had booked it for 1299 INR)
If you liked reading it, I would love to have your feedback in the comment box below.
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Ang
December 2022 •
5
Su gave my grandma the best day of her life. Since Covid, I had a tough time convincing my grandma to go for massage. Stumbled upon urban company offering home massage at reasonable price. Best move and decision I’ve ever made. As for Su, she came early to set up the bed. She is patient and understanding towards my grandma. Her massage techniques are structured initiating deep relaxation. As much as I would selfishly keep Su for myself, I think it is unfair if I dont give her an excellent review for her amazing service. Thanks once again Su! I will definately engage your service again.
Overview
Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are both popular types of massage therapy. While there are some similarities, they are different from each other. The differences are:
- the pressure
- technique
- intended use
- areas of focus
Here’s more information about the key differences between these two massage styles, along with tips on choosing the right therapist for you.
About Swedish massage
Swedish massage is one of the most commonly offered massage techniques. It’s sometimes called a classic massage. The technique aims to promote relaxation by releasing muscle tension.
Swedish massage is gentler than deep tissue massage and better suited for people interested in relaxation and tension relief.
Swedish massage may loosen up tight muscles caused by daily activities such as sitting at the computer or exercising. It can be very helpful for people who hold a lot of tension in their:
- lower back
- shoulders
- neck
What happens during a Swedish massage?
During a Swedish massage, therapists use:
- kneading
- long strokes
- deep circular movements
- passive joint movements
These techniques are meant to:
- relax you
- stimulate nerve endings
- increase blood flow and lymph drainage
A traditional Swedish massage involves the whole body. You will begin on either your back or your stomach and flip over at the halfway point.
If you have an area of particular concern, such as a tight neck, you can ask your therapist to spend more time in this area. Depending on your preferences, you can ask your massage therapist to use light, medium, or firm pressure.
During most full-body massages, the expectation is you’ll be undressed. Your massage therapist will ask you to undress for your massage while they wait outside. It’s up to you whether or not to keep your underwear on.
Your massage therapist will drape a sheet over your body. They will pull back and adjust it as they work their way around. You will be covered most of the time.
Your massage therapist will use an oil or lotion to allow for smooth and long stokes. They may also ask if you have a preferred aromatherapy scent.
About deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage, but it goes farther and is intended for a different purpose.
Deep tissue massage is best suited for:
- athletes
- runners
- people with injuries
It can also work for people with chronic pain conditions such as:
- fibromyalgia
- lower back pain
Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your:
- muscles
- tendons
- fascia, or dense connective tissue
Deep tissue massage uses many of the same stroking and kneading movements as Swedish massage, but there’s far more pressure. This pressure can sometimes be painful.
In order to reach the deep muscle tissue, a therapist will massage layer by layer of muscle, applying more and more pressure and employing special techniques with the fingers, fists, and maybe even elbows to reach and stretch that deep tissue.
This type of massage facilitates healing by releasing contracted areas of muscle and tissue. It can help increase blood flow to the soft tissues and may help to reduce inflammation.
What happens during a deep tissue massage?
Before a deep tissue massage, you will discuss your problem areas with your therapist. A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focused only on one area. You will begin lying on your back or stomach and under a sheet. It’s up to you to determine your level of undress.
Deep tissue massages begin as a more traditional relaxation massage. After the muscles are warmed up, your massage therapist will begin to work deep into your problem areas.
In addition to their palms, finger tips, and knuckles, your therapist may use their forearms or elbows to increase pressure.
It’s important to be open with your massage therapist about the level of pressure and discomfort you wish to endure. This may be different for certain areas and throughout the massage. Feel free to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the massage.
Some massage therapists find pain to be counterproductive to the process and expect you to speak up if the pain is too much.
You should expect a fair amount of soreness in the days following your deep tissue massage. Your therapist may recommend treating with:
- ice
- heat
- stretching
- Find the right massage therapist. Look for a therapist who specifically identifies the massage type you’re interested in as part of their practice and background. If necessary, look for someone trained to treat a particular condition, such as sports injuries, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or pregnancy. Also check if the therapist is licensed or certified according to state requirements.
- Talk to your therapist about any injuries. Be clear about the extent of your injuries, how long they have been healing, and what your current pain level is.
- Talk about your comfort levels. Tell the massage therapist which areas you do not want them to touch. For example, some people are uncomfortable with their buttocks being massaged.
- Talk about your goals and expectations. Do you just want to relax? Are you trying to recover from an injury?
- Discuss pressure. Talk to your therapist about what level of pressure is best for you.
- Be open. Let your therapist know if you have privacy concerns or areas that you don’t want touched.
- Warm up. If possible, warm up your muscles by taking a warm shower, soaking in a hot tub, or spending a few minutes in a sauna.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water before your massage.
What to do before the massage
Finding the right massage therapist
Before booking your Swedish or deep tissue massage, here are a few things to consider:
- Is this a one-time thing? It will help your therapist to know if massages are something you do once or twice a year or if they’re part of a long-term treatment plan.
- Do you have a gender preference? Some people feel more comfortable with a same- or opposite-gender massage therapist.
- Do you have a setting preference? Some massages take place in relaxing beauty spas, while others take place in a physical therapy or gym environment.
- Have you read the reviews? Before booking your massage, read what other people have said about your potential therapist. Have they helped people with your condition before?
Which massage works best?
Swedish and deep tissue massages are very similar. The primary difference is the level of pressure involved. If you’re looking for relaxation and relief from tense, tight muscles, Swedish massage is probably right for you.
If you’re recovering from an injury, deep tissue massage can be a helpful part of your treatment plan.
Feel free to ask questions before you book a massage and to communicate feedback to your therapist during a massage.