Massages at Adrian Beauty Studio: Types, Benefits and How to Choose
Relaxation and circulation massage: compare prices, duration and benefits. Find out which one you need based on your situation.
What is a professional massage at a beauty salon
A manual technique applied to soft tissues (muscles, fascia, skin) to relieve tension, improve circulation and induce relaxation. Evidence shows it reduces cortisol by 20-30% after a 60-minute session (International Journal of Neuroscience) and increases serotonin and dopamine by 20-30%. This is NOT physiotherapy: it does not treat diagnosed injuries.
2 types available
Relaxation massage
Slow strokes, medium-to-light pressure. Covers back, neck, shoulders and arms (+legs in the 60-minute session). Activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Ideal for: stress, insomnia and emotional tension. Benefits in detail.
Circulation massage
Firmer pressure with venous return techniques. Focused on the legs (ankles to glutes). Improves blood and lymphatic flow and reduces fluid retention. Ideal for: heavy legs, long hours on your feet, sport recovery. Circulation massage guide.
Comparison table
| Relaxation | Circulation | |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Medium-light | Medium-firm |
| Goal | Reduce stress, improve rest | Boost circulation, drain fluids |
| Areas | Back, neck, shoulders | Legs, glutes |
| 30 min | €40 | €45 |
| 60 min | €50 | €55 |
| Best for | Stress, insomnia, gift | Tired legs, fluid retention, sport |
| Frequency | Every 2-4 weeks | Every 1-3 weeks if retention |
30 vs 60 minutes
30 min: maintenance, one area. 60 min: full-body work, deep relaxation. The qualitative difference: the first 15-20 minutes release superficial tension, after which the work goes deeper.
Beauty massage vs physiotherapy
Beauty massage: diffuse discomfort, postural/stress-related, general wellbeing. Physiotherapy: medical diagnosis, acute/localised pain, rehabilitation. They are not mutually exclusive: many people combine both.
What to expect during a session
- Brief consultation (3-5 min): areas of tension, allergies
- You undress to your comfort level; a towel covers you
- Gentle strokes progressing to deeper pressure. Feedback is welcome.
- Gentle finish + rest
Total time: booked session + 10-15 min (changing, consultation).
Benefits backed by data
- Cortisol: -20-31% (Psychological Bulletin meta-analysis)
- Serotonin/dopamine: +20-30%
- Peripheral circulation: +30-50% during and 30 min after
- Heart rate and blood pressure: drops even in a 30-min session
- Sleep: improves onset latency and subjective quality
Benefits are cumulative with regular sessions (minimum once a month).
Who is it for
Relaxation massage is ideal if you
- Work at a desk 6+ hours a day with neck tension
- Struggle with poor sleep
- Experience high stress levels
- Want to give it as a gift
- Are trying massage for the first time
Circulation massage is ideal if you
- Stand for long hours at work
- Get swollen legs by the end of the day
- Play sport and need leg recovery
- Suffer from fluid retention (especially in summer)
Contraindications
- Fever or active infection
- DVT (absolute contraindication for circulation massage)
- Wounds or burns in the treatment area
- Acute inflammation (<48h)
- Serious uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions
- First trimester of pregnancy (caution). Second and third trimester: yes, with adaptations. Prenatal massage.
Before and after care
Before
- Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before
- Stay normally hydrated
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Mention any allergies
After
- Drink water over the next 2-3 hours
- No intense exercise for 4-6 hours
- Lukewarm (not hot) shower
- Mild soreness for 24-48 hours is normal
Common mistakes
- Not speaking up about pressure (enduring out of embarrassment)
- Expecting miracles from a single session
- Choosing the wrong type (back when you need legs)
- Arriving in a rush
- Confusing it with physiotherapy
Relaxation vs deep tissue comparison.
FAQ
Can I combine relaxation and circulation?
In a 60-minute session, yes (mention it when booking). Not recommended in 30 minutes.
How often should I go?
Maintenance: every 3-4 weeks. Active issue: every 1-2 weeks for the first month. Minimum for cumulative effect: once a month.
Does it hurt?
Relaxation: no. Circulation: firm pressure is possible but not pain. If it hurts, speak up.
Can I have a massage during pregnancy?
From the second trimester onwards, with adaptations. Prenatal guide.
How long do the effects last?
Relaxation: 3-7 days. Circulation: 2-5 days. Cumulative with regular sessions.
Can I give it as a gift?
Yes, the 60-minute relaxation massage is our most popular gift option.