Body massage
Release the tension · with clinical judgment
At iki, body massage comes in three forms: relaxing stress relief, manual lymphatic drainage and post-operative support. Each has a different indication. It is wellness with a medical history behind it · it does not replace medical treatment for pain or reduce fat on its own.
Body massage at iki is a manual therapy to relieve muscle tension, support circulation and lymphatic return, and aid recovery after surgery. There are three types: relaxing stress relief, lymphatic drainage and post-operative. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, pressure is adjusted to each person and the plan is set according to your goal.
- Session length
- 60–90 min
- Types
- Relaxing · lymphatic drainage · post-operative
- Frequency
- Monthly or more often · depending on goal
- Post-operative
- 10-session plan · per your surgeon’s instructions
- Downtime
- None · normal activity
- Pressure
- Adjustable · from gentle to deep
Who it’s for · and who it isn’t
Indicated when
- Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or back from posture, stress or sport
- A feeling of heaviness or fluid retention in the legs
- Recovery after plastic surgery, with your surgeon’s approval
- A complement to a body contouring plan
Not the right time if
- Deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis or active infection
- Fever, open wounds or damaged skin in the area
- Heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure · requires prior medical clearance
- Pregnancy · only with medical indication and an adapted technique
The physician makes the final indication at the consultation. Results vary from patient to patient.
What a body massage looks like at iki
The conversation comes before the treatment bed. We define the type, areas and pressure based on what your body needs that day.
Initial conversation
We review your medical history, discomforts, recent surgeries and preferences. For post-operative massage, we ask for your surgeon’s instructions and respect their timing.
Choosing the type
Relaxing for tension and stress, lymphatic drainage for fluid retention or heaviness, post-operative to support recovery. Pressure is adjusted to your comfort.
Session
60 to 90 minutes of manual technique. Lymphatic drainage uses gentle, rhythmic movements; relaxing massage works the muscles with more pressure on knots and tight spots.
Afterward
We recommend drinking water, avoiding heavy meals and giving yourself some quiet time. If it is a multi-session plan, the suggested frequency is scheduled.
What it offers
Relief from muscle tension
Releases knots and stiffness from long hours in one posture, screen work or intense exercise.
Less stress and better rest
Physical relaxation usually comes with mental calm and more restful sleep.
Circulation and lymphatic return
Manual lymphatic drainage helps move fluids and ease the feeling of swelling and heaviness.
Supported post-operative recovery
For patients referred after plastic surgery, drainage helps manage swelling within the surgeon’s instructions.
Technology with an indication
Manual technique
Body massage at iki does not rely on a device: it is the manual technique of trained therapists, with graduated pressure adapted to each person. What changes between types is the movement: kneading and sustained pressure in relaxing massage, slow and superficial strokes that follow the lymphatic pathways in drainage.
Results and aftercare
Relief from tension and a sense of rest are usually felt from the first session. With lymphatic drainage, the reduction in heaviness is gradual and depends on consistency and the cause of the retention. After surgery, the pace of recovery is set by the surgery and by each body. Massage does not reduce fat on its own or replace medical treatment for pain.
Aftercare after the session
- Drink water for the rest of the day
- Avoid heavy meals right before and after the session
- Rest for a while if your body asks for it · the relaxation can be deep
- After surgery, follow your compression garment and your surgeon’s instructions
- Let us know if pain, warmth or redness appears in a leg
Results vary from patient to patient.
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How long does a body massage session take?
60 to 90 minutes, depending on the type and the areas to be treated. That time allows us to cover the body calmly and give more attention to the areas with the most tension. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to tell us how you feel that day and which areas bother you.
What is the difference between a relaxing massage and lymphatic drainage?
Relaxing massage works the muscles with medium or deep pressure to release knots and tension. Lymphatic drainage uses gentle, slow, rhythmic movements that follow the lymphatic vessels to move fluids. One aims for muscle rest · the other, to reduce swelling and heaviness.
Do you offer post-operative lymphatic drainage?
Yes. We see patients referred after plastic surgery and work with session plans, always within the surgeon’s instructions: when to start, how often and which areas to avoid. If there are questions about your progress, we check with the surgeon who operated before continuing.
How often should I have it?
It depends on the goal. For tension and stress, many people feel good with one session a month; with recurring muscle pain or fluid retention, a higher frequency may help for a while. After surgery, your surgeon sets the frequency. We suggest a plan at your first visit.
Can I choose the massage pressure?
Yes. Before starting, we define focus areas and preferences, and pressure is adjusted during the session to your comfort, from gentle to deep. If something is uncomfortable, the technique changes. A good massage doesn’t need to hurt to work.
Who should not have a body massage?
It is not done with deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis, active infection, fever or open wounds in the area. Heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or pregnancy require prior medical clearance and an adapted technique. That is why we review your medical history before every plan.
Does body massage help with weight loss or eliminating toxins?
No. Massage does not reduce fat on its own, and the body is cleansed by the liver and kidneys, not by the therapist’s hands. What it does is relieve tension and support circulation and lymphatic return. If your goal is contour, it can complement a body contouring plan.
How do I start?
If it is your first time at iki or you are coming from surgery, we start with a consultation to review your medical history and choose the right type. Then we give you a written plan with the suggested type and frequency. Your consultation at iki is free · 45 minutes.
Is Body massage right for you? · we’ll see at the consultation
Forty-five minutes with a physician, a skin analysis and a written, phased plan with complete prices. You decide afterwards, with no pressure. Living abroad? Start with a virtual consultation.