Stretching massage: for a body that has gone stiff from sitting

If mornings take a while before you can move, if you cannot reach your toes, and your lower back and hips feel tied up after a day on a chair - a regular massage may not be enough. The body is not just tense, it is shortened. That is what a stretching massage is for.

What it is

A massage that combines classic techniques with stretching and passive mobilisation. The therapist moves your joints and stretches the muscles for you, in rhythm. You do nothing - the work is theirs.

It uses elements of Thai stretching techniques, but it is not a classic Thai massage. It is closer to assisted yoga than to rubbing.

Who it is for

A body stiff from repeating the same movements - office, car, a sport with the same load. Stiffness and limited mobility. Tension in the lower back and hips from sitting. People who want to move more freely without going to yoga.

What you can expect

Freer movement and a lighter body after the very first time. Posture often improves, because shortened muscles stop pulling the body forward.

Flexibility does not come back in an hour, though. If the body has been stiff for years, a series of a few sessions and a little movement between them help.

When to be careful

If you have an old injury in a shoulder, knee or lower back, say so in advance - the work goes around it, not through it. With a recent injury or sharp pain, see a doctor first.

What to bring

Nothing special. Tell us in advance about injuries and surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be flexible to come?

No. Quite the opposite - the massage is for those who are not.

Does the stretching hurt?

It should not. The stretch goes to a limit you can take calmly, and that limit is agreed with you.

How is it different from Thai massage?

It uses elements of Thai stretching, but the massage is adapted to you and combined with classic techniques. We do not do classic Thai massage.

How long is it and how much does it cost?

90 minutes, €85.

Where

The stretching massage is done at our studio inside Hotel Forum, 2 Sofiyski Geroy Str., Sofia. Open every day from 10:00 to 20:00, by appointment. English spoken.