Massage · Dubai Hills
Slimming massage has become popular for one simple reason: many people say they walk out feeling lighter, less puffy and more comfortable in their body. At KINETIKA we offer it as a wellness massage, and we want to be clear from the start about what it can and cannot do.
It is not a fat-loss treatment. It will not change your weight, remove cellulite or "detox" your body. What it may do is ease temporary puffiness and fluid build-up, especially in the legs and abdomen, and leave you feeling more comfortable. We think that is worth offering, as long as it is described honestly.
Massage Therapist
A slimming massage is a body massage using brisk, rhythmic and fairly firm movements. It typically focuses on the legs, hips, glutes, abdomen and arms. Strokes are directed towards the body's lymph nodes, and the pace is quicker and more energetic than a relaxation massage.
The approach borrows ideas from lymphatic massage, such as the direction of strokes, but it is a different service. It is more vigorous, it is aimed at how your body feels and looks in the short term, and it is a wellness treatment rather than a clinical one.
Everyone responds differently, so we describe benefits in terms of how people commonly feel rather than promises. After a session, you may notice:
Any change in puffiness is temporary. Fluid levels in the body shift through the day with salt intake, heat, hormones, travel and how much you move. A massage may help you feel less puffy for a while, but it does not change body fat or body shape in a lasting way.
Because this type of massage is often marketed with big promises, it is worth being specific:
If your goal is to change body composition, the things that make a lasting difference are regular movement, strength work, sleep and nutrition. Our physiotherapists and wellness team can help with the movement side through our wellness and strength programmes.
People often mix these up, so here is the difference.
Lymphatic drainage at KINETIKA is a structured technique using rhythmic strokes such as stationary circles, scoop, pump and rotary strokes, with the focus on direction and precision. It is used clinically for swelling after surgery or injury, lymphoedema, and pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and it can be combined with pressotherapy where appropriate.
Slimming massage is a wellness massage. It is brisker, firmer and faster, and it is chosen for how it makes your body feel rather than to treat swelling from a medical cause.
If you have swelling after surgery, swelling in one limb only, or a diagnosed condition such as lymphoedema, slimming massage is not the right choice. Please book lymphatic drainage or speak with a physiotherapist instead.
Your session begins with a short conversation about what you would like from the massage, which areas you want to focus on, and your health. Please tell us about any medical conditions, recent surgery, medications, pregnancy or possible pregnancy.
The massage itself is quicker and more energetic than a relaxation massage. The pressure is firm but should always feel manageable. Your therapist will check in with you and adjust if anything feels too strong. Afterwards, drinking water and going for a gentle walk can help you feel comfortable.
There is no set number of sessions you need, and we will not pressure you into a package.
Slimming massage at KINETIKA is with Katrine Gayle Ignacio, our Massage Therapist. Katrine has four years of hands-on experience and has received direct professional training and certification. Slimming massage and lymphatic massage are among her specialisations, alongside deep tissue, relaxation, Thai and Shiatsu massage.
She works within the wider KINETIKA team, so if something you mention sounds like it needs a clinical view, she can suggest speaking with one of our physiotherapists.
This is a firm, brisk massage, so it is not right for everyone. Please do not book a slimming massage, and speak with your doctor, if you:
Massage is not suitable if you have a fever, an infection, or a skin rash, burn, bruise or open wound in the area. If one leg is suddenly swollen, hot, red or painful, do not book a massage; seek medical advice promptly.
If you are unsure whether it is right for you, contact our Dubai Hills team before booking.
KINETIKA is in Park Heights Square 1, Unit 403 on Floor 4, on Al Khail Road, a short drive for most people living or working in Dubai Hills. Many clients come to us after long days at a desk or in the car, when legs and ankles feel heavy, especially in the warmer months when heat can add to that puffy feeling. Because we are a physiotherapy clinic rather than a beauty salon, your slimming massage sits alongside clinical services under one roof in Dubai Hills. If a question comes up about swelling, recovery after surgery or a new ache, a physiotherapist is close by to advise, and you can move across to lymphatic drainage or a physiotherapy assessment without starting over somewhere else. It also means we will be straight with you about what this massage does, and what it does not.
Common questions
No. It does not burn or remove fat. Some people feel lighter and less puffy afterwards, which may be due to a temporary shift in fluid, but this is not fat loss.
No. Some people find their skin feels smoother for a while after a session, but massage does not cure or remove cellulite.
No. Your liver and kidneys handle that. Slimming massage is a wellness massage aimed at comfort and how your body feels.
Lymphatic drainage is a precise clinical technique used for swelling after surgery or injury, lymphoedema and postpartum recovery. Slimming massage is a brisker, firmer wellness massage focused on comfort and temporary puffiness.
It is firmer and faster than a relaxation massage, but it should not be painful. Tell your therapist if the pressure feels too strong and it will be adjusted.
Not without your surgeon's clearance. After surgery, clinical lymphatic drainage is usually the more appropriate option. Speak with your surgeon and our team first.
No. Slimming massage is not offered during pregnancy. During pregnancy we offer pregnancy massage only, always with your doctor's clearance.
There is no fixed number. Some people book a few sessions before a holiday or event, others book occasionally. Any effect on puffiness is temporary.
Some people feel lighter straight after a session. How long that feeling lasts varies with what you eat and drink, the heat, travel and how active you are.
Drink water, go for a gentle walk if you can, and avoid sitting still for long periods straight away.
Your session is with Katrine Gayle Ignacio, our Massage Therapist, who has four years of hands-on experience and specialises in slimming and lymphatic massage among other techniques.
Massage and recovery
Dubai Hills
Unit 403, Floor 4, Park Heights Square 1, Al Khail Road, Dubai Hills.