What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

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.

Do I have to be completely undressed?

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.

Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?

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.

What do I do during a massage treatment?

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.

Will the massage hurt?

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.

How often should I get a massage?

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.

What are the benefits?

1. Increased circulation 2. Decreased muscle tension 3. Increased mobility and range of motion 4. Activation of parasympathetic nervous system

How will I feel after my massage treatment?

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.

How many sessions will I need?

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.

When should I NOT get a massage?

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.

Testimonials | Best Santa Barbara Massage Therapy

Had the best massage I’ve ever had here thanks to Kristen. The day spa facilities are impeccably clean and conducive to your relaxation. Thank you!!

Alex Brown

What a great massage! The masseuses and staff are experts and extremely professional. I’ll definitely be back and recommend it to everyone.

Eric Schwartz

The staff was very good with me. I must say the ladies who treated me were very good as well. They made sure that I was comfortable, with as little discomfort as possible. This is a first-class medical and day spa.

Franco Mercado

If you get a massage here, ask for Patricia. She is amazing. I haven’t felt this good after a massage for several years.

Lorraine McIntire

I just experienced one of the best massages I have ever had. I am kind of a “massage snob” and have had a hard time finding my Holy Grail here in SB. Adrienne has great massage techniques and intuition. She is also professional and personal, rolled into a cheerful package. I think my search is over.
I have already recommended Adrienne to several of my discriminating friends.
I am so relaxed now, I can’t write another word.
Nighty night.
Barbara

Barbara Neary

I love the service they provide, they take excellent care of the clients and always put you First.

Right Brainstuff

Fantastic experience all around! Professionalism, class, comfort, attentiveness, quality, luxury. I felt fully attended to and satisfied with my treatment!

Mandi Erickson

I had both a facial and massage and was so glad I did. Everything was clean and peaceful and the staff was so professional! I will be back when I can make the time.

Kellie Lancaster

My mom and I wanted to have a spa day together. We arrived after having lunch together at Boochies, all healthy and spa-tastic. We started with the 1.5 hour massage and then had the rejuvenating facials. The massages were just amazing and we agreed that we were “all noodled out” and couldn’t be more relaxed. Jill was my masseuse and had some wonderful techniques I hadn’t experienced before and I’d go to her again! Then we had our great facials. I had some skin care questions and got great advice from Helene my facialist. I was very pleased with my facial and how my skin felt afterwards. It was such a nice experience for my mom and me, from our sauna and chat before we started, to chilling in the relaxing area with cucumber water. It was peaceful and really special.

Calla Gold

These guys are always great! I see them regularly for laser hair removal and occasionally for a facial or massage! It’s a perfect spot for a quick self-care session! The people are always lovely and the treatments are always relaxing!

Heather S

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