“The roll massage has had a great effect; the pain is virtually gone”

Roll massage is a method based on Chinese medicine. The roll massage is available at Hagabadet’s Vitality Lab is also equipped with infrared heat, which provides extra stimulating and healing effects.

Maria Olsson, 59 years old, has been undergoing regular roll massage treatments since the end of November 2023. She noticed a significant effect after just a few treatments.

– Before having access to roll massage, I had lymphatic massage at Hagabadet. It helped to some extent with my lipedema, but when the masseur told me about the new roll, I was immediately interested in trying it, says Maria. 

“I was hooked after the first time” 

Maria immediately felt how beneficial the roll massage was for her body. Lipedema means that fat cells enlarge, and the area around them becomes easily inflamed and tender. Between the enlarged fat cells, water and fluid accumulate, leading to further swelling and tenderness.

– My first experience was not very pleasant. Because I have lipedema, it hurt, especially in certain parts of my body. However, the pain quickly turned into a ‘good pain,’ and I was prepared for the first treatment to feel this way. After the second treatment, I experienced significantly less pain, less tenderness, and left with a light feeling in my body.

Maria’s pain has largely disappeared since she started with roll massage.

– Now I have done about twelve treatments. Besides being almost completely pain-free, my body has gotten rid of a lot of excess fluid, which also benefits my other training and movement. 

A physical relief felt throughout the entire body 

Having the body cleared of excess fluid is beneficial for everyone, but especially important if you have conditions like lymphatic or lipedema.

– The feeling of concrete, physical relief in my body is so palpable. My tissue has also become softer, in a positive way. With lipedema, the tissue often feels hard and tender; now it feels soft and barely tender at all, and I don’t bruise as easily as before. 

“It’s about quality of life and holistic health” 

Lipedema is a chronic disease; it cannot be completely cured. For Maria, the important thing is to maintain a good and high quality of life despite the illness.

– My goal is to keep the lipedema in check. Now I have found a method that works.

”My focus is on feeling good; the cosmetic effect is secondary”

Since roll massage stimulates the lymphatic system and helps the body clear excess fluid around fat cells, this treatment method often has a good effect on cellulite formation.

– I believe there are women who suffer from lipedema without knowing it. Cellulite formation is part of the symptoms. For me, the goal of roll massage is to feel better and create better conditions for other exercise and training. 

Pamela is, among other things, an instructor in lymphatic yoga, a practicing masseuse, and a postural trainer. She has been a member of Hagabadet for about two years. When the new Vitality Lab opened at Hagabadet Haga, she was eager to try the Roll treatments.

– I attended a fitness expo a couple of years ago, where I tried the roller. I immediately felt that this method had the potential to achieve results that even the deepest connective tissue massage couldn’t reach. It’s all about me, as the user, being able to feel where the pressure is needed most. And already the first time I did a Roll massage treatment at Hagabadet’s Vitality Lab, my expectations were exceeded – and I experienced an unexpected but welcome effect.

Interview with Pamela, 49 years old

The first time Pamela underwent a Roll massage treatment was at the end of 2023. She visited Hagabadet with her 18-year-old son. Suddenly, in the middle of the treatment, there was a loud click (or rather bang) in Pamela’s elbow.

– My son exclaimed, ‘What was that, what happened?’ I felt for a second and then explained that it was simply the blockage I had long had in my elbow joint that released. The loud click didn’t hurt at all; it was a liberating feeling.

“Chronic” Lock Released After Just One Roll Massage Treatment

Pamela had given up on the lock in her elbow, which was caused by a strain injury over 20 years old.

– I had really tried everything. Massage, connective tissue treatments, rehab, training, yoga. I know this stuff; I’m familiar with both anatomy and training. So, I had accepted that my arm couldn’t be fully extended, and it had been that way for several years.

It happened when Pamela used the roller against the outside/back of her ribs, slightly below the shoulder blade.

– The lock wasn’t in the elbow. It was deep in the connective tissue under the shoulder blade, and no treatments or exercises had reached it. Then it just clicked. It’s great to be able to extend both arms again.

Roll Massage Treatment Boosts Lymphatic Flow and Increases Muscle Awareness

In addition to a straightened arm, Pamela sees several other positive effects from Roll treatments.

– My body has released a lot of fluid, which not only gives a smoother appearance but also proves that the lymphatic drainage gets a boost in the right direction from the Roller. Since the Roll moves in the direction of the lymphatic system, the elimination of waste products is significantly enhanced.

Moreover, Roll treatment increases body and muscle awareness.

– When you undergo Roll treatment, you control it yourself. I’ve gotten to know my body and muscles in a new way, and as a result, I now get better effects from my strength training. Roll treatment increases three-dimensional mobility, reduces deep tension, and reaches hard-to-access trigger points.

Pamela has so far undergone nine Roll treatments at Hagabadet’s Vitality Lab.

– The first seven treatments were pure joy. When I did the eighth, it started to hurt, and I felt sad, as if emotions had been stuck in connective tissue tensions and were now coming to the surface. I spoke with the treatment therapist Mira, who confirmed that this is not uncommon – but a positive, natural effect of cleansing the body.

Better Effects from Strength Training After Roll Massage Treatment

At the next treatment session, the ninth in a row, the wonderful feeling returned.

– I am the only one who can feel how my body responds, and I can reach areas that are otherwise difficult to treat. The Roller has made me more aware of how it feels; I’ve gotten to know my own muscles and get better results from my training. I will definitely continue to take Roll treatments regularly; it is a valuable investment in myself.

Pamela invests many hours each week in her health.

– It’s about more than just training. Both movement and rest are important for balance in body and soul. If we only train hard and do not give our bodies recovery, it’s not certain we will feel better; it can increase stress and create tension. Self-care, like the Roller, bathing, walking, or just resting, is also needed for well-being.

At Hagabadet, Pamela finds strength and energy in her daily life.

– Just walking through the doors, being greeted by smiling staff at the reception, hearing the soothing music, smelling the scents – even on days when I don’t have the energy to train physically, I still like to go there to recharge. Hagabadet has everything I need and love, all in one place.