Before you arrive:
To ensure the best experience, it is important to complete The Winchester consultation form. The consultation forms are usually sent one to two days prior to your appointment via email and/or text message. You will want to fill this out as honestly as possible. If you have not received a consultation form, please call us at 843-875-4588 and we will be happy to send one to you.
The Experience
When you arrive for your first massage at The Winchester, check in with a guest coordinator. Begin to unwind 15 minutes before your massage appointment with a complimentary beverage in our relaxation room or massage chair IV garden. You will have access to a private locker room, containing a shower, restroom, lockers, and cozy robes.
Your massage therapist will lead you to the treatment room and do a private consultation with you. Your therapist will then discuss what to expect. for your massage experience. After the therapist leaves the room, you can undress to your comfort level, and take a few minutes to relax face down on the table. When your massage therapist is ready for you, they will re-enter the room and begin the treatment. It is important to communicate with your therapist throughout the treatment.
After
When your time is up, the therapist will quietly let you know and leave the room. Take your time to slowly get off the table and redress. Your therapist will meet you back in the relaxation room with a glass of water. Complimentary beverages and sweet treats are also available. The Winchester Spa recommends waiting at least 15 minutes after your massage before leaving. It is important to drink a lot of water the day of your massage. You may feel a little sore after your massage, this is normal. Your massage therapist will tell you, if needed, when they would like to see you again, and may offer at-home tips and techniques until then.
Learn what you like
It’s a good idea to experience different types of massage to see what appeals most to you, particularly if your goal is relaxation and stress reduction. This is another important aspect to discuss with your massage therapist. After a few sessions, you’ll have a better sense of what you like, what you don’t, and you’ll be more comfortable to communicate that with your massage therapist:
Massage therapy modalities include, but aren’t limited to:
Custom Swedish massage - gliding and kneading of muscles with oil-based lubricants. While it is generally focused on relaxation, Swedish massage is therapeutic as it is effective for relieving tension, increasing blood flow and breaking down scar tissue
Hot stone massage - your therapist will prepare you by starting out with some Swedish massage techniques, and then apply hot Basalt stones. These act like an extension of the therapist’s hands, releasing tension in your muscles.
Deep tissue massage - whether you’re an athlete or you sit at a desk all day, deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique for relieving muscle pain by applying pressure to the layers of muscle, tendon and other tissues.