Which alternative treatments would you recommend for stress and muscle tension??

[Holeinmywellies]

I have been so very stressed for quite some time and my poor body is a knotted up ball of tension.

I have been given some money for Christmas and thought instead of wasting it on crap I would treat myself to some hands on treatments but I am not sure what to try. Many years ago I had some reflexology whilst ttc and felt it really helped. I have never had a massage or anything like that so wonder if I should try the reflexology again or go for something different.

Which treatments have you tried and what would you recommend?

Physio to check you 'move correctly" & epsom salts .
Or sports massage ( not a relaxing candle kind of massage tho!)

Dry needling with a proper massage

Deep massage

I am the same OP!
Physio told me my back was like concrete.

Acupuncture helps me if you can find a good practitioner.
Reflexology also helps.
And sleep.

sports or thai massage

I'm the same and find that deep tissue massage really helps me. It's not relaxing in the slightest but I always feel loads better afterwards.

Deep massage - Thai or sports. Using a shakti mat for 20 minutes a day has made a huge difference to me too

I’m similar, OP! Deep tissue massage really helps (from a good practitioner - properly therapeutic or sports massage rather than just at a beauty salon), but you need to have at least 2-4 treatments spaced a few weeks apart to really feel the difference. I wouldn’t bother with alternative treatments like osteopathy/reflexology etc., just go straight to a good massage therapist.

There is a company called Jones the Bones who do really good products.

Oh and a weekly Pilates class really helps too.

Craniosacral therapy. Very relaxing.

I still prefer a facial though! Preferably with a head massage.

I'd start with a decent physio. Ironically I have paid less for a physiotherapy session than for some really fancy massages. Get then to give you a once-over and some stretches.

I'm a bit of a massage addict and have found as it's an unregulated profession that personal recommendation works better for me than a specific type. Eg there's two Thai massage places near me, one is horrifically painful and one isn't. I have stopped thinking that pain=benefit.

Then find yourself a good beginner's yoga class and start going regularly.

Flotation.

Most relaxing and de-stressing thing I've had in years

Physio is best. Spa or massage could also be nice. Lots of alternative therapies are a waste of money.

Indian head massage.

Thank you all, lots to chose from. I'll start making a list and my aim is to try them all eventually until I find the one I enjoy the most.

@Holeinmywellies you probably won't "enjoy" my suggestions but they are hugely beneficial.
I would also look at getting good footwear

Another vote for seeing a physio for a massage. I personally prefer that kind of thing to be more from a medical type person than a beauty type person and the prices are no higher in my experience. https://www.true.physio/ This is one in my area and has great feedback :)

Hello,
A Therapist here!
It's a subjective experience to what we like to receive, hence why some posters are saying they don't like a particular treatment, whereas others enjoy it. For example, I love a Thai Massage, but others hate it.
In terms of a beginner, first timer experience, there are some treatments that may be more appropriate, just to get you used to bodywork.
The most general, vanilla treatment is a back massage, particularly if a person is feeling tension in the neck, shoulder and upper back area. The Beauty Industry will have their own way in delivering this. Often in Spas and can perhaps be on the lighter end of pressure. (All good, if this is what you want.)
Those trained in Sports Massage will deliver it differently and will have a specific training in how the muscles attach to bones and cross over joints. This gives a more therapeutic approach. Some Sports Massage Therapists (SMT's) deliver their treatments in a very clinical way - again, all good, if this is what you want.
There's also hybrid versions - those of us trained in Sports, but focus on offering relaxing experiences too. Look out for local therapists - on Facebook usually - working independently. We can tailor treatments to our clients and mix and match, i.e. split the time between massage, reflexology, Indian Head Massage..etc. This gives you the opportunity to experience different types of bodywork.

Every therapist will have a different delivery based upon on our style and personalities, so you can shop around. For example, I sometimes refer my clients to different therapists so they can experience something I do not and cannot deliver. There is no one treatment/ style that resolves everything.
My advice would be to look online for local independent working therapists; explain to them what you want and for them to say whether they're able to deliver that. We're quite used to dealing with enquiries, some of which lead to appointments whereas others do not. Good luck and enjoy the process.