The best massage spa treatments for stress relief

In today’s fast-paced world, stress can easily take over, leaving us feeling exhausted, tense, and overwhelmed. But visiting a massage spa can provide much-needed relief from stress, helping you unwind and feel rejuvenated. At Coastal Massage & Spa, we offer a variety of body treatments designed to help you relax, reduce tension, and refresh both your mind and body. In this post, we’ll go over some of the best massage treatments for stress relief and how they can work wonders for your well-being.

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Best massage spa treatments

1. Swedish massage

One of the most popular and relaxing treatments at any massage spa is the Swedish massage. This technique uses long, smooth strokes, kneading, and circular motions to relax your muscles and improve circulation. Swedish massage is known for its ability to relax the whole body, making it perfect for people who are feeling stressed or overworked.

At Coastal Massage & Spa, our Swedish massage is tailored to each person’s needs. Whether you’re dealing with a tight neck, aching back, or just need a full-body relaxation session, our skilled therapists will adjust the pressure to suit your preferences. If you’ve never had a massage before, this is an excellent place to start, as it’s gentle yet effective in releasing tension.

2. Deep tissue massage

If stress has caused tension to build up deep within your muscles, a deep tissue massage might be exactly what you need. This technique targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, focusing on areas where tension and pain are often most intense. While a deep tissue massage can sometimes be more intense than a Swedish massage, it is incredibly effective in relieving chronic muscle tension, aches, and pains that come from stress.

Our therapists at Coastal Massage & Spa are highly trained in deep tissue techniques, so you can rest assured that they’ll work on specific problem areas without causing discomfort. Whether you have sore shoulders from long hours at a desk or lower back pain from stress, a deep tissue massage will help to release those tight spots and leave you feeling much more relaxed.

3. Aromatherapy massage

For those who are looking for a massage experience that engages all the senses, an aromatherapy massage is the way to go. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to promote physical and emotional well-being. When combined with a massage, these oils can enhance relaxation and relieve stress even more effectively.

At Coastal Massage & Spa, we offer a range of essential oils, whether you want to feel more relaxed, energized, or balanced. Scents like lavender are known for their calming properties, while eucalyptus can help clear your mind. Whether you need a gentle, relaxing experience or something more invigorating, our massage spa can customize the aromatherapy massage to fit your mood and needs.

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4. Hot stone massage

A hot stone massage is a great way to release stress and tension while enjoying the soothing warmth of heated stones placed on your back, neck, and other areas of the body. The heat from the stones helps to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and promote a sense of calm. The therapist will also use the stones as tools to apply gentle pressure, enhancing the overall relaxation experience.

At Coastal Massage & Spa, we use smooth, heated stones that are carefully placed on key points of your body to help relieve tension and stress. This treatment is perfect for anyone who wants a truly calming experience while also addressing deep muscle tension.

5. Trigger point therapy

Trigger points are areas of the muscle that become tight and tender due to stress or injury. Trigger point therapy is designed to target these areas, releasing built-up tension and providing relief from stress-induced discomfort. The therapist applies focused pressure to the trigger points to release tight knots and reduce muscle pain.

If you’ve been feeling stressed and have areas of tension, such as a stiff neck or tight shoulders, this treatment can help provide relief. At Coastal Massage & Spa, we often incorporate trigger point therapy into other treatments, such as Swedish or deep tissue massage, to give you even more relief where it’s needed most.

6. Reflexology

Reflexology is a unique treatment that focuses on pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears. According to reflexology principles, these points correspond to different parts of your body. By applying pressure to these areas, a reflexologist can help alleviate stress and promote healing.

At Coastal Massage & Spa, we offer reflexology as a standalone treatment or as part of a larger massage package. It’s a wonderful way to target specific areas of stress and tension, and many people find it deeply relaxing. Whether you want to target stress in your back, neck, or head, reflexology can be an excellent addition to your wellness routine.

7. Prenatal massage

For expectant mothers, stress relief is just as important. Prenatal massage is specially designed to relieve tension, reduce swelling, and promote relaxation in women who are pregnant. This treatment uses gentle techniques to target areas of stress, such as the lower back and legs, without putting any pressure on the belly.

At Coastal Massage & Spa, our prenatal massage is safe and effective. We take great care to ensure that each treatment is tailored to the unique needs of pregnant women, offering a relaxing experience that can help reduce anxiety and discomfort during pregnancy.

8. Couples massage

Sometimes, the best way to relieve stress is to share the experience with someone special. A couples massage is a wonderful way to relax together, whether it’s with a partner, friend, or family member. Enjoy side-by-side massages in a peaceful setting, allowing both of you to unwind and escape the pressures of daily life.

At Coastal Massage & Spa, our couples massages offer a great opportunity for you to enjoy quality time with a loved one while experiencing the benefits of stress relief. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions or just spending some relaxing time together.

Tips for maximizing your massage experience

While the treatments themselves are incredibly effective, there are a few simple things you can do to get the most out of your massage at a massage spa:

Communicate with your therapist: Let them know if you’re feeling too much pressure or if there are specific areas of tension.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water after your massage helps to flush out toxins and reduces muscle soreness.
Relax after your massage: Take some time to rest after your session to let the stress relief soak in.

Sign up for a membership at Coastal Massage Spa

If you’re looking for the best massage spa to help relieve stress, look no further than Coastal Massage & Spa. Located in Wilmington, NC, our peaceful and professional environment provides the perfect setting for a relaxing massage experience. Whether you need a gentle Swedish massage, a deep tissue session, or something in between, we’re here to help you unwind and feel your best.

Ready to take the first step towards relaxation? Book your appointment at Coastal Massage & Spa today and experience the ultimate stress relief.

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The benefits of a massage membership

At Coastal Massage & Spa in Wilmington, NC, we believe self-care shouldn’t just be for special occasions. It’s something that should be part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth or going for a walk. One of the best ways to make that happen? A massage membership.

A massage spa visit once a year is nice, but the real changes happen when you go regularly. In this post, we’ll talk about how a monthly massage can help your body, your mood, and even your sleep. It’s not just about relaxing (though that’s a big part of it), it’s about feeling better every day.

Why should sign up for a massage membership?

1. Monthly massage reduces stress

Life gets busy. Whether it’s work, family, or just the day-to-day stuff, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A monthly massagegives your body and mind a break.

When you come into our massage spa, you step away from screens, noise, and pressure. Your muscles relax, your breathing slows, and your nervous system calms down. That’s not just in the moment, regular visits help your body learn how to relax faster over time.

With a massage membership, you know that break is coming every month. That alone can help you feel calmer day to day.

2. Fewer aches and pains

Tight neck? Sore back? Tension in your shoulders from sitting at a desk or driving? You’re not alone. These are some of the most common reasons people visit our massage spa in Wilmington, NC.

Massage helps by loosening up tight muscles, increasing blood flow, and improving flexibility. If you wait too long between massages, those tight spots can build up again. But with a monthly massage, we stay on top of it. Regular bodywork can even help prevent pain before it starts.

And when you’re a massage membership holder, you’re more likely to stay consistent, your body will thank you for it.

3. Better sleep

It’s hard to feel good if you’re not sleeping well. Many of our guests say they sleep better after a massage, and it’s true. Massage supports your body’s natural sleep cycle. It lowers stress hormones, calms the nervous system, and boosts feel-good chemicals like serotonin.

If you struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep, monthly massage can help. And since you’re part of our massage membership, it becomes a regular tool to support better rest, not just a one-time fix.

4. Stronger immune system

Your body does better when it’s relaxed and cared for. Regular massage may help boost your immune system by improving circulation and reducing stress. That’s especially important during cold and flu season.

Think of it this way: when you’re calm, rested, and pain-free, your body is stronger overall. Monthly massage helps keep you in that healthy zone.

And again, being part of a massage membership means you’re giving your body this boost every month, not just once in a while.

5. Mental clarity and better focus

Massage isn’t just good for the body, it’s also good for your mind. People often leave our massage spa saying they feel clearer and lighter, mentally and emotionally.

When you get a monthly massage, it’s like hitting a reset button. Your brain gets a break. That can lead to better focus, more patience, and a better mood, things we could all use more of.

6. Time just for you

At Coastal Massage & Spa, we see how many people spend their time taking care of everyone else, kids, partners, parents, jobs. It’s easy to forget about yourself.

Having a massage membership builds in that time for you. It’s something to look forward to every month. You don’t have to think about booking last minute or wonder if there’s a spot, you already have your time set aside.

That feeling of “this is for me” is something special, and it can make a big difference in how you feel about your week, your month, and yourself.

7. It saves you money

A massage membership isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your budget. Members get a better rate than paying full price for each visit. Plus, you get other perks, like discounts on other services and priority booking.

If you’re someone who already gets massages a few times a year, switching to a massage membership just makes sense. You’ll pay less and feel better more often.

8. You get to know your therapist

One of the best parts of visiting the same massage spa regularly is building a connection with your therapist. They get to know your body, what areas need extra care, what pressure you like, what’s changed since last time.

This helps us personalise each session just for you. With a massage membership, you’re not just booking a service, you’re building a relationship that supports your wellness over time.

Sign up for your massage membership at Coastal Massage & Spa today

We’re a locally owned massage spa right here in Wilmington, NC. Our team is warm, skilled, and focused on giving you a peaceful, personalised experience every time you walk through the door.

Whether you’re new to massage or you’ve been coming for years, our massage membership is a great way to stay committed to your well-being. It’s simple, flexible, and designed to make self-care easy.

We’re located just before the drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach. Pop in after work, on a quiet morning, or during your weekend off. We’re open every day of the week, and our massage spa is designed to help you relax from the moment you arrive.

Make it part of your life

Massage isn’t a luxury. It’s a healthy habit that supports your whole life, your body, your mind, and your daily mood. With a massage membership, you make that habit stick.

So if you’ve been thinking about getting massage more often, this is your sign. Come visit us at Coastal Massage & Spain Wilmington, NC, and let’s make monthly wellness part of your life.

Ready to join? Ask us about our massage membership today.

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Introducing our New Wellness Treatments at Coastal Massage & Spa:

Focus on your Self-Care This Season with our New Wellness Treatments

At Coastal Massage & Spa, we believe in the power of self-care to restore balance, calm the mind, and heal the body. That’s why we’re excited to announce three brand-new, luxurious wellness treatments designed to nurture your well-being from head to toe. Whether you’re seeking restful sleep, emotional healing, or a complete rejuvenation of body and mind, our new offerings will take your spa experience to the next level.

Tranquility Sleep Journey | 90 Minutes | $240

Sleep is more than just rest—it’s essential for recharging your mind, body, and soul. That’s why we’ve created the Tranquility Sleep Journey, a deeply relaxing treatment designed to enhance sleep quality and help you drift into a blissful slumber. Perfect for those who struggle with stress and restless nights, this ritual fosters profound relaxation through soothing techniques that calm both the body and mind.

What to Expect:

Full-Body Parasympathetic Massage: Relaxing massage techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging deep relaxation.
Essential Oils: A carefully selected blend of calming oils to ease tension and ground your energy.
Weighted Blanket: Mimics the comforting sensation of being held, offering gentle pressure that helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.
Reflexology-Inspired Foot Massage & Exfoliation: Stimulating pressure points on the feet to relax the body and promote restful sleep.
Ultra-Rich Body Butter: A nourishing, indulgent body butter infused with essential oils to leave your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing.

The Tranquility Sleep Journey is the ultimate escape from the stress of the day, leaving you feeling relaxed, peaceful, and ready to sleep soundly.

Radiant Heart Healing Ritual | 75 Minutes | $200

Tap into your inner vitality and emotional well-being with our Radiant Heart Healing Ritual. This powerful treatment combines the healing energy of essential oils, rose quartz, and therapeutic massage to restore balance to your body and heart. Designed to promote love, compassion, and harmony, this ritual is ideal for those looking to nourish both the body and spirit.

What to Expect:

Full-Body Therapeutic Massage: A calming, therapeutic massage to release tension and restore balance throughout the body.
Antioxidant-Rich Face Massage with Rose Quartz Roller: Rose quartz is known as the stone of love and healing. This face massage encourages lymphatic drainage while restoring the skin with hydrating, anti-aging nutrients.
Heart Aromatherapy: Essential oils blended to open the heart, reduce emotional stress, and support overall wellness.
Energy-Focused Lymphatic Drainage: Gentle techniques to support healthy lymphatic flow and improve circulation, leaving you feeling renewed and centered.

The Radiant Heart Healing Ritual is more than just a massage; it’s an invitation to heal, recharge, and reconnect with your inner light.

Wellness Alchemy Massage with Jet Mat | 75-90 Minutes | $250

For the ultimate in physical and emotional rejuvenation, the Wellness Alchemy Massage with Jet Mat combines cutting-edge wellness technology with ancient healing practices. This customized body massage is enhanced by the use of a Jet Mat—a powerful device that incorporates far infrared energy, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy, and photon light technology. Together, these technologies promote physical healing, reduce stress, and restore balance.

What to Expect:

Custom-Pressure Full-Body Massage: A tailored massage that targets your individual needs, whether you’re seeking relaxation or muscle recovery.
Jet Mat Technology: Far infrared energy, PEMF therapy, and photon light therapy work together to enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.
Healing Stones: Jade, amethyst, tourmaline, and obsidian stones are used to enhance the healing process, providing emotional and physical benefits.
Lavender Inhalation: Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
Detoxifying French Clay Masque: A nourishing face mask that detoxifies, soothes, and hydrates your skin.
Antioxidant Jade Roller Face Massage: A gentle jade roller massage for the face to enhance lymphatic drainage, rejuvenate the skin, and encourage relaxation.

This treatment blends ancient healing traditions with modern wellness technologies to provide a truly transformative experience, leaving you feeling deeply rejuvenated, grounded, and renewed.

Why Try These New Wellness Treatments?

Comprehensive Healing: Each of these treatments is designed to address not only physical relaxation but also emotional well-being, helping you find a sense of balance and inner peace.
Cutting-Edge Technology: From infrared energy and PEMF therapy to rose quartz energy healing and reflexology, our new treatments combine advanced wellness techniques with age-old practices.
Total Rejuvenation: Whether you’re struggling with sleep, stress, or simply need a reset, these treatments provide full-body healing—mind, body, and soul.
Tailored to You: Each service can be customized to meet your unique needs, ensuring the perfect spa experience every time.

Book Your Wellness Escape Today

These new treatments are available now at Coastal Massage and Spa in Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington, and our skilled therapists are ready to guide you on a journey of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you choose the Tranquility Sleep Journey for a restful night’s sleep, the Radiant Heart Healing Ritual for emotional restoration, or the high-tech healing power of the Wellness Alchemy Massage with Jet Mat, you’re sure to leave feeling renewed and restored.

Don’t wait to experience these groundbreaking wellness rituals. Book your appointment today and give yourself the gift of profound relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation.

Theresa Stevens – Where Wellness Meets Luxury.

Oncology Massage

A lot of people, including massage therapists, have the belief that massage spreads cancer. This is NOT true. And to continually repeat this erroneous information denies people who are really in need of therapeutic touch from experiencing a powerfully relaxing and nurturing massage.

Massage can be given to anyone (with a small number of exceptions) at any stage of cancer treatment.

Massage for cancer patients

While the person is receiving chemotherapy – that means they can receive massage while connected to the “chemotherapy drip” or at anytime during the course of their chemotherapy.
It can also be given when the person has completed treatment.
Having had treatment for cancer does not mean they can never have a massage again.

How does Oncology massage differ from a standard massage?

The Oncology Massage therapist will be trained to ask questions related to the type of treatment/s the client has received for cancer. This is to allow the massage to be adjusted and adapted to suit the client.

These adjustments may include:

Positioning:

The therapist may take some time to get the client comfortable while making adjustment to facilitate

Tenderness at the site of an operation,
Equipment such as a line attached to your arm, a stoma bag or a port.
Tightness and holding in a muscle or limb which does not allow the client to relax.

Fatigue:

The fatigue that accompanies cancer treatment and recovery can be enormous. While lots of people regularly receive massage to help them sleep, at some stages of treatment or recovery, an over vigorous massage, while it feels good at the time, can leave the client exhausted for a few days. The Oncology Massage therapist is trained to adjust pressure, speed and duration to help reduce the possibility of further fatiguing the client’s body.

Types of massage available for cancer patients:

The Oncology massage therapist has been trained in a number of massage adaptations. Their focus is comfort. They can adapt almost any treatment to suit any stage of cancer treatment.

Receiving the diagnosis of cancer profoundly changes a person’s life. Everyone becomes highly stressed and many people feel lost and afraid. The disease information, the statistics, the list of possible treatments, the side effects and outcomes can be bewildering. Oncology massage therapists can help people at every stage of their cancer journey.

Christine Courtney is a qualified tutor and therapist in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Massage and Reiki. All of her continual research and education is reflected in the excellent, modern and refreshing information studied on all courses taught at OBUS School of Healing Therapies.

by, Christine Courtney

Why Massage Therapy Can Give Athletes a Competitive Edge

Massage therapy has countless benefits for athletes and people who enjoy sports and fitness of all levels. Benefits of massage for athletes include improved performance, faster recovery from injury as well as injury prevention. It’s hardly surprising that so many athletes and fitness enthusiasts turn to regular massage and make it an essential part of their routine.

Some of the positive effects of massage that athletes particularly benefit from include:

Reduced muscle tension
Improved soft tissue function
Decreased muscle stiffness
Less muscle fatigue after exercising
Better muscle tone
Promoting relaxation
Less delayed onset muscle soreness
Fewer injuries
Increased range of motion
Improved performance

What is Sports Massage?

Therapeutic sports massage is a specific massage technique. Our Massage Therapists use many of the techniques that are also used in deep tissue massage and concentrate primarily on soft tissue, addressing any injuries, aches and pains. There’s evidence that this type of massage provides long lasting benefits, and has even shown that a session of deep massage after an intense workout can actually benefit muscles from within; it can cause muscles to enlarge and grow new mitochondria. Mitochondria are the parts of the cells that convert nutrients into energy.

In the study carried out at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Canada, researchers asked men to exercise to the point of exhaustion on stationary cycles, then gave them a deep tissue massage on one leg only. Muscle biopsies showed that the deep-tissue massage increased the size and number of new mitochondria more than exercising without massage.

The pressure that’s involved in a sports massage stimulates blood flow so not only does it get the blood pumping; it also means your muscles are warmed up during and after your massage session. That’s on top of the feeling of relaxation that you get, helping you de-stress after working out, and improving your overall mood. These are the sort of mental benefits that could well give you an edge over your competitors too.

If those benefits are enough to make you want to book a regular massage as part of your essential training, you wouldn’t be alone. More and more professional and recreational athletes are experiencing the benefits of massage therapy, and making it an essential part of their training regimen.

As more research is carried out into how massage can improve your performance, more and more athletes will be taking advantage its long list of feel good benefits.

See Related:

Can Massage Help With PMS?

Roughly four out of five women suffer from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS. PMS can cause symptoms that include painful cramping, uncomfortable bloating, and even frustrating mood swings. Many woman suffer from such problems for a time every single month. Such symptoms can make a woman’s life unpleasant every single month. Fortunately, there is help. A monthly massage can help any woman reduce her frustrating symptoms and feel far better.

Cramping Problems

Cramps can make any woman feel miserable. The pain from sharp PMS cramps can be eased with our help. We offer a highly soothing massage that is all about reducing cramps . At our beautiful, serene quarters, we provide an ideal way for our clients to get the treatment they need to ease and even completely get rid of their cramps. Using techniques such as reflexology, hot stone massage, and Swedish massage, we help any woman breathe easier and avoid pain from PMS cramps.

Water Retention

At Coastal Massage & Bodywork, we offer many types of massages that can help reduce the sense of bloating and water retention that can make life so uncomfortable each month. Bloating means that the body retains water. With assistance from our massage therapists, any client can pick from eight different kinds of massages that may can be help her fit into her favorite jeans no matter the time of the month. Such a massage can reduce the amount of fluid that accumulates in a woman’s lymph ducts, literally allowing her to avoid weight gain during the time leading up to her period.

Emotional Control

The monthly rush of hormones can also cause many problems. A woman may feel she feels depressed during this time of the month and unable to function as well as she should. A monthly massage from our highly trained therapists is the ideal way to feel pampered and utterly relaxed. Our skilled massage therapists are able to help ease a woman’s stress and allow her to let go of her cares in a calming environment.

Skin Problems

PMS can also cause skin problems. Many women find they suffer embarrassing acne outbreaks each month or oily skin. At our spa, we offer many kinds of skin care treatments that are ideal for the needs of our clients. Such treatments are the perfect way to relieve such problems. When coupled with a massage that helps with circulation, many women find this to be the best way to help their skin look and feel better no matter the time of the month.

You can schedule your appointment using our online booking system. You can also call 910-208-4161 and speak with us directly.