Why Massage + Sauna?

Massage followed by sauna is one of those combinations that just makes sense.

Massage works directly with the muscles and soft tissues using pressure, movement and kneading to help ease areas of tension and encourages the body into healing using increased blood flow. Follow that with the sustained heat of a sauna and you extend the experience rather than simply getting off the massage table and rushing back into your day.

Sauna heat causes the blood vessels to widen (vasodilation) which increases blood flow through the body and raises the heart rate slightly, a little like gentle exercise. Increased circulation helps deliver oxygen rich blood around the body, while warmth can leave tired muscles feeling looser and more comfortable.

Together, massage and sauna can support:

• Deep muscular relaxation and a reduction in that tight, heavy feeling

• Healthy circulation through the warming and widening of blood vessels

• Post-exercise recovery and relaxation of tired or overworked muscles

• Stress reduction and that lovely “everything has finally switched off” feeling

• Rest and better sleep, thanks in part to the overall calming effect of heat and physical relaxation

• Time to properly reset instead of jumping straight from treatment back into real life

Sauna Before Massage?

There can be benefits to using a sauna before a massage. The heat warms the body and may help muscles feel softer and more relaxed before hands on treatment.

However, for our sessions at the Quay we recommend massage first. It means you arrive fresh and comfortable for your treatment rather than hot or damp from the sauna, and afterwards you can shower away the massage oil and head into the sauna to continue the relaxation.

Massage First, Sauna Afterwards

This is our favourite way to experience the two.

Your massage begins the process by warming and working the muscles and easing areas of tension. You then shower, step into the sauna and allow the heat to continue that feeling of warmth and relaxation.

Sauna bathing increases circulation as the blood vessels dilate, this extension of blood flow prolongs the healing until your muscles cool down again, it also aids in the detox after the waste has left the muscle tissue by supporting the lymphatic system and sweating.

A Few Important Things Before You Book

Both massage and sauna are suitable for many people, but they aren't appropriate for everyone.

Please speak to your GP or healthcare professional before using a sauna if you are pregnant, have heart or cardiovascular problems, very high or low blood pressure, epilepsy or another condition affected by heat, or if you take medication that may affect blood pressure, hydration or your ability to regulate temperature.

You should avoid sauna use if you have recently had a heart attack or stroke, if you are currently unwell or feverish, or after drinking alcohol.

Massage also has its own contraindications, so please tell us before treatment about any recent injuries or surgery, blood clots/DVT, serious cardiovascular conditions, infections, fever, acute inflammation or anything else you feel we should know about.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Massage can be deeply relaxing, and sauna makes you sweat, so water is your friend.

Drink plenty beforehand and afterwards, and listen to your body throughout your sauna session.