Evolutions Medical & Day Spa

Best massage therapists in Santa Barbara

Looking for the best massage therapists in Santa Barbara?

On this site we offer in depth information about massage therapy in Santa Barbara.  Please be aware that this info, though accurate and thorough, is not meant to be comprehensive medical advice.  Furthermore, since every client is unique, if you are considering massage therapy, we encourage you to call Evolutions at 805-695-2210 and book a complimentary consultation with one of our massage therapists.  They will be able to review your medical history, answer any additional questions you may have, and give you a personalized assessment of how we can help you.

It is strongly recommended you arrive to your appointment 5-15 minutes early to acquaint yourself with the space, use the restroom, and to ensure ample time to get checked in and mentally prepared for your massage.  A brief tour of the space will be provided from Evolutions staff to help you acclimate to the spa.  Your massage therapist will call your name in the waiting area at the time of your service and end the massage at the scheduled time (60, 75, or 90 minutes). 

You will be undressing inside of the massage room due to temporary COVID safety protocols but typically would have a locker as well as a sauna and shower to use at your leisure. The massage therapist will show you to the room that you will be in and step outside with the door closed to give you privacy while undressing and climbing under the bed linens.  

Once you are laying on your back covered under the bed linens, the massage therapist will knock first to ensure your privacy. Approximately half of your massage time will be on your back, and the other half will be on your stomach with your face resting on a cushioned face cradle that includes an enclosed circular space for your comfort. At this time, it is optional to wear a face mask during the face down portion of your massage only. You will be provided with a surgical face mask upon turning to your back for the second half of the massage. The massage therapist will be wearing a mask at all times during the massage.

We recommend you undress to your comfort level. It is easiest for a massage therapist to have smooth strokes when massaging a muscle if undergarments are not present but they can still give an effective massage should you choose to keep them on.  Keep in mind, if undergarments are worn, massage oil or lotion could soil and stain the material.

It is important to share with your massage therapist if you have any areas you would like to focus on, experience higher tension levels, and current injuries or areas of pain that should be handled with care or avoided.

Regardless of what type of massage you choose, it is best to focus on breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth with deep belly breaths. This type of breathing gives your body and mind permission to relax.  If at any point of the massage you would like more or less pressure, it is important to verbalize your preference to get the most out of your experience.

Massages are characterized on a pressure instead of a pain scale and is subjective to each person.  1 = Mild pressure such as applying massage lotion, 5 = Moderate therapeutic pressure that should release a muscle but not register pain, 10 = Intense pressure that is unbearable which most likely is painful. The massage therapist will check in a few times during your massage about pressure which it is important to express the need for more or less pressure to receive the best massage.  

A Swedish massage should never be painful and involves light to moderate pressure(3-5 range) with long fluid movements to release your muscles and increase blood flow.

A deep tissue massage is best described on a pressure scale of 5-7 being the ideal therapeutic range and can have elbows used to increase pressure. You could experience a bit of sore muscles shortly after your massage and up until the next day which is a common experience especially if you prefer higher pressures between the 6-8 range. If a muscle adhesion is released a small bruise can be noticed 1-3 days after a massage and is normal.  

The frequency of scheduling massages depends on your stress levels, physical activity, and financial means. It is a common misconception, that massages are only to be experienced on a special occasion, although that is great reason to plan a massage but more importantly massage are a tool for muscle recovery and great to implement into a self-care routine.  It is helpful to ask your massage therapist at the end of your treatment to suggest how often your body would benefit from a massage and to come up with a plan to implement a routine.  A spa membership is a great way to budget for massages each month. 

  • Increased circulation
  • Decreased muscle tension
  • Increased mobility and range of motion
  • Activation of parasympathetic nervous system

You could experience a bit of sore muscles shortly after your massage and up until the next day which is a common experience especially if you prefer higher pressures between the 6-9 range. If a muscle adhesion is released a small bruise can be noticed 1-3 days after a massage.  

Once a month is a good place to start on a self-care routine for the general public focused who prioritizes their health and great to find a spa that offers membership and/or package options to help you budget financially. If you exercise regularly 2-5 times per week, depending on the intensity, a massage can be needed biweekly and in some instances weekly to address a specific concern or to complement a vigorous training program.

There are rare instances that a massage would not be helpful and to wait until a condition is cleared by your doctor or you are no longer experiencing symptoms.  After an acute injury, surgery, car accident, presence of an active skin rash that will be massaged, or if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms.

Evolutions Medical Spa is pleased to offer clients in the Santa Barbara area the most effective and comprehensive Massage Therapy treatments anywhere.

After: Massage Therapy

This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn’t probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn’t hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’ hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘feels good’ hurt range. Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Always communicate any pain during a session with your therapist. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.   So why wait? Get started down the road to razor-free days today! Make an appointment for a complimentary consultation by calling Evolutions at 805-695-2210 or fill out an online consultation request form.