What Massage Should I Get? A Quiz for Relaxation

You have decided to book a massage, but now you are staring at a list of options wondering which one will actually help. Do you go for Deep Tissue to tackle stubborn knots, something more soothing for frazzled nerves, or a specialist treatment around pregnancy and recovery. If you are not sure, you are in very good company. I am Paul, a CNHC-registered mobile massage therapist working across Slough, Maidenhead, Windsor, Ealing, Richmond and Chiswick. I have put together a simple, practical quiz to help you choose a treatment that fits what your body and mind are asking for right now. No jargon. No guesswork. Just clear guidance, and a little insight from fifteen years of day to day practice.

Why choosing the right massage matters

Different massage styles support you in different ways. If your upper back is like a rock after hours at the laptop, a targeted approach can help. If your sleep is patchy and your thoughts feel wired, a soothing rhythm that settles the nervous system will likely serve you better. Sometimes the best session blends both. Booking the right kind of treatment sets the tone for your whole experience. You should not have to brace yourself or leave feeling battered. You should feel worked with, not worked on.

As a mobile massage therapist, I bring everything to you, couch, clean linens, music and oils, so you can relax at home without the faff of travel or parking. That is especially helpful if you are juggling family life in Maidenhead, recovering after a session at Langley Leisure Centre, or getting home late from the office in Ealing. The right choice for you is the one that meets your needs today, in your space, at your pace.

Quick quiz: what massage should I get

How to use this quiz

• Read each question and pick the option that sounds most like you today.
• Note the letter next to your choice.
• At the end, count how many As, Bs, Cs, Ds you have. Your top letter points to your best-fit treatment.
• If you get a mix, do not worry. I will explain what to do with that too.

The questions

1. How do you want to feel after your massage

   • A. Calm, clear and rested. Like I have had a proper exhale.
   • B. Looser and freer in the muscles that are tight. I want results I can feel.
   • C. Grounded and balanced, both mentally and physically. A reset.
   • D. Comfortable, supported and safe. I want to ease aches linked to pregnancy or looking after a baby.

2. What is bothering you most at the moment

   • A. General tension, racing mind, disrupted sleep.
   • B. Specific areas, like neck and shoulders, lower back, calves, or glutes after training.
   • C. A mix of stress and physical tightness that feels stuck in a pattern.
   • D. Pregnancy discomfort, back or hip ache, swollen feet, or postnatal soreness.

3. How do you feel about pressure during a massage

   • A. I prefer gentle to medium pressure and a smooth flow.
   • B. I want firm, focused pressure. I do not mind some intensity as long as it is safe and controlled.
   • C. I like a combination, firm where needed but with a rhythmic, soothing feel overall.
   • D. I need comfort first, with adapted positioning and sensitive touch.

4. What best describes your day to day life

   • A. Full on and mentally busy. I need an off switch.
   • B. Physically active or desk bound with gym sessions. I feel knots and stiffness.
   • C. Up and down. Some weeks I train, others I am under pressure. I want something that meets me where I am.
   • D. I am pregnant or in the first year after birth, and I want specialist care at home.

5. How do you want the session to flow

   • A. Slow and seamless, so I can drift.
   • B. Focused on problem areas with clear attention to technique.
   • C. A journey. Therapeutic, restorative and immersive.
   • D. Side lying or supported positions, plenty of pillows, and time to settle comfortably.

6. Any injuries or conditions I should consider

   • A. Nothing major, mostly stress and muscle tightness.
   • B. Old sports niggles, repetitive strain from work, or post workout soreness.
   • C. A combination of stress related tension and recurring aches.
   • D. Pregnancy related changes, pelvic discomfort, postnatal recovery or feeding related tension.

7. How do you feel about stillness

   • A. I want to switch off and be quiet.
   • B. I am happy with brief check ins, but mostly want targeted work.
   • C. I am open to breath cues and gentle guidance to help my body let go.
   • D. I want calm guidance and reassurance throughout.

8. What is your relationship with touch right now

   • A. I crave soothing, nurturing touch.
   • B. I want therapeutic pressure that makes a practical difference.
   • C. I want touch that speaks to both the muscles and the nervous system.
   • D. I want sensitive touch that respects my changing body and energy.

9. Where are you located

   • A. Slough, Windsor, or nearby. At home relaxation would be perfect.
   • B. Close to a gym or sports club, for example near Langley Leisure Centre, Ealing or Richmond.
   • C. Chiswick, Maidenhead or within 10 km of Slough. I want a therapist who can adapt to me.
   • D. Anywhere in my service area, but I need at home convenience for pregnancy or baby care.

10. When would you like to feel the main benefit

    • A. During and right after the session. I want to float to bed.
    • B. Over the next day or two, with improved mobility and less pain.
    • C. Both, a deep sense of ease straight away and a lasting reset.
    • D. Comfort during the session with ongoing relief for the rest of the week.

11. How decisive are you feeling

    • A. I know I want something relaxing.
    • B. I know I need targeted, deep work.
    • C. I want a tailored blend.
    • D. I want a specialist approach for pregnancy or postnatal needs.

12. Any preferences about oils and scents

    • A. Light natural scent is fine, or unscented. I just want comfort.
    • B. Unscented is ideal. I am here for the muscle work.
    • C. Happy either way if it supports relaxation.
    • D. Unscented or very gentle, to avoid sensitivity during pregnancy or postpartum.

How to read your results

• Mostly As: Holistic Massage
• Mostly Bs: Deep Tissue Massage
• Mostly Cs: Harmonoflow™
• Mostly Ds: Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage
• Mixed letters: You may benefit from a blended session, for example Holistic with targeted Deep Tissue, or a Harmonoflow framework with focused work in key areas. I routinely tailor treatments on the day.

What your result means, in plain English

Holistic Massage: for soothing, steady at home relaxation

If you leaned towards A, you are likely craving deep relaxation. Holistic Massage is ideal when the mind has been in fifth gear and your body feels generally tight rather than painful in one spot. Expect a smooth, continuous flow with gentle to medium pressure. The aim is to settle your nervous system, improve circulation and give your muscles permission to soften. You might drift off, and that is a good sign. Clients often tell me they sleep better for days after.

Holistic Massage is a lovely fit for evenings in Windsor, Sunday resets in Maidenhead, or a quiet hour after the school run in Slough. If you want At Home Relaxation without travel, this is a very easy yes. Learn more or book here: Holistic Massage.

Deep Tissue Massage: for focused relief and better movement

Picked mostly B. Deep Tissue Massage targets the areas that nag at you, common culprits are neck and shoulders from desk work, lower back after long drives, calves and glutes after running or the gym. The pressure is firmer, but it should never feel like you need to grit your teeth. I use slow, controlled techniques that work with your breath and your tolerance. The goal is to release stubborn tension, improve range of motion and help you feel more comfortable in your body.

Real world example. A client from Slough who trains at Langley Leisure Centre kept getting a tight right hip after deadlifts. We used specific work on the hip rotators and lower back, plus a few small movement drills. He messaged two days later to say his stride felt natural again. If your body asks for practical results, this is a strong choice. Details here: Deep Tissue Massage.

Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage: specialist support when your body is changing

If you chose mostly D, you are in a very specific chapter. Pregnancy and early parenthood are wonderful and demanding. The body changes quickly, posture shifts, and sleep can be patchy. A specialist Pre and Postnatal Massage adapts to your needs with safe positioning, extra support and techniques that respect your energy. I use side lying with pillows and bolsters, and I check in often so you stay comfortable throughout.

During pregnancy, massage can ease back and hip discomfort, help with swollen feet and promote calmer sleep. After birth, it can assist recovery, release feeding related shoulder tension and help you reconnect with your body. If you have had a caesarean, we can include gentle scar work once your midwife or GP confirms you are ready. At home visits are a relief when you do not want to pack a bag and travel across town. Find out more here: Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage.

Harmonoflow™: a signature blend for when you want more than one box ticked

Ticked mostly C. Harmonoflow is my signature approach, developed from years of practice and feedback. It is Therapeutic, Restorative, Transformative and Immersive. In practical terms, that means I combine rhythmic, wave like techniques with targeted work where your body needs it most, plus breath guided pacing that helps your system downshift. It is for you if you have both muscle tightness and a sense that your body is always on alert. The pressure ranges from light to firm, always within your comfort zone.

Clients often describe Harmonoflow as a reset. One of my Chiswick clients who works long hours in the city said it felt like her mind and muscles finally had the same conversation. If you want a session that supports both body and mind without you having to analyse anything, this is a good pick. Read more here: Harmonoflow, and for a deeper dive, this explainer helps too: Understanding Harmonoflow.

Common questions I hear before people book

How much pressure is right for me

Pressure is always your choice. Firm pressure can be helpful, but more is not automatically better. Muscles release best when your nervous system feels safe. I check in during the session, and we adjust in real time. If you have been put off Deep Tissue in the past because it felt too intense, tell me. There is a middle ground where we get excellent results without stress.

How long should I book

• 60 minutes works well for a focused Deep Tissue session on one or two areas, or a full body Holistic.
• 90 minutes is ideal for a blended session, a fuller Harmonoflow treatment, or when you want both relaxation and targeted work.
• Pregnancy and Postnatal often benefit from 75 to 90 minutes so there is no rush getting comfortable with pillows and positions.

What if I have a medical condition

Please share any medical history or current concerns when you book. Some conditions need adaptations or GP consent. I am insured and CNHC registered, and I will always work within safe guidelines. If anything means we should postpone or modify, I will let you know and suggest a plan.

Do I need to tidy the house

No perfection needed. A space about the size of a yoga mat around the massage couch is helpful. I bring the couch, fresh linens, oils and calming music. If you have pets or young children, we can work around the household rhythm, and we can choose a quieter room if that is easier.

What about oils and allergies

I carry unscented and lightly scented plant based oils. If you have sensitive skin, we will choose unscented. During pregnancy and postpartum I usually use neutral oil unless you prefer otherwise.

Where do you travel

I offer Mobile Massage across Slough, Windsor, Maidenhead, Ealing, Richmond and Chiswick, plus many areas within 10 km of Slough. If you are unsure whether you are in range, send me a quick message with your postcode and I will confirm. At Home Relaxation without travel is the whole point.

Can you help with back pain from desk work

Yes. A lot of my week is spent helping people who work at a laptop. We target upper back, chest and hips, then add a couple of simple movements you can use between sessions. You do not need a full gym routine to feel better. Small, consistent changes help the most.

Will I be sore after Deep Tissue

You might feel pleasantly worked, like after a good stretch. Some mild soreness can happen if we address long held tension. It should settle within a day or two. Hydrate, move gently and avoid very heavy training for 24 hours if we have done concentrated work.

How often should I book

It depends on your goals. For maintenance, every 3 to 4 weeks keeps tension from building. If you have an active issue, a short run of weekly or fortnightly sessions can move things along, then we space them out. For pregnancy, some clients book monthly until the third trimester, then switch to fortnightly.

A few short stories from real practice

Tom in Slough trains most evenings at Langley Leisure Centre. He came to me with stubborn calf tightness that was starting to affect his ankles. We used Deep Tissue on the calves and feet, and finished with slower Holistic work to settle the nervous system. He messaged a week later to say his runs felt smoother and he was sleeping better.

Maya in Richmond was pregnant with her second and felt sore across her hips and lower back. With side lying positioning and extra support we worked gently around the hips, glutes and ribcage. She said the best part was not having to leave the house. Her toddler read books on the sofa with Dad while we worked in the next room.

Sam in Chiswick felt constantly wired, even on days off. Tight neck, shallow breathing, busy mind. We tried Harmonoflow, using breath paced rhythm with some focused work around the jaw and diaphragm. By the end, he noticed his shoulders had dropped without him thinking about it. He now books every few weeks as a reset.

Creating a calm space at home

People often ask how a Mobile Massage works in practice. I arrive a few minutes early to set up. The couch takes up roughly two by six feet, and I bring fresh linens, oils and music. We can work in the living room, bedroom or any quiet spot. If you are in a flat in Ealing Broadway or a townhouse near Windsor Great Park, it makes no difference as long as there is a little space and a power socket for the music if you want it. Please let me know about parking or access codes in advance. Heating on is helpful so you stay warm when the muscles relax.

Simple tips to get the most from your session

• Hydrate lightly before and after. You do not need to drown in water, just sip steadily.
• A warm shower beforehand helps muscles soften.
• Have a light snack if you are hungry, not a heavy meal.
• Share what you want from the session. Clear goals make for better outcomes.
• Plan a quiet ten minutes after if you can. Let your body enjoy the change.
• If we do firm Deep Tissue, keep the next 24 hours gentle. Walks and light movement are perfect.

What if your results were mixed

Many people get a blend of letters. It is normal to want both relief and deep rest. If your quiz pointed to a mix of Deep Tissue and Holistic, I can structure your session with focused work on priority areas first, then finish with a slower, integrative flow. If Harmonoflow and Deep Tissue tied, we point the overall session toward nervous system ease, then bring firm, targeted work where needed. If Pregnancy is in the mix, that takes priority and we adapt everything around it.

You do not have to decide every detail now. The quiz is there to give you a confident starting point. I will check in at the door, listen, and tailor your treatment on the day.

Local notes that might help you choose

• If you work long days near Slough High Street and want to collapse into bed after, Holistic or Harmonoflow can be perfect for At Home Relaxation.
• If you train at Langley Leisure Centre, lift in a garage gym in Windsor, or run along the Thames in Maidenhead, Deep Tissue is a strong fit.
• If you are pregnant in Ealing or postpartum in Richmond and juggling naps, a specialist home visit saves time and energy.
• If you commute from Chiswick and feel constantly switched on, Harmonoflow often lands exactly where you need it.

What to expect when I arrive

We start with a short chat about your goals, health, and preferences. I set up the couch, you choose unscented or light natural oil, and we agree on pressure and focus areas. You stay covered with towels, I only uncover the area I am working on. I check in on pressure, but otherwise you are free to switch off. At the end, I give you a moment to come back to the room, offer relevant aftercare, and pack away quietly so you can stay relaxed.

Your next step

If your quiz result is clear, book the treatment that matches. If you are still unsure, pick the one that feels closest and add a note that you would like a blended session. I tailor every treatment anyway, so you will be in good hands.

If you are looking for a way to unwind without leaving the house, a mobile massage might be just what you need. To book Deep Tissue Massage in Slough or nearby, or to try Harmonoflow for a deeper reset, head to the booking page and choose a time that suits you: Book your mobile massage. If you have a quick question first, send me a message, I am happy to help.