For a first massage, Swedish is the gentlest choice. The strokes are long and the pressure is light to moderate, adjusted as the session goes. At home, the therapist brings everything, talks with you before starting and the body stays covered with professional sheets throughout. What matters most is saying what you feel.
Key takeaways
- Swedish massage, with light to moderate pressure, is the calmest way to start.
- 60 minutes covers the whole body; 75 minutes gives more time to tense areas.
- All you need is a clear space of about 2.5 by 2 metres in a pleasant room.
- Wear comfortable clothing; the body stays covered with professional sheets throughout.
- Asking for more or less pressure is part of the session, and the therapist adjusts straight away.
Which massage to choose
For a first time, choose a Swedish massage. The strokes are long and flowing, and the pressure is light to moderate. It releases the tension of the day and settles the body. It is the calmest way to find out how you respond to touch.
A deep tissue massage is more intense. The pressure is firm and the strokes are slow, to reach the deeper layers of muscle. It suits people with persistent tension in the shoulders, neck or lower back, who already know they like strong pressure. There is no need to start there.
- Swedish: to rest, ease stress and have a calm first experience.
- Deep tissue: for a specific, persistent area of tension, with firm pressure.
- If unsure: Swedish. The pressure is adjusted during the session, and you can always ask for more.
If you are pregnant, the right choice is a pre-natal massage, with positioning and pressure adapted to you. If you train regularly, sports massage can wait for another time.
How long, and when
A 60-minute session covers the whole body. It is a lovely way to begin. With 75 minutes, there is more time for the areas where tension builds up. Ninety minutes is for people who already know they enjoy it.
Choose a time with nothing planned afterwards. The calm a massage brings lasts a while, and it is worth making the most of. Many people prefer the evening. That way, after the session, there is only the sofa, a cup of tea and a quiet night.
Your home, ready in minutes
You do not need to buy anything. We bring everything: a professional massage table, hot towels, linens, hypoallergenic oils and ambient music. All you need is a clear space of about 2.5 by 2 metres, in a room where you feel at ease. A living room or a bedroom works well.
Temperature is the detail that matters most. Lying still, the body cools quickly, and a cold body finds it harder to let go. Warm the room a little before the booked time.
- Choose a room with soft light and a pleasant temperature.
- Agree an hour without interruptions with the people you live with. Pets stay in another room.
- Have a light meal beforehand, not a heavy one just before. Drink water through the day.
- Wear comfortable clothing. Keep a warm jumper and a glass of water nearby for afterwards.
There is no need to tidy the whole house or set a special scene. Our guide on how to prepare your home for a massage has more practical ideas.
The session, step by step
Arrival and a short chat
The therapist arrives at the booked time and sets up the table in a few minutes. Before starting, they ask a few questions. They want to know which areas bother you, whether you have injuries or a health condition, any medication, pregnancy and allergies to oils.
Your answers decide what to work on, how firmly and what to avoid. Answer openly. It is the best way to make sure the session suits you.
On the table
The therapist explains how to lie down. Throughout the session, the body stays covered with professional sheets. The work is done area by area, one at a time, while the rest of the body stays covered and warm.
If you would rather an area was not worked on, just say so. The therapist adapts the session without any fuss. Partway through, they let you know when to turn over, with the sheets keeping you covered the whole time.
The massage and the end
The session starts with gentle strokes that warm the muscles. The pressure builds slowly, as the body softens. You can close your eyes and stay silent from start to finish. Or chat a little, if that feels more comfortable.
At the end, do not get up suddenly. The body is still deeply rested, and a quick change of position can bring on slight dizziness. Sit for a moment first. Meanwhile, the therapist packs everything away and leaves your home as it was.
Say what you feel
On a first massage, many people put up with pressure they do not like. They assume that is how it should feel. It is not. When pressure goes past comfortable, the muscles tighten to protect themselves, and the massage loses its effect.
Strong pressure on a tight spot can be fine. But it should never make you tense up or hold your breath. If it does, ask for less. The therapist adjusts straight away, without stopping anything.
- "A little lighter, please" or "a bit firmer".
- "I would rather you avoided this area", when a spot is sensitive.
- "I am a bit cold" or "the music is too loud", to adjust the setting.
You can speak up at any moment, as often as you like. To tell normal discomfort from pain that should not be there, read should a massage hurt?
Afterwards, slowly
After a Swedish massage, most people feel calm, light and a little sleepy. It is normal to feel slightly slow for the first few minutes. Do not plan anything demanding straight after. Drink water, take a warm shower if you like and keep the rest of the evening for rest.
After deep tissue, the muscles that were worked on may feel a little tender the next day, much like after a workout. This usually settles on its own. Strong pain, pain that gets worse or pain that does not improve is a reason to speak to your doctor.
If you have a health condition, a recent injury or any doubts, talk to your doctor first. Massage can help ease tension and stress, but it does not replace medical care. Our guide on what to do after a massage covers the following hours.
How it works with RHEA
We bring the massage to your home in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, every day from 7am to 10pm. Every session ends by 10pm. You book at www.rhea.pt/booking/en, choosing the massage, the length, the day and the time. Same-day bookings are possible with 4 hours' notice.
Sessions of 60, 75 and 90 minutes cost €85, €99 and €115, with travel included. The price you see is the price you pay. Our therapists are certified, and RHEA assigns the therapist for the area and time. So it is not possible to choose the therapist or their gender.
Plans change. You can cancel or reschedule at no cost up to 24 hours before, and inside 24 hours the session is charged. Any questions before your first time? Message us on WhatsApp at +351 920 540 239, and we reply within minutes.
Book your home massage
Book a Massage →Frequently Asked Questions
Comfortable clothing. Throughout the session, the body stays covered with professional sheets. The therapist works on one area at a time, and the rest of the body stays covered and warm. If you would rather an area was not worked on, just say so.
No. You can stay quiet from start to finish, and many people prefer that. It only matters to speak if the pressure is not right, an area feels uncomfortable or you are cold. The therapist adjusts straight away.
It happens often, and it is no problem at all. It means your body has let go. The therapist carries on as normal and, at the end, lets you know gently that the session has finished. That way, you can get up slowly.
No. RHEA assigns the certified therapist available for your area and time. It is not possible to choose the therapist or their gender. Every therapist follows the same professional standard, with the body always covered with professional sheets.
It depends on the condition. A recent injury, a circulation problem, a pregnancy or another health concern is a reason to check with your doctor first. During the session, tell the therapist anything relevant, so they can adapt the massage.
The same as any other: €85 for 60 minutes, €99 for 75 minutes and €115 for 90 minutes. Travel, the massage table, hot towels, linens and oils are all included. No hidden costs.
