Review and Interview: Energya Award Winning Massage Therapist Paola Bassanese

Last weekend I finally had the pleasure of having a massage treatment from Paola Bassanese, award winning massage therapist from Energya.

Paola is always busy and now I can clearly see why: her magic hands! I was given a deep tissue massage and slimming massage on my legs. When I arrived, I was feeling quite tired and tense.

As I’m always running around and I don’t have much time to relax, it was a lovely treat being able to close my eyes and relax. I must admit I haven’t had a professional massage in a couple of years, so I forgot how great it was.

Before the treatment, Paola asked me a few questions to find out about any existing medical conditions and which treatment I would like. As my muscles were quite tense, deep tissue massage should help me to relax.

Using a mix of techniques drawing from Shiatsu, deep tissue and soft tissue release, pressure points, Indian head massage and stretching, a seated or lying down back, neck and shoulders massage is highly effective for stress, tension, headaches and localised muscle pain.

Paola gradually increased the pressure applied on my back and shoulders, always consulting me to check if it was ok. At the beginning of the treatment, I was told that my shoulders were higher than they should be due to tension and stress, so Paola worked her magic hands on my shoulders.

Before getting pregnant, I had a serious back pain. Although my back pain got better since giving birth, I still have lower back pain. Once I told Paola about my back pain, she could feel exactly where the pain was and work through it. Paola spent a long time on my back and shoulders, deep tissue massage was excellent, I could definitely feel the difference after the treatment.

Once my back and shoulders were more relaxed, it was time to try Energya slimming massage. The Energya® slimming massage can be a great boost before your holiday to get into a better shape. By working with deep tissue and friction techniques, fat deposits are broken down for easier re-absorption into the blood stream and lymphatic system to be eliminated.

You can see results in just one session but regular treatments can have a more dramatic effect on your shape. You could potentially lose 1-2cm in one session (depending on body types, skin conditions and body fat percentage), improve the appearance of cellulite and feel more confident with your body. Inch loss is extremely individual and it is a temporary result caused by the friction and drainage of toxins from the tissues. The key is to have 1 or 2 treatments a week for best results together with an appropriate diet and exercise programme.

I have never had a slimming massage before, so it was my first time. I am glad I was in such good hands. Paola knew exactly what she was doing and I could feel her working through my thighs while I was lying down with my eyes closed. I wish I took my measurements before the treatment, so I could report back to my readers. Sliming massages are a great way to sculpt and reshape your body. Now that I had my first sliming massage, I want to go back for further sessions with Paola.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my massage treatment with Paola. She is a well deserved award winning massage therapist. It was definitely the best massage I had so far and I would be going back for more soon. If you live in London or coming for the Olympic Games, make sure you book an appointment with Paola. She has several clients and is always very busy, so book early to avoid any disappointments.

 

Interview with Paola Bassanesse, Energya Award Winning Massage Therapist

1. How did you get into massage?

I worked in an office years ago and used to get tight shoulders and an aching back from sitting at a computer. I had regular massages and one day my neck was completely locked and had a deep tissue massage to release it. I realised that so many people could benefit from massage and I decided to retrain as a massage therapist and start a new career.
I also went on a charity trip to Machu Picchu in Peru in 2005 and I registered my business a few months afterwards.

2. What has been the highlight of your job so far?

Hands down winning the ICNM Best Practitioner of Complementary Medicine Award in 2010 and the Italian Chambers of Commerce Award for services to industry in 2011.

3. What are the different types of massage you offer?

I specialise in deep tissue for tension and injuries, manual lymphatic drainage for water retention and slimming, and natural facelift massage for rejuvenation and stress management. Also, my signature massage is an indulgent 2 hour treatment called Energya Total Rejuvenation which combines all of these techniques for the ultimate relaxation experience

4. Which type of massage is the most popular and why?

Deep tissue massage is everybody’s favourite: no nonsense, no frills and hits the right spot! Also, every time I do a deep tissue treatment for new clients they always say it’s the best massage they’ve ever had. That means a lot. Most people suffer from aches and pains and tension in their shoulders and back: deep tissue massage is perfect for releasing tight muscles.

5. How often should we have a professional massage?

There’s no scientific rule but if you are experiencing chronic pain a weekly massage can make a difference. For general wellbeing once a fortnight works fine.

6. Our lives are non-stop. What is your main relaxation advice to busy people?

I would say that it takes some small but constant changes in your lifestyle: switch your computer off at 8pm at the latest and use soft lighting before going to bed. Exercise regularly and preferably in the morning or lunchtime and mix it up with different forms of exercise. I am a big fan of yoga and Pilates as they engage the brain as well as the body and they make you better equipped to deal with stress. Have regular massages and if you have the patience to have a bath use magnesium-rich Epsom salts in the water as they help relax the muscles.

To book: call 07803961669 or email [email protected] appointments available in Central London.

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