Massage Centre venues

A massage centre is a type of business centred on massage, holding its sessions in separate massage rooms and by appointment. What sets a massage centre apart from other types of spa is that the visit is defined by the massage itself rather than by the facilities: a pool, hammam or sauna is either absent altogether or a complementary area used to warm up before the massage. On Spa Deneyimi, this label is given not only to independent massage studios but also to hotel and hammam spas that put massage forward as their main service.

What you find at massage centres

The core facilities of a massage centre are its single and double massage rooms and its team of therapists. On the menus of the centres listed, aromatherapy massage and medical massage are offered most often; Swedish, deep tissue, Balinese, Thai and hot stone massage, as well as sports massage, lymphatic drainage massage and reflexology, are also available at some centres. Because most of the centres operate within a hotel or hammam, a Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, kese (exfoliating scrub) and foam massage are also among the services frequently found; several have a salt room and one has a Russian bath. Treatments such as facials, body scrubs and cellulite treatments also appear on some centres' menus. A centre in Edirne, on the other hand, focuses on massage alone and states that its sessions are given by female therapists.

Who a massage centre suits

A massage centre suits those who are looking for a particular type of massage and want to devote their visit to a single session. People who have regular massages for back and neck tension from desk work, for muscle fatigue after sport or because of stress want to get straight to the therapist without needing a pool or wet area. Working regularly with the same therapist helps build a better understanding over time of pressure and the areas to focus on. If you are having a massage for the first time, which type to start with and how the session goes are explained in detail in the guide for first-time massage clients.

How to choose a trustworthy massage centre

When choosing a massage centre, look at how it is run rather than how it looks. A clear address and contact details, a written massage menu, and session lengths and prices that are clear in advance are the basic signs. A therapist who asks before the session about your health, any painful or sensitive areas and your preferred pressure points to a centre that takes its work seriously. Clean sheets and towels, a separate room with a door that closes, and areas not being worked on kept covered with a towel throughout the session are the standards to expect in terms of privacy. A detailed checklist on this is in the guide to trustworthy massage salons.

How a massage centre differs from similar types

The difference between a massage centre and a day spa lies in the wet area and the length of the visit: at a day spa, massage is part of a programme of a few hours combined with the hammam, sauna and treatments, while at a massage centre the visit usually begins and ends with the massage session. A wellness centre combines massage with exercise programmes such as fitness, pilates and yoga and may work on a membership basis. Hotel spas, for their part, put their large wet area and pool first; massage is one of the services offered alongside these facilities.

Appointments and sessions at a massage centre: practical information

At massage centres, sessions are by appointment; on most menus the same massage is offered in different lengths, and the session length is the main factor that sets the price. Arriving 10-15 minutes before your appointment leaves time for a short consultation and getting ready. If you would prefer a female or male therapist, say so when booking; whether this is possible varies from venue to venue. For oil massages, disposable underwear is usually provided; for types given fully clothed, such as Thai massage, comfortable clothing is required. If you are pregnant or have a history of deep vein thrombosis, advanced varicose veins, a feverish illness, an open wound or skin infection, recent surgery or uncontrolled high blood pressure, consult your doctor before having a massage and tell the therapist about your condition.

After a massage, it is recommended to drink water, avoid strenuous exercise for a few hours and take a lukewarm shower after an oil massage. After a deep-pressure session the areas worked on may feel slightly tender for a day or two; if the pain gets worse or does not go away, see a doctor. Some centres offer multi-session packages; it is worth asking about the package's validity period and cancellation terms in advance.

Cities with massage centres

Most of the massage centres listed are in Istanbul, in Üsküdar, Şişli, Beyoğlu and Başakşehir. Outside Istanbul there is also one centre each in the Side area of Antalya, in Edirne and in Adıyaman.