Where to book a massage?

[YogaLite]

Just that, I want to book one for my disabled ds.
In the past I only did that when we were on holiday in a spa type hotel but we don't travel anymore.

It’s going to depend where you live on what’s available to you, best bet would be to search on your local fb group or similar.

i live in a very small town, but there’s sports masseuses that do from their home, others they travel to yours, local beautician shops that do a variety of massages etc

Just outside London, thank you for ideas!

It also depends what type of massage you want and the purpose of it? If its a relaxing, Swedish type massage then high street beauticians usually do them or some are mobile and come to your home. There are also deeper, sports massage. If he needs more of a therapeutic treatment for say tight muscle contractures, then an osteopath would be a better option. Either way, I'd ring to discuss the disability because this might change their recommendations.

I looked online for mine. I have a massage every month (and have done for ten years) from a lovely lady who comes to me. She does a PROPER massage... In that it is one that does you good even if you don't enjoy it very much at the time! She also does hot stone massage etc for those that want to enjoy the experience rather than have a therapeutic massage.

I also indulge myself with an additional massage if we go on holiday in the UK. Again, I look online. Look at the reviews and the treatments offered.

@DilemmaDelilah thank U, What's the proper massage, is it what's called Swedish? I don't even know what to ask for someone who is not very mobile, was thinking lymphatic or generally kneeding muscles that don't get used much.

I think osteopathy wouldn't be right, I had it long time ago after an accident and that was quite "crunchy" in places which might be too much for ds.

@YogaLite a good therapist will be able to work with their client to decide on the best form of treatment. I have deep tissue massage. I would suggest NOT going to a place that does beauty treatments and massage as they tend to provide a 'one size fits all' (or rather does not fit all!) style of feel good massage. You need a qualified therapist with experience of working with disabilities. You may find that his GP or hospital team may have a list of therapists. Or there may be a charity providing specialist information on his condition. Lymphatic drainage is a very specific type of massage, as is myofascial release. I don't know your son's disabilities and I'm certainly not qualified to suggest a particular therapy.

He may need work to help provide more mobility, or to loosen joints, or just to relax him and make him feel better, I don't know what he needs. Best to take advice from those qualified to provide it.

Good luck

I think osteopathy wouldn't be right, I had it long time ago after an accident and that was quite "crunchy" in places which might be too much for ds

Are you sure you aren't thinking of a chiropractor OP? An osteopath needs at least a 4yr degree to work and are a registered professional who work with babies, adults and children. 'They use a holistic, "whole-body" approach, utilising hands-on physical manipulation, stretching, and massage to improve joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, and promote natural healing.'

A massage therapist has a level 3 diploma taking a few months to complete. I don't know if its part of a beautician training, but I agree with the poster above, that you'd be better to find someone that specialises in massage alone rather than the remit of other beauty things.

As I asked up thread- it depends what you want the massage for? Just a rub to relax DS or an actual therapeutic reason to help muscle/skeletal function, pain and potentially improve mobility?

@7238SM thank you

I started looking online and didn't feel the ones who offer skin/beauty treatments were right. Really hard to describe and still no wiser where to look, there doesn't seem to be anyone nearby advertising, more distant ones are talking about significant travel costs.

As DS is not very mobile, anything to keep his body/soft tissue cells "moving" to add some flexibility would help but having had osteopathy myself, it feels too intense for someone who is quite frail. In the past he had therapeutic massage.

Anyone knows what Thai involves? To me that sounds a bit like beauty treatment.

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Thai is a lot of stretching, almost like assisted yoga. They sort of pull you into positions. The massage itself can be very intense though and is probably not for beginners.

there’s an app called fresha where you can find services like massages, facials, etc - it might be worth having a browse on there in case it throws up any near you who might fit the bill. Whilst it doesn’t sound like you’re after a sports massage particularly, I wouldn’t rule that out completely as a good one will have an idea of how to work the underused muscles, especially as they’ll have experience dealing with recovery from injuries.

for something more relaxing but not too intense - a hot stone massage or herbal compress massage are very nice!

I would second the recommendation to ask healthcare providers for clinics they could suggest. Your DS deserves someone who understands his condition and has the experience to do the job properly.

Anyone knows what Thai involves? To me that sounds a bit like beauty treatment

I've a Thai massage a few times- mainly in Thailand. Its not a beauty treatment but a different form of therapeutic massage. You remain clothed and it doesn't involve oil. They manipulate you into various positions, similar to yoga poses, and use pressure. I personally don't find it as relaxing as a Swedish massage (which uses oil to rub your muscles) because I felt they were rolling me around and bending me further than my joints would normally bend.

Are you in any facebook or support groups for DS's condition? They might have recommendations for massage types or therapists they recommend.

Thank you @7238SM looks like Thai not for us then.

His condition is v rare and no support group but there is some overlap with others like MND, Parkinson's or similar. Yes, it would need to be someone medically knowledgeable and yes to oil and touch.

I tried asking NHS physio in the past but they were not able to suggest anyone. Might try asking at the surgery.

I would look for someone who offers sports massage and explain what you need. Maybe try a private physio place. You might be wanting something like deep tissue massage but obviously adapted to what is comfortable to him -as any massage should be.

I think it's a really good idea.

I’d try a private physio, a lot offer massage alongside.