Spa Massages for Men

Whether to de-stress, relax post-workout or to improve overall wellbeing, there are lots of reasons for men to enjoy a spa massage. In this guide, we look at the benefits of a spa massage for men and highlight the different types available. We also suggest a few of our favourite men’s spa packages that include a massage. We end by answering some questions you may have about men’s massage.

What are the benefits of a spa massage for men?

Massages offer lots of benefits beyond just relaxation. Here are some reasons why men should consider getting a massage:

Improve flexibility: Incorporating a massage into your routine can help you stay flexible and less prone to muscle injuries.

Aid exercise recovery: If you take part in regular exercise or train for sporting events, a massage can work wonders in preventing post-workout soreness and reducing the risk of injury. A soothing massage is also a great way to warm up or cool down after a workout session.

Boost your mood: A massage can give you a mental lift through the release of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Of course, a massage can’t (and shouldn’t) replace professional mental health therapies, but if you’re feeling a bit down, it can help you feel better.

Ease back and neck pain: If you sit at a desk or behind a wheel all day, a massage can help melt away any nagging neck or lower back pain.

Help you get a good night’s sleep: Again, the release of serotonin helps the body to relax and promotes healthy natural sleep.

Lower stress and anxiety: A massage can lower the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, calming the mind and reducing anxiety. This can also aid in cardiovascular health and may even contribute to lower blood pressure.

Improve circulation: Massage aids and promotes the flow of blood and lymph around the body.

As you can see, all these elements work together to promote overall health and wellbeing, both mental and physical. The benefits you get from a massage will depend on the type you choose.

What are the different types of massage?

The main differences between the types of men’s massage are the firmness of pressure applied and the techniques used. Some of the more common types of spa massage for male guests include:

Back, neck and shoulders massage: Among the most popular types of spa massage, this is a relaxing experience that usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes. The therapist will use a light to medium touch (although you can ask them to increase the pressure) to work on those tense muscles. This type of massage:

- Eases stress

- Soothes muscles

- Improves circulation

Full body massage: This offers all the benefits of the back, neck and shoulders massage, except it incorporates the whole body, offering a longer and more relaxing experience (between 50 and 90 minutes).

Swedish massage: Another popular spa treatment, this massage lasts between 40 and 90 minutes, depending on whether you choose the back, neck and shoulders or full body version. The therapist will select complementary aromatherapy oils and work superficially into the muscles using a light touch and incorporating a variety of techniques. This type of massage:

- Relieves tension

- Relaxes muscles

- Improves muscle tone and circulation

Deep tissue massage: This is a robust massage that involves using firm pressure to work deep into the muscle layers to release toxins and the build-up of lactic acid. Again, you can choose between a back, neck and shoulders massage or a longer full body version, for a treatment that lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. As well as massage, the therapist may use kneading and stretching techniques to manipulate your muscles. Relaxing it is not! This type of massage can:

- Deeply relax tense muscles

- Aid improved posture

- Offer cumulative muscular benefits

- Relieve the symptoms of repetitive strain injury (check with your doctor)

- Treat previously diagnosed sports injuries

- Promote blood flow

- Aid recovery after exercise

Sports massage: Similar in intensity to the deep tissue massage, this 30 to 60-minute treatment is more targeted and is carried out by a therapist with in-depth understanding of physiology. It has benefits for those in training or who work out regularly, as well as for those who have a more sedentary routine. This type of massage:

- Addresses specific issues such as sports injuries and muscle tension

- Focusses on targeted areas of the body

- Combines advanced massage techniques

- Aids recovery after exercise

- Helps you to get more out of your workouts and training sessions

It is important to note that not all massages are suitable for everyone – particularly deep tissue and sports massages. If you have any underlying medical issues, it is important to consult with your doctor and to let the spa know ahead of time. After all, you want the massage to be beneficial; not to do more harm than good.

Where can you enjoy a men’s massage?

The vast majority of spas will offer massages for men. There are a few venues that are women-only, but most of our 500+ spas welcome men and offer tailored spa day and spa break packages. You can also book a massage as a standalone treatment.

Men’s spa massage packages

You can view our full range of men’s spa packages here. However, here are just a few of our favourites which feature a massage as an inclusive or optional treatment:

-  Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa on Merseyside offers a Men’s Stress Buster spa day package that features the choice of treatments, including an ESPA deep muscle massage, plus afternoon tea and use of the leisure facilities

- East Sussex National Hotel in Uckfield, East Sussex offers a Men’s MOT Day, which features an inclusive full body massage and scalp massage, plus lunch and use of the leisure facilities.

- Selected PURE Spa and Beauty locations offer a Time Out for Men package, which features a 60-minute deep tissue back massage, along with a 30-minute men’s facial.

If you prefer to keep your options open – or you’d like to book a special spa day for the man in your life – we offer a Men's Pamper Day Voucher, which is redeemable at selected spas across the country. It includes a relaxing back, neck and shoulders massage, and a scalp massage. Alternatively, choose a standalone back, neck and shoulders Spa Massage Voucher, which is redeemable at selected spas nationwide.

Men’s massage: FAQs

Here the answers to some few commonly asked questions about men’s massage.

Will the massage therapist be a man or a woman? 

While there are male massage therapists, the job is female-dominated. The exception is sports massage. If you would prefer a male massage therapist, check with us at the time of booking to make sure your chosen spa can accommodate your request. However, all massage therapists are trained professionals who are there to provide a service and to make you feel at ease. 

Will I have to get naked during the massage? 

The choice is really yours. For some types of massage, you can stay partially covered. For a full body male massage, the therapist will use ‘draping’, which involves covering yourself with a towel. The therapist will uncover parts of your body in turn, thus allowing you to stay partially covered. Whether you want to be naked, wear underwear or swimwear, or take advantage of the disposable underwear provided is up to you. The main point is that you are comfortable and relaxed. 

What happens if I get aroused during a massage? 

Related to the nakedness issue is the anxiety some men might have with regard to their physical reaction to an intimate massage, especially in a male full body massage. Again, a trained therapist will be used to this and you should not feel embarrassed. They’ve seen it all before!

Can I fall asleep during a massage? 

In short, yes! Dozing off during a massage is fine and may even aid in its benefits.

What happens after a men's massage?

Following a massage, the best advice is to take it easy. Enjoy a light meal or make use of the spa’s relaxation room. It is usually advised not to shower or swim straight after the massage to give the massage oils time to sink into the skin. As your skin might be a little oily after the massage, it’s a good idea to bring something suitable to wear home. Find out more in our Top Massage Tips.

Will a massage remove fake tan?

The oils used in a massage can remove, fade or streak a fake tan, so it’s a good idea to wait at least 24 hours after the tanning treatment. It is also advisable to wait at least two days after the massage before getting a spray tan, as any residual oils can hinder the development of the tan. Also, if you plan on using the other spa facilities, such as the steam room, sauna or swimming pool, these can also have a detrimental effect on a fake tan.

More questions? We have a range of FAQ spa guides to help you get the most from your spa experience.

To find out more or to book your next men’s spa massage, contact the SpaSeekers’ team today.