Spa near Siam: Plan a 2-Hour Break Between Shopping at Jai Chan Spa

In Siam, a day goes by faster than you expect. You start at Siam Paragon, walk on to Siam Center, stop at the shops in Siam Discovery, and may end the day at MBK or the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. Before you know it, your legs, shoulders and mind have been working for hours.

If you have free time between lunch and dinner, or want to rest before heading back to your hotel, two hours can turn from a gap in your schedule into time when you truly stop.

Jai Chan Spa is on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery, so you don’t need to leave the area or spend time travelling there and back, and you can choose whether to focus on massage, a facial or body care.

Quick facts before you plan

  • Location: Jai Chan Spa, 3rd floor, Siam Discovery
  • Opening hours: daily, 10:00–22:00
  • 120-minute packages: 3 options, THB 1,090–2,690
  • Time to set aside: about 2 hours 30 minutes, including arriving, checking in and getting ready
  • Booking: please book at least 2 hours in advance
  • Phone / WhatsApp: +66 64 479 3790
  • LINE: @jaichanspa

How to get to Jai Chan Spa

From BTS Siam

Take the link bridge into Siam Center, then walk on into Siam Discovery without having to go out onto the street. Once you are in Siam Discovery, go up to the 3rd floor.

This route suits you if you are starting from Siam Paragon or Siam Square, or arriving on the BTS Sukhumvit or Silom lines.

From BTS National Stadium

You can walk along the link bridge on the MBK side to Siam Discovery. This suits anyone coming from the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, MBK, or travelling on the Silom line.

By car, taxi or Grab

Siam Discovery’s taxi and Grab pick-up and drop-off point is at Exit Gate 1, by Discovery Plaza on the G floor. If you have bags, you can ask about the luggage storage service at the information counter on the G floor before coming up to the spa.

2-hour spa packages: which should you choose?

All three packages take 120 minutes, but each offers a clearly different experience. The easiest way to choose is to ask yourself: after hours of walking around Siam, which part of you wants the most attention today?

PackageWhat’s includedBest for days when you wantPackage price
Thai Bliss DetoxThai massage 60 mins + a choice of foot & calf or neck & shoulder massage 60 minsMassage and a lighter feeling after walking or a busy dayTHB 1,090
Royal Thai PamperingAroma massage 60 mins + facial 60 minsRest for both body and face in one visitTHB 1,990
Serenity & GlowBody scrub 60 mins + body wrap 60 minsBody care through texture, herbs and warmthTHB 2,690

Thai Bliss Detox — for days of lots of walking, or when you want to focus on massage

Thai Bliss Detox starts with Thai Heritage Revival, a 60-minute Thai massage, followed by your choice of:

  • Soul Soothing Foot & Calf Relief, for anyone who wants to focus on their feet and calves after a day out
  • Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage, for anyone who wants to focus on the neck, shoulders and upper back after carrying bags or using a phone all day

This package is not a medical “detox”, even though the word Detox is in its name. What it really offers is Thai massage combined with focused care for one area, continuously over two hours.

120 mins · THB 1,090 · save THB 90–190 compared with booking separately

Royal Thai Pampering — rest your body and care for your skin in one visit

Royal Thai Pampering combines Aroma Thai Harmony (60 mins) with the Royal Thai Glow Facial (60 mins).

The first half is a gentle oil massage, then the ritual moves into facial care. It suits days when you want a break from the bustle of Siam without having to choose between a body massage and a facial.

120 mins · THB 1,990 · save THB 290 compared with booking separately

Serenity & Glow — for days when you want to spend time on your skin

Serenity & Glow starts with the Golden Glow Body Polish (60 mins), with a choice of Coconut & Coffee, Green Tea or Tangerine scrub, followed by the Thai Herbal Body Wrap (60 mins).

The wrap uses herbs, botanicals, oats and Thai clay, with warmth from an infrared blanket and a gentle head massage while you rest. It suits anyone who prefers a two-step body care ritual to a full-body massage.

120 mins · THB 2,690 · save THB 390 compared with booking separately

Matching a package to your day in Siam

After hours of shopping

Choose Thai Bliss Detox and pair the Thai massage with Soul Soothing Foot & Calf Relief if you want to focus on your feet and calves, or switch to Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage if your neck, shoulders and upper back need the break more.

Before dinner or before heading back to your hotel

Royal Thai Pampering suits times when you have nothing rushed planned afterwards, as you move from the walking and crowds outside into an aroma massage and facial ritual without a break.

A day set aside for body care

Serenity & Glow suits days when the spa is your main plan. Avoid shaving or waxing on the same day, and tell the team if you are allergic to herbs, scrubs or scented ingredients.

How much time should you really allow for a 120-minute package?

120 minutes is the length of the treatment itself. So that your rest doesn’t turn into watching the clock, we recommend setting aside at least 2 hours 30 minutes: arrive about 10 minutes before your appointment, and allow time to get ready and to leave afterwards.

For example, if you have dinner at 19:00, choose an appointment no later than about 16:15–16:30, and confirm the timing with the team when you book, as preparation time can vary by treatment.

Only have 60 minutes? Here’s what you can choose

If your schedule only leaves one hour, there are two options that fit easily into a day out in Siam.

Soul Soothing Foot & Calf Relief

Soul Soothing Foot & Calf Relief begins with a Thai foot-washing ritual in warm tea, kaffir lime and fleur de sel, followed by care for your feet and calves. It suits days when you still plan to walk on, or want to rest your lower legs in particular.

60 mins · THB 590

ASMR Royal Coconut Hair Spa

ASMR Royal Coconut Hair Spa combines a coconut oil massage, a head spa, a water ritual and warm steam. It suits anyone who wants to move from the buzz of Siam into a quieter, slower moment.

This treatment includes a hair wash, so if you have an appointment or photos afterwards, plan your hairstyle in advance and ask about the extra charge for long hair when you book.

60 mins · THB 990

Plan ahead so your two hours are real rest

  • Book at least 2 hours in advance online, by phone / WhatsApp on +66 64 479 3790, or on LINE @jaichanspa
  • Arrive about 10 minutes before your appointment to talk about pressure, allergies and any precautions
  • If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, we reserve the right to cancel your booking under our booking terms
  • Tell the team if you are pregnant, have a health condition, a wound or a rash, or have recently had a skin procedure
  • If you are coming as a couple or a group, book ahead, as rooms and therapists at the same time are limited
  • If you have lots of shopping bags, ask about the luggage storage service at Siam Discovery’s information counter on the G floor

Frequently asked questions about spas near Siam

Which BTS station is Jai Chan Spa near?

You can come from either BTS Siam or BTS National Stadium. From BTS Siam, walk through Siam Center into Siam Discovery. From National Stadium, a link bridge runs from the MBK area to Siam Discovery.

Which floor of Siam Discovery is Jai Chan on?

We are on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Does a two-hour package really take only 120 minutes?

The treatment itself takes 120 minutes, but allow time to check in, change, get ready and leave. In total, about 2 hours 30 minutes means you won’t need to rush.

Can I walk in?

You can ask about availability at the front desk, but it depends on which rooms and therapists are free. Booking ahead is better, especially for evenings, holidays and groups booking at the same time.

Is there somewhere to leave luggage or shopping bags?

Siam Discovery’s website says luggage storage is available at the information counter on the G floor. Please check bag sizes and conditions with the mall on the day of your visit.

Travel and service references

  1. Siam Discovery. Getting here: transport, pick-up and drop-off, luggage storage and opening hours. See Siam Discovery’s information
  2. Jai Chan Spa. Packages and memberships. See all packages
  3. Jai Chan Spa. Contact, booking and location. See contact details

Rest without leaving the rhythm of Siam

The advantage of choosing a spa in Siam Discovery is not just easy access, but fitting rest into a day you have already planned. You don’t need to cross the city, choose between sightseeing and looking after yourself, or wait for a long holiday to rest.

Just choose whether to give these two hours to massage, your face or your body, and let the buzz of Siam wait outside the treatment room for a while.

Thai Massage or Aroma Oil Massage: How Are They Different, and Which Should You Choose?

Some days you want your body to move through rhythmic pressure and stretching. Other days all you want is a flowing touch, a soft scent and time to lie still without having to do anything.

That is the key difference between Thai massage and aroma oil massage. Both can be a lovely experience, but neither suits everyone every day. So rather than asking which is “better”, think about the pressure you like, whether you are comfortable with stretching, whether you want to stay dressed during the massage, or whether you prefer the feel of oil on your skin.

If you want the short answer:

  • Choose Thai massage if you like rhythmic pressure and stretching and do not want oil
  • Choose Aroma Thai Harmony if you like light pressure, flowing hand movements and scent
  • Choose Intensive Aroma Muscle Release if you like oil massage but want clearer pressure than a light aroma massage
  • Choose Thai Floral Balm if you want Thai-style pressure with the warm touch of a herbal balm

What is Thai massage, really?

Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, is a body-care tradition passed down through families, communities, teachers and Thailand’s education system. It is not a single routine or sequence. Each lineage can differ in its details, but you will usually find pressing, kneading, squeezing, holding, bending, pulling and body movement used together.

Practitioners may use their hands, fingers, elbows, knees or feet, depending on their training and what suits each move. So what sets Thai massage apart is not oil, but how pressure, rhythm and body movement are arranged to work together.

In 2019, UNESCO inscribed Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inscription recognises its value as living knowledge and culture. It is not a guarantee that every massage or programme gives the same medical results (UNESCO).

What does “Sen Prathan Sip” mean?

Thai massage theory includes the idea of a network of “sen” (lines), with particular attention to ten main lines known as Sen Prathan Sip. Practitioners use this framework to learn positions, rhythms and ways of applying pressure according to the conventions of Thai massage.

Thailand’s Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine describes Sen Prathan Sip as a core part of Thai massage theory, and mentions techniques such as pressing, kneading, squeezing, holding, bending and pulling, using the hands, elbows, knees and feet (Strategic Plan for Promoting and Developing Thai Massage, in Thai).

However, “sen” here is a concept from traditional Thai massage knowledge. It should not be described as nerves, blood vessels or anatomical structures proven by modern medicine.

Is all Thai massage the same?

No. Thai massage has many lineages, including styles that focus on pressure, styles with more stretching and movement, the royal court style and the folk style often called “Chaloeisak”. Moves, the parts of the body used and massage etiquette can therefore differ.

For this reason, calling one programme “the one authentic Thai massage” oversimplifies things. A clearer approach is to look at whether a programme uses oil, how much stretching it includes, how much pressure it uses and which techniques the practitioner uses.

Thai Heritage Revival: pressure, stretching and Thai massage rhythm

Thai Heritage Revival is a Thai massage without oil or balm. You wear comfortable clothing you can move in throughout the massage.

Its main elements are rhythmic pressure, stretching and positioning of the body. This means the treatment involves more movement and participation from your body than an aroma oil massage. It suits people who like clear pressure, are comfortable with stretching and do not want oil on their skin or clothes afterwards.

60 mins · THB 590
120 mins · THB 1,090

Stretching should never feel painful or forced. If a position feels uncomfortable, you have an injury or you have limited movement, tell your therapist before you start and during the treatment.

Aroma Thai Harmony: flowing touch and a scent you choose

Aroma Thai Harmony is a light oil massage using long, flowing hand movements over the skin. The overall rhythm is softer and stiller than Thai massage, which changes positions and stretches the body.

You can choose between two oils:

  • Jasmine & Coconut — a soft jasmine scent with the feel of coconut oil
  • Citrus Serenity — a bright citrus scent for anyone who prefers a cleaner, fresher note

It suits people who like light pressure, want to lie still with less movement, and are comfortable with oil on their skin.

60 mins · THB 990
120 mins · THB 1,790

Scent is personal. If you are sensitive to scents or allergic to fragrance, essential oils or coconut oil, tell the team before choosing an oil.

Intensive Aroma Muscle Release: when you want a firmer oil massage

If you like the feel of oil but find Aroma Thai Harmony too light, Intensive Aroma Muscle Release is another option.

This treatment uses grapeseed oil warmed to about 38–40°C with the palms, forearms and controlled use of the elbows, so the pressure is firmer and clearer than Aroma Thai Harmony while keeping the flowing feel of an oil massage.

60 mins · THB 1,290
120 mins · THB 2,190

More pressure does not mean more suitable or better results. Choose by comfort, and ask for less pressure straight away if you feel pain, numbness, dizziness or start to tense up during the treatment.

Comparison table: Thai massage vs aroma oil massage

DetailThai Heritage RevivalAroma Thai HarmonyIntensive Aroma Muscle Release
OilNoneScented oilGrapeseed oil warmed to 38–40°C
What you wearMassage clothingOnly the area being massaged is uncovered, step by stepOnly the area being massaged is uncovered, step by step
PressureClear and rhythmicLightFirmer than a light aroma massage
Stretching and position changesYesLessLess
Key techniquesPressing, stretching and positioningLong, flowing hand movementsPalms, forearms and controlled use of elbows
Best for people who likeMovement and no oilA light touch and scentWarm oil with clear pressure
60 minsTHB 590THB 990THB 1,290
120 minsTHB 1,090THB 1,790THB 2,190

How you feel afterwards varies from person to person, so we do not promise that Thai massage will make everyone feel “light” or that aroma massage will help everyone “sleep well”.

Which should you choose? Start with five questions

1. Do you want to avoid oil?

If you dislike feeling oily, or need to get dressed and carry on with your day straight away, Thai Heritage Revival is more convenient because you stay dressed and no oil is used.

2. Are you comfortable with stretching and changing positions?

If you like your body to move and are comfortable with stretching, choose Thai Heritage Revival. If you would rather lie still with fewer position changes, choose Aroma Thai Harmony.

3. How much pressure do you like?

  • Rhythmic pressure with stretching: Thai Heritage Revival
  • Light and flowing: Aroma Thai Harmony
  • An oil massage with clear pressure: Intensive Aroma Muscle Release

4. Do you enjoy scent, or are you sensitive to it?

Aroma massage suits people who enjoy scent during a massage. If you are sensitive to scent or do not want products on your skin, Thai massage without oil is a better match.

5. Do you want movement or stillness today?

Choose Thai massage on days when you want an experience with pressure, positioning and stretching. Choose aroma massage on days when you want to lie and rest with flowing hand rhythms. There is no fixed answer, and you can choose differently each time.

Want something between Thai massage and oil massage?

Thai Floral Balm is an option for people who like Thai-style pressure but want the warm touch and floral scent of a herbal balm.

It is not the same as a full oil massage, because balm is used at specific steps rather than oil for gliding over the whole body. If you are not sure which you prefer, you can ask the team about pressure, products and what to wear before booking.

What research on Thai massage tells us, and what it cannot

A 2015 review could find only six controlled studies of Thai massage in people with chronic pain. The results were positive in several areas, but the researchers noted that more work is needed to explain who responds to massage, which approaches are suitable and what the long-term effects are (Keeratitanont et al., 2015).

Those studies looked at clinical programmes, patient groups and methods that differ from each other, so they cannot be used to vouch for Thai Heritage Revival or any other spa treatment directly. That is why, at Jai Chan, we describe our services by technique, pressure, oil and the experience you will have, rather than promising medical results.

What to tell the team before your massage

  • The pressure you like and your past experience of massage
  • Any areas you do not want touched, pressed, stretched or worked with elbows
  • Pregnancy, health conditions, medication, surgery or recent injury
  • Severe pain, radiating pain, numbness, weakness, swelling, redness, heat or a wound in the area to be massaged
  • Any allergy to coconut oil, grapeseed oil, fragrance, essential oils or balm

If you have severe symptoms, neurological symptoms or symptoms after an accident, see a doctor or physiotherapist before booking a wellness massage.

Frequently asked questions

Does Thai massage use oil?

Thai massage that focuses on pressure and stretching is usually done without oil, and you wear clothing you can move in. Thai Heritage Revival uses no oil or balm.

Does Thai massage have to hurt?

No. Pain is not proof that a massage is working. The pressure and range of stretching should stay at a level where you can breathe comfortably without tensing. If you feel uncomfortable, tell your therapist straight away.

Can an aroma oil massage be firm?

Aroma Thai Harmony is designed as a light massage. If you want an oil massage with clearer pressure, choose Intensive Aroma Muscle Release instead, so the techniques and time of the treatment match what you want from the start.

Is aroma massage good for people with insomnia?

Aroma massage is a relaxation service, not a treatment for insomnia. Some people choose an evening massage because they enjoy the soft rhythm and scent, but we do not promise it will help everyone sleep better. If you have ongoing sleep problems, please talk to a health professional.

I do not like oil but want a herbal scent. What should I choose?

Thai Floral Balm may be an option between oil-free Thai massage and aroma massage, because it uses a herbal balm instead of massage oil over the whole body. Tell the team if you are sensitive to scents or allergic to skin products.

Can I book 120 minutes and mix several techniques?

Each treatment has its own sequence and techniques, so we cannot promise that every technique can always be combined. If you want to adjust the pressure, avoid certain moves or have particular needs, please ask the team before booking.

Treatments in this article

References

  1. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage. Inscribed in 2019 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO
  2. Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Thailand. Strategic Plan for Promoting and Developing Thai Massage: Thai Massage, Thai Heritage, World Heritage, 2020–2022 (B.E. 2563–2565) (in Thai). PDF
  3. Keeratitanont K, Jensen MP, Chatchawan U, Auvichayapat P. The efficacy of traditional Thai massage for the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015;21(1):26–32. PubMed
  4. Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Health massage shops and spas: advertising correctly (in Thai). Read the guidelines

No style is better. There is only the one that suits you better today

If you like pressing and stretching and do not want oil, start with Thai Heritage Revival. If you want to rest with light pressure and scent, choose Aroma Thai Harmony. If you want warm oil with clearer pressure, Intensive Aroma Muscle Release may suit you better.

Still cannot decide? That is fine. Tell the team how much pressure you like, whether you are comfortable with stretching, and whether you would prefer oil or balm. They will explain the difference between each programme before your treatment begins.

Jai Chan is on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery, Bangkok.

Office Syndrome: How to Choose a Neck and Shoulder Massage That Suits You

A stiff neck, heavy shoulders and a tight upper back after a full day at a screen: should you choose a firm massage that feels intense, or start with lighter pressure and build up gradually?

The answer is not about which one is “stronger”. It depends on your body that day, the pressure you prefer and the kind of care that feels most comfortable. Some people like clear pressure and the controlled use of elbows, while others relax better with gentle hand techniques.

This article compares Jai Chan’s two neck and shoulder massages and explains when it is better to skip a massage and see a doctor or physiotherapist first.

What is office syndrome?

“Office syndrome” is a popular term for discomfort in the neck, shoulders, shoulder blades and back that often comes with sitting in the same position, using a computer or phone for long periods, a workstation that does not fit your body, or rarely changing position.

Thailand’s Department of Medical Services notes that slouching, looking down, pushing the head forward, raising the shoulders, and using a mouse, keyboard or phone in the same position for long periods are factors found alongside neck, shoulder and back symptoms (Department of Medical Services, in Thai).

However, “office syndrome” should not be used to diagnose yourself, because pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness can have other causes that need to be checked by a professional. This article uses the term to describe everyday tension from work routines, not to suggest that everyone with these feelings has the same condition.

What role does wellness massage play?

Wellness massage at Jai Chan is meant for rest and for the experience of caring for your body. It is not a diagnosis or treatment for office syndrome, and it should not replace a well-set-up workstation, changing position, exercise, or advice from doctors and physiotherapists.

A 2024 Cochrane review brought together 33 studies of massage for neck pain, with 1,994 participants, and concluded that most of the evidence is of low certainty. For subacute and chronic neck pain, massage may make little or no difference compared with sham massage at around 12 weeks of follow-up (Gross et al., 2024).

That research looked at many techniques, patient groups and types of service, and did not test Jai Chan’s treatments directly. It is a reminder that massage should be described as a relaxing experience, not a promise to treat a medical condition.

Before you choose, ask yourself three questions

1. How much pressure do you want today?

If you are used to firm massage and like clear pressure, you might consider Deep Release. If you are sensitive to pressure, new to massage, or want to rest without bracing against the pressure, Royal Shoulder & Neck offers a gentler touch.

2. Do you want to focus on the neck and shoulders, or include your head too?

Both treatments focus on the neck, shoulders and upper back. If your main wish is to rest your whole head and senses, you might choose a programme that includes a head spa.

3. Are there signs that a professional should check first?

If you have radiating pain, numbness, weakness, an injury or unusually severe symptoms, stop massage for now and get assessed by a doctor or physiotherapist. Do not increase the pressure to see whether the symptoms go away.

Comparing two neck and shoulder massages

DetailShoulder & Neck Deep Release MassageRoyal Shoulder & Neck Massage
PressureFirmLight to medium
Main techniqueFocused pressure and controlled use of the elbowsHand techniques, no elbows
What it feels likeClear pressure, focused on the neck, shoulders and upper backGentle rhythms, for unhurried rest
Best forPeople who are used to and enjoy firm massagePeople who prefer lighter pressure, are new to massage or do not want elbows used
60 minsTHB 890THB 690
120 minsTHB 1,490THB 1,290

More pressure does not mean better, and pain is not a measure of massage quality. Tell your therapist straight away if the pressure is too much, or if you feel numb, dizzy or uncomfortable during the treatment.

If you like clear pressure: Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage

Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage is designed for people who are used to firm massage and want to focus on the neck, shoulders and upper back.

The therapist uses focused pressure with controlled use of the elbows, so the treatment feels firmer and more defined than the Royal. Before you begin, say how much pressure you want and any areas where you would rather not have pressure.

60 mins · THB 890
120 mins · THB 1,490

This treatment is not suitable for trying out massage over an area that is injured, swollen or inflamed, or where you have numbness or weakness that has not yet been assessed.

If you like a gentle touch: Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage

Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage uses light to medium pressure and hand techniques without elbows. It suits people who want to start with comfortable pressure, do not enjoy firm massage, or want to rest gradually.

The massage focuses on continuous rhythms and gentle touch, with a floral herbal balm. You can ask for the pressure to be adjusted at any time; there is no need to put up with pressure that feels uncomfortable.

60 mins · THB 690
120 mins · THB 1,290

Choose a balm by the scent and feel you prefer

Both treatments offer a choice of two balms. Choose by the atmosphere you want, not by treatment claims.

Jai Chan Signature Jasmine Energizer

A fresh jasmine scent, for anyone who likes a clear floral note and a lively atmosphere.

Mok Floral Therapy Balm

A softer, warmer scent of mok flower (Wrightia religiosa), for anyone who prefers a gentle floral note while they rest.

If you are allergic to fragrance, balms or essential oils, or your skin is easily irritated, please tell the team before the treatment begins.

If you want your rest to extend to your head

For an experience that brings together care for the head, neck, shoulders and senses, ASMR Regal Thai Upper Harmony is a 90-minute ritual combining an upper-body massage, a Thai-style head spa, a water ritual and a jasmine tea hair rinse.

This programme suits anyone who wants a longer rest and enjoys sound, water, warmth and hair care. It is not designed to treat headaches or neurological conditions.

Firmer does not mean more suitable

Many people believe a massage has to hurt to be worth it, but too much pressure can make you tense up and stop you resting properly. Choose your pressure based on comfort, your past experience of massage and how your body feels that day.

  • Start lighter than you think, then increase when you feel comfortable
  • Ask your therapist to reduce the pressure straight away; there is no need to wait until the end of a move
  • If there are areas you do not want touched or worked with elbows, say so before you start
  • Do not take pain during a massage as proof that your muscles are being treated

When to see a doctor or physiotherapist before a massage

Skip massage for now and seek professional advice if you have any of the following:

  • Sudden severe pain, or pain that started after a fall, accident or impact
  • Pain radiating down the arm with numbness, weakness, difficulty gripping or often dropping things
  • Problems with balance, walking, or coordination of the hands and feet
  • Fever, swelling, redness, heat, an open wound or a suspected infection in the area to be massaged
  • Symptoms that continue, get worse, disturb your sleep or affect daily life

Thailand’s Department of Medical Services notes that neck and shoulder pain radiating to the fingertips, or accompanied by numbness and weakness, may be related to nerve compression and should be examined to find the cause (Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, in Thai).

Look after yourself during the day, before tension builds

One massage cannot make up for sitting in the same position all week, so small changes during the day still matter.

  • Set your screen at a height where you do not need to look down or push your head forward for long periods
  • Give your back and feet firm support, and keep your mouse and keyboard close enough that you do not need to reach
  • Change position, walk or move your shoulders regularly, rather than trying to hold one “correct” posture all day
  • Raise your phone to a more comfortable height and switch hands during long use
  • Rest your eyes and notice whether you are lifting your shoulders or clenching your jaw without realising

If discomfort keeps coming back, a physiotherapist can assess your posture and movement and suggest an approach that suits you.

Frequently asked questions about office syndrome and massage

Can massage treat office syndrome?

That should not be claimed. Wellness massage is a relaxation service, not a diagnosis or treatment for any condition. If you have pain, numbness, weakness or recurring symptoms, have a doctor or physiotherapist assess the cause first.

Should I choose Deep Release or Royal Shoulder & Neck?

Choose Deep Release if you are used to firm pressure and want clear pressure. Choose Royal Shoulder & Neck if you prefer light to medium pressure, do not want elbows used, or are new to massage.

Does a painful massage work better?

No. Pain does not confirm that a treatment is working on your muscles. Choose a level of pressure at which you can still breathe comfortably, stay relaxed and talk to your therapist throughout.

How often should I have a massage?

There is no single frequency that suits everyone, because the purpose of wellness massage is rest. If you feel you need massage more and more often to cope with the same symptoms, or they are getting worse, it is time to stop rebooking and get an assessment from a health professional.

Can I have a massage if I am pregnant or have a health condition?

Please tell the team before booking about pregnancy, health conditions, medication, and recent surgery or injury, so they can consider whether the service is suitable. If you are unsure, check with your doctor first.

Treatments in this article

References and advertising guidelines

  1. Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Health massage shops and spas: advertising correctly (in Thai). Read the guidelines
  2. Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Beating office syndrome: a way out for working people in the digital age (in Thai). Read the article
  3. Prasat Neurological Institute, Department of Medical Services, Thailand. Neck and shoulder pain that may be related to nerve compression (in Thai). Read the article
  4. Gross AR, Lee H, Ezzo J, et al. Massage for neck pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2024;2:CD004871. PubMed · Full text

Choose the pressure that fits the day your body needs a rest

There is no need to wait until you are very tense, or to always choose the firmest programme. The right massage is one where you can speak up, feel safe and never have to put up with the pressure.

If you like clear pressure, start with Shoulder & Neck Deep Release Massage. If you would like a softer touch, Royal Shoulder & Neck Massage may suit you better. If you are not sure, the team can explain the difference between the two before your treatment begins.

Jai Chan is on the 3rd floor of Siam Discovery, Bangkok.