Q + A with our Massage Therapist Helena 🌙
Helena has been part of the Trika team for almost 4 years, sharing her calming presence and intuitive approach to massage with our community. As well as being an experienced Massage Therapist, she's also a yoga and Pilates teacher, bringing a deep understanding of movement, recovery and the mind-body connection into every treatment.
Here at Trika, we're lucky to have a wonderful team of Massage Therapists, offering treatments from Sunday to Friday each week. Every therapist brings their own unique style, techniques and specialisms, so finding someone whose approach suits your needs can make all the difference.
We caught up with Helena to chat about her journey into massage, what makes her treatments so unique (and popular!), and why she believes massage is about so much more than simply relieving aches and pains.💫
What first drew you to massage therapy, and what do you love most about the work you do today?
"I came to massage through the holistic world. As a yoga teacher, I was always inspired by how movement and breath can act as our own medicine, and I felt that massage could offer something similar. I love that massage can help activate the body's innate healing systems and create space for people to slow down, reconnect and feel better in themselves."
How would you describe your massage style, and what can clients expect from a treatment with you at Trika?
"My massage style is strong, fluid and always tailored to the client's needs. I don't follow routines or a set sequence. I think people sometimes feel that when they come for a massage they have to do what the therapist wants, but the client is entirely in control. If someone wants me to spend an hour working on one leg, I absolutely will!"
You're particularly known for your deep tissue massage treatments. What makes your approach different, and who can benefit most from deep tissue massage?
"I always work with the client and regularly check in about pressure. We never want to take it to the point where other muscles start tensing up. While I use deeper techniques to address tension, I also incorporate relaxing elements such as foot massage, cranial holds and facial massage. Anyone can benefit from deep tissue massage, whether they're carrying tension from stress, work, sport or simply prefer firmer pressure."
Many people think massage is only for treating aches and pains. What are some of the wider benefits that regular massage can offer?
"There are a whole host of benefits that massage offers. It's incredible for the nervous system and helps us tap into our rest-and-digest (parasympathetic) state, promoting healing and recovery in the body. Massage improves circulation, which can positively affect sleep, digestion and our overall sense of wellbeing - physically and mentally."
Alongside deep tissue massage, you also offer relaxation and pregnancy massage. How do these treatments differ, and how do you tailor them to each individual?
"With a relaxation-focused treatment, we might spend longer using nurturing holds, helping the body feel safe and settle into a deeper state of relaxation. I may also incorporate foot massage, head massage or abdominal massage, alongside slower, gentler pressure. As with all my treatments, everything is adapted to the individual and what they need on the day."
As a yoga and pilates teacher with over 12 years of experience, how does your understanding of movement influence your massage treatments?
"As practitioners, massage can often become almost like a dance around the body, incorporating mobilisations and rhythmic techniques. Having that awareness of movement helps me work more intuitively, which in turn benefits the client. I'm also very tuned in to areas of tension, trigger points and movement patterns, and it means I'm able to offer informed aftercare in terms of exercises and stretches."
How can massage complement a regular yoga practice?
"Massage and yoga work beautifully together. Yoga helps us build strength, mobility and body awareness, while massage can release tension, improve recovery and help us connect more deeply with our bodies. Both practices encourage us to slow down, tune in and create space for healing."
What would you say to someone who has never had a massage before, or who feels nervous about booking their first treatment?
"I would remind them that the massage is entirely tailored to them. During the consultation, we'll create the treatment plan together so they feel comfortable and in control. I use rolling consent, regularly checking in throughout the treatment, so clients always have the option to say no or ask for something to be different."
What is the one thing you wish more people understood about their bodies, recovery and self-care?
"Giving ourselves time in the parasympathetic state is queen! We need our more active, engaged sympathetic state to survive, but we also need to intentionally make time for rest and recovery. Massage, baths and time away from our phones are all wonderful ways to support this. I would love to see more people view massage not as an occasional treat or luxury, but as regular maintenance for the body and nervous system - just like exercise, nutrition or going to the dentist. I'm a big believer that massage is a necessary investment in our health, recovery and longevity, as well as a powerful preventative tool."
Thank you so much, Helena, for sharing a little more about your journey and philosophy! We hope it's given you a better insight into what to expect from a treatment with her. 🙏
If you've been thinking about booking your first massage, or you're looking for a therapist who'll take the time to listen and tailor every session to exactly what you need, Helena would love to welcome you to Trika. You can book an appointment with her online or chat to our team if you're unsure which treatment is right for you.
Helena is available for Massages on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week! Book here
