Massages: all types and venues

Massage types differ by the pressure applied, the technique, whether oil is used and the aim of the session: some aim purely at relaxation, some focus on ingrained muscle tension or restricted movement, and some work with a tool such as heat, cups or wooden instruments. On Spa Deneyimi, the massage group includes 23 massage types and treatments offered by at least one venue. Some of them describe a particular technique, others short sessions focused on a single area; headings such as couples' massage describe how the session is arranged rather than a technique.

Comparison of massage types

The table below compares the massage types with venues listed on the site by pressure, typical session length and who they suit. The lengths reflect common practice; the venue's menu and the package chosen can change them.

Choosing a massage by need

Choosing a massage depends above all on what you want to relieve and how much pressure you are ready for. The pairings below are a starting point for common needs:

• If it is your first massage: Swedish massage or aromatherapy massage. The pressure is gentle to medium and easily adjusted during the session; to prepare, see the guide for first-time massage clients.
• Muscle pain and knots: deep tissue massage for ingrained tension, medical massage for a specific diagnosed complaint. The comparison of Swedish and deep tissue massage explains the difference between the two pressure levels in detail.
• If you are wary of deep pressure: hot stone or Balinese massage; heat and medium-to-deep pressure give a deeper effect without strong force.
• Flexibility and restricted movement: Thai massage or shiatsu. Both are done without oil and with your clothes on; Thai massage involves more stretching, shiatsu more point pressure.
• Regular training: sports massage; planned to be short and invigorating before a race and geared towards recovery afterwards.
• A short break: back, neck and shoulder massage or reflexology. For reflexology you only take off your shoes and socks.
• As a couple or with someone close to you: couples' massage; two people have their sessions in the same room with separate therapists, and with different types if they wish.
• During pregnancy: only pregnancy massage, and only with a doctor's approval. Deep tissue, hot stone and traditional Thai massage are not suitable during pregnancy; details are in the guide to massage and spa during pregnancy.

How a massage session works

At most venues a massage session begins with a short consultation. You are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time; if you will use the hammam or sauna before the massage, you need to arrive earlier. At this point you are asked, or given a form, about blood pressure, pregnancy, any medication you take, recent surgery and allergies.

For oil massages the therapist leaves the room while you undress and lie on the table under a cover; many venues provide disposable underwear, and only the area being worked on is uncovered during the session. Thai massage and shiatsu are done with your clothes on, and most venues provide the clothing needed. You are expected to say at the start of the session which area to focus on and how much pressure you prefer. After the massage, it is advisable to lie still for a few minutes, get up slowly, drink water and not go straight back to anything demanding.

What determines the price of a massage

The price of a massage depends not on a single factor but on a combination of several variables. Because figures vary by venue and season, these are the factors to look at when comparing two offers:

• Length: 30, 60 and 90-minute sessions are priced separately; short sessions for one area are priced lower than a full-body massage.
• Technique and materials: treatments that need hot stones, cups, wooden tools, hot candle wax or a special oil blend are reflected in the price.
• Number of therapists and the room: in a four-hand massage two therapists work at the same time; for a couples' massage the room may be shared or a private suite with its own shower and jacuzzi.
• Use of facilities: whether use of the hammam, sauna and pool is included in the price directly changes the comparison.
• Package and timing: packages combining hammam, massage and treatments, as well as weekend and special-occasion appointments, affect the price.

For a detailed breakdown, see the guide to the factors that determine massage and spa prices.

Where to have a massage

The great majority of venues offering massage are hotel spas; city hotel spas in particular make up a large part of the list. They are followed by venues with a hammam section, day spas that accept outside guests, wellness centres and massage centres. Most of the listed venues offer a Turkish bath and sauna as well as massage, so in most places massage is sold as part of a package that includes use of the wet area. Whether guests who are not staying are accepted is the first thing to ask when choosing a hotel spa.

By city, Istanbul clearly stands out; a large share of the options in Istanbul are concentrated in Beşiktaş, Şişli and Beyoğlu. In Ankara, spas offering massage are concentrated in Çankaya; in Antalya, resort and hammam venues in Kemer, Serik and Manavgat stand out. There are also options in Bursa, Bodrum, Edirne and Adıyaman. A few hotel spas state that they offer Balinese massage with Indonesian or Far Eastern therapists; for names that venues give their own treatments, such as a signature massage, you need to ask what is included when making your appointment.

Who should take care before a massage

Massage is a safe treatment for most people, but in some situations it should be postponed or done only with a doctor's approval. Massage is postponed during a feverish illness, with an active skin infection or an open wound, and after recent surgery. If you have swelling, redness, warmth or pain in one leg only, do not have a massage and see a doctor; these signs may point to a blood clot.

• Blood thinners and bleeding disorders: deep tissue, cupping and treatments with strong pressure can cause bruising; a doctor's approval is needed.
• Osteoporosis, herniated disc, joint replacement and a recent fracture: Thai massage and shiatsu, which involve stretching, and deep pressure may be inadvisable.
• Diabetes and loss of sensation: with heat-based treatments such as hot stone and hot candle, the risk of burns increases because the perception of temperature is reduced.
• Cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled blood pressure: consult your doctor, especially before packages that include a hammam or sauna.
• Allergies, asthma and epilepsy: the essential oils used in aromatherapy can be a trigger; mention any known allergies in advance.
• Pregnancy and cancer treatment: massage is given only with a doctor's approval and with a suitable type.

Massage is not a diagnosis or a form of treatment; if you have pain of unknown cause, recent onset or that is getting worse, see a doctor first. The guide on how to tell whether a massage salon is trustworthy lists what to look for in a venue's licences and certificates.