Quick answer
Choose a relaxation massage for stress and better sleep, deep tissue for stubborn knots and chronic tension, hot stone for deep warmth and tight muscles, cupping to release tightness, head massage for neck, shoulder and scalp tension, and lymphatic drainage for puffiness. Sessions at Blissful Touch run 30, 45, 60, 90 or 120 minutes, and direct billing is available.
Key takeaways
- Pick a massage by your goal: stress relief, knots, warmth, tightness or puffiness.
- Deep tissue is firmer and can leave you a little sore for a day or two.
- 60 minutes suits most people; 90 to 120 minutes allows full-body plus focus areas.
- You are always in control of the pressure.
- Many extended health plans cover massage therapy, with direct billing available.
On this page
- How to choose the right massage
- Massage types compared
- Relaxation massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Hot stone and cupping
- Head massage
- Benefits, pros and cons of massage
- How long should your session be?
- How often should you get a massage?
- Who should check with a doctor first?
- Can insurance cover my massage?
- Bottom line
- Frequently asked questions
How to choose the right massage
The best massage depends on what you want to feel afterwards. Relaxed and sleepy? Looser shoulders? Less puffy? Here is a simple guide to the styles we offer at Blissful Touch.
Massage types compared
| Type | Pressure | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relaxation | Light to moderate | Stress, sleep, overall calm | Flowing full-body strokes |
| Deep tissue | Firm | Knots, chronic tension, recovery | Mild soreness for 1 to 2 days is possible |
| Hot stone | Moderate, with heat | Tight muscles, feeling cold, deep relaxation | Warm, smooth stones melt tension |
| Cupping | Suction | Tightness, stiff back and shoulders | May leave circular marks for several days |
| Head massage | Light to moderate | Neck, shoulder and scalp tension, headaches from stress | Great add-on or short session |
| Lymphatic drainage | Very light | Puffiness, feeling heavy, gentle relaxation | 60-minute full-body session |
Relaxation massage
Long, flowing strokes with comfortable pressure. Ideal if you are stressed, not sleeping well or simply need a reset. This is the best choice for a first massage if you are unsure.
Deep tissue massage
Firmer, slower pressure that works into the deeper layers of muscle and fascia. It is great for stubborn knots, desk-job shoulders, chronic tension and athletes. You may feel a little sore for a day or two, similar to after a workout.
Hot stone and cupping
Hot stones use heat to relax muscles quickly; cupping uses gentle suction to lift and release tight tissue. Both are covered in detail in our hot stone and cupping guide.
Head massage
Focused on the scalp, neck and shoulders. A wonderful option when screen time and stress have you tense, and a popular add-on to other treatments.
Benefits, pros and cons of massage
Pros
- Relieves muscle tension and stress
- Can improve sleep and a sense of wellbeing
- Supports recovery from training and long workdays
- Fully customizable pressure and focus
- Often covered by extended health benefits
Cons
- Deep work can cause short-term soreness
- Not suitable with some conditions without medical advice
- Benefits are best maintained with regular sessions
- Insurance coverage depends on your plan and yearly limits
How long should your session be?
- 30 minutes: one focus area, such as the back and shoulders
- 45 minutes: a couple of areas, or a shorter full-body relaxation
- 60 minutes: the most popular choice; full body or several focus areas
- 90 minutes: full body plus extra time on problem areas
- 120 minutes: the ultimate unhurried reset
At Blissful Touch
Massage in NE Calgary
See treatment times, what to expect and quick answers on our Massage page, or book online any time.
How often should you get a massage?
There is no single rule. A practical guide:
- General wellbeing: every 3 to 4 weeks
- Ongoing tension or training: every 1 to 2 weeks for a while, then space out
- After an injury or car accident: follow the plan agreed with your care team; see massage after a car accident in Alberta
Who should check with a doctor first?
Let us know if you are pregnant, have a blood clot or bleeding disorder, recent surgery or injury, skin infection, fever, or a heart condition. Some styles, such as hot stone or deep tissue, may need to be adjusted or avoided.
Can insurance cover my massage?
Many extended health plans include massage therapy. As a licensed provider, we offer direct billing with many major insurers, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life and Blue Cross. Read our massage insurance and direct billing guide to learn how it works.
Bottom line
Choose relaxation for calm, deep tissue for knots, hot stone for warmth, cupping for tightness, head massage for neck and scalp tension and lymphatic drainage for puffiness. And if you can't decide, just tell us how you feel; we'll tailor the session for you.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of massage should I choose?
Choose relaxation massage for stress and better sleep, deep tissue for stubborn knots and chronic tension, hot stone for deep warmth, cupping to release tightness, and head massage for neck, shoulder and scalp tension. Not sure? Tell us how you feel and we will tailor the session.
How often should I get a massage?
For general wellbeing, many people book every 3 to 4 weeks. For ongoing tension, recovery or a specific issue, every 1 to 2 weeks for a while can help, then less often.
Is deep tissue massage supposed to hurt?
It should feel firm and sometimes intense, but never sharply painful. Tell your therapist if it is too much; you are always in control of the pressure.
How long should my first massage be?
A 60-minute session is a great start. It allows a short consultation and time to work on the whole body or a few focus areas.
What should I expect at my first massage?
We start with a short consultation about tension areas, pressure preference and any health conditions. You relax in a private treatment room, and you are always in control of the pressure. Drink water afterwards.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take prescription medication, check with your doctor before any treatment and tell us when you book.
About Blissful Touch
Blissful Touch is a massage and skincare spa at #110, 3565 20th Ave NE in NE Calgary, near Sunridge. Founder Jamilah is a licensed professional and instructor in aesthetics and massage therapy. Meet Jamilah · See all services
