Deep relaxation, attention to tight muscles and care for your body after physical exertion.
Tense shoulders after a day at work, a tired back after a long journey, stiffness after a workout – there are many reasons to book a massage. And sometimes you simply want to switch off and properly relax.
I’m Tatsiana Harelava. I offer one-to-one massage sessions in central Bolzano, choosing the techniques, pace and pressure to suit how you are feeling.
You don’t need to know your way around the techniques beforehand: just tell me which areas you would like me to focus on and whether you prefer a gentle or a firmer massage. We will work out the rest together.
Duration: 60–120 minutes Address: Piazza delle Erbe 37, Bolzano Sessions: by appointment only
Deep tissue massage – to ease tight muscles. More detailed work on the areas that feel stiff, such as the neck, shoulders and back.
Manual lymphatic drainage. A delicate massage with light, slow, rhythmic movements.
Sports massage. Techniques and intensity chosen to fit your training and physical activity.
Anti-stress massage. Flowing movements and gentle pressure for deep relaxation.
If you are not sure which to choose, message me – I will help you decide.
Deep tissue massage: attention to tight muscles
When your neck is stiff, your shoulders won’t let go and your back is tired from long hours of sitting, these are the areas you want more time spent on.
Deep tissue massage is aimed at easing tight muscles. I begin with flowing strokes, then move gradually to kneading and more precise work on particular areas. Where needed, I include neighbouring areas as well, explaining first why that is useful.
I build up the pressure gradually, guided by what you feel, and finish with softer, calming strokes.
A deep massage should never turn into an endurance test. If a technique hurts, I will ease the pressure or change it.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage, also known as lymphatic drainage massage, is characterised by light pressure and a steady, unhurried rhythm. Instead of vigorous kneading, it uses soft, sequential movements.
Before we begin, we talk about how you are feeling and choose the areas to be massaged. Gentle as the technique is, it is not suitable for every condition.
If you are troubled by swelling or a marked heaviness in the legs, it is important to find out the cause first, rather than choosing a massage by its name alone.
At my studio this service does not include the treatment of lymphoedema, vascular conditions or post-operative swelling. These call for an appropriately qualified professional, on your doctor’s recommendation.
Sports massage
After running, it may be your legs that need most attention; after climbing, your forearms, shoulders and back. Sports massage takes into account the kind of exertion, how often you train and how you are feeling.
Before the session I ask which sport you do, where you feel tired and what you have planned for the coming days. On that basis I choose the techniques, rhythm and pressure.
You don’t have to be a professional athlete. This massage is a good choice if you go to the gym, cycle, hike in the mountains or spend your weekends skiing.
It is best to mention upcoming competitions and hard training sessions when you book, so that we can agree the timing and intensity of the massage in advance.
If pain came on during exercise or you suspect an injury, see a doctor first. Massage is not a substitute for medical treatment or rehabilitation.
Anti-stress massage for deep relaxation
Even when the day’s work is done, it can be hard to switch off: your shoulders stay tense, your thoughts keep drifting back to work and relaxing just doesn’t happen.
Anti-stress massage moves at a calm pace. I use flowing, measured strokes and gentle pressure, with no abrupt transitions and no vigorous kneading.
You might choose it after a demanding period, or simply because you feel like deep relaxation. There is no need to wait until the tiredness has built up.
During the session you can close your eyes and enjoy the quiet. At the end there is time to get up calmly, without rushing back to your day.
Ending the session with Tibetan singing bowls
If you wish, the massage can end with the sound of Tibetan singing bowls. This is an optional extra that we agree on in advance, not a fixed part of the session.
What happens in a session
A short conversation before we start
We talk about how you are feeling, the areas you would like more attention paid to, and the intensity of massage you prefer.
The length – between 60 and 120 minutes – is agreed when you book, so that there is no rush on the day.
A massage that takes you into account
I give every session myself. Depending on the type of massage you have chosen, I combine different techniques, from soft and relaxing strokes to deeper kneading of the muscles.
By prior agreement I can also use massage cups – gliding them over the skin or leaving them briefly in one place. Before using them I will explain how the technique works and warn you about possible temporary marks.
A comfortable intensity
The pressure can be adjusted during the massage. At any point you can ask me to ease it, change your position or pause.
What matters to me is how you are on that particular day: the intensity you are used to is not always the right one.
A single session or a series
You can book an individual massage or buy a package of 5 or 10 sessions.
There is no need to decide on a package beforehand. Start with one appointment, get to know the way I work and then decide whether you would like to continue.
How often you come is something we discuss individually. You will be told the price and terms of the packages before you buy.
Good to know before you book
Massage at my studio is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or rehabilitation.
If you have a temperature or an infection, the session needs to be postponed. Sudden or severe pain, numbness, a recent injury or unexplained swelling should be assessed by a doctor before any massage.
Your state of health is particularly important before lymphatic drainage. Massage is not carried out where thrombosis has been diagnosed or is suspected. If you have a heart or kidney condition, are undergoing cancer treatment, have had surgery or are pregnant, please discuss with your doctor beforehand whether a session is possible.
Please tell me in advance about any diagnosed conditions, medication you take and current treatment. This determines whether massage is possible and which techniques are appropriate.
Book a massage in Bolzano
I see clients by appointment at Piazza delle Erbe 37, in central Bolzano.
Message me on WhatsApp to ask about the price, choose a time and agree the length of your session. If you haven’t yet settled on a type of massage, I will help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to choose the type of massage in advance?
No. Just tell me how you are feeling and what you would like. We will work out the most suitable option together.
How long does a session last?
Between 60 and 120 minutes. We agree the length when you book.
Does massage hurt?
Some techniques can feel intense, but you should never have to put up with pain. If something is uncomfortable, say so – I will ease the pressure, change the technique or stop.
How is anti-stress massage different from relaxation massage?
At my studio these are two names for the same massage: flowing movements and gentle pressure for deep relaxation.
Is it all right not to talk during the session?
Of course. Once we have discussed everything necessary, the session can take place in silence.
Does lymphatic drainage help with weight loss?
It is not intended to reduce fatty tissue and is not a method of losing weight.
Can I book after surgery or with a diagnosed condition?
Please discuss first with your treating doctor whether massage is possible, and let me know about your situation. Your doctor’s advice matters both for choosing the right professional and for deciding which techniques are appropriate. Post-operative lymphatic drainage and medical rehabilitation are not part of this service.
