Wednesday, May 23, 2012

title pic Urban Massage

Posted by dulwichmum on Sun 23 January 2011

Name of product: Urban Massage

Price: 30 minutes £40, 60 minutes £60, 90 minutes £90

The blurb: “After 6 years of working with Premiership Football clubs, I wanted to bring the same level of professional and individualised care to everyone, by offering sports massage therapy at times and places to suit even the most hectic lifestyle

Urbanmassage provide a superior massage service, enabling every client (all ages, gender and vocation) to achieve their potential. We provide massage that will enable maximum function, pain relief and optimal health and wellbeing that will improve your life”

First impressions: I visited Chris at his massage practice based at Snow and Rock in Covent Garden. Having had massages at spas, I expected a similar set up, with dimmed lighting, aromatherapy candles and whale music plinking gently in the background. I was met by smiley, personable, Chris who showed me to the rather utilitarian room. He operates in Covent Garden and Fenchurch Street but also visits clients at their undoubtedly fabulous homes. He cycles there, the embodiment of fitness

Chris asked me what style of massage I preferred: he has specialised in sports massage before and worked with professional footballers, dancers and musicians, but now works mainly with stressed Londoners. Typical clients will be strung out City workers who work hard and then overstretch themselves playing rugby or squash at the weekend. And their fabulously fragrant wives

Ease of Use: The Urban Massage company approach is to tailor the treatment to the lifestyle and requirements of the client and then devise a programme that includes exercises the client can do at home to support the effects of the massage. Chris asks if there are specific exercise-related problems or whether the client would just like a relaxation massage, which was the option I chose. Immediately he diagnosed problems with tension in my neck and shoulders, which have had an impact on my ability to sing and run

I was taken by his non-airy fairy scientific approach: whilst I did not have to endure the full force of a sports massage, his style was purposeful and diagnostic and explained the eventual consequences of my shoulder tension and ways of preventing this in the future

Chris used massage oil blended to his specification from organic oils such as lavender and thyme, which are known for their therapeutic anti-inflammatory effects. As I would eventually have to fight my way home on the train, and not luxuriate in my own home spa, Chris used a citrussy daytime blend

Pros: I was taken with the more scientific, holistic approach to the correct function of the body and alignment of muscles in contrast to massages I’ve had in spas which just make me fall asleep and leave me cynical about the effects of aromatherapy and dim lights in a warm room

Chris clearly has something to say about how to deal with a build-up of tension in everyday life and how to remedy it so avoid stiffness and pain. He showed me some exercises I can do myself at home to alleviate tension and stiffness in my neck and shoulders and I hope this longer-term plan will improve my posture for singing and more strenuous exercise

He can come to your home, as long as you live in London. He is friendly and completely unintimidating. Chris spent some time recommending a couple of stretching exercises which I can do at home to help extend the benefits of the massage. He says he is available to email drawings of stretching positions or to discuss queries

Cons: You chat all the way through the treatment, so it’s not a chance to fall asleep for an hour with a good excuse

The setting is not exactly plush. If you need a spa session, go to the Grove. Urban Massage offers corporate, fully clothed massages for people too busy to spend time away from their desk but it seems to me that such a treatment, whilst drawing attention to oneself, would have few beneficial effects and could be counter productive. Make an appointment and do it where you can relax

Value for money:. I think so, given the rational explanation and anatomical knowledge Chris so enthusiastically imparts

Dulwichmum verdict: ★★★★½ Definitely. Do it. Shall definitely recommend it. Hope to do it again soon. I was left feeling very relaxed and light headed

Stockists: Visit Urbanmassage.co.uk email chris@urbanmassage.co.uk or call Chris Brooks on 0790820110

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