From sports injuries to sitting at your desk, we all get far too used to aching shoulders and a seriously stiff lumbar region. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone took away those aches and pains this Christmas? The right spa gift can do just that.

Now we’re not saying you wouldn’t have to do some maintenance along the way, but spas do have a magic touch when it comes to wellbeing. So with a spa voucher to spend on a choice of destinations you can show someone that you’ve really thought about them this year…

For back ache: Pilates and acupuncture

More than 2.5 million people in the UK complain of chronic back pain, but it turns out that Pilates is a more effective long term solution than painkillers. Meanwhile, acupuncture can provide short term relief. Pilates improves strength, flexibility, and suppleness, while fluid movements help to prevent pressure in the back. Acupuncture on the other hand can stimulate the body’s own pain killing capacity. Visit the right spa, and you can find both in one glorious place… and maybe go for afternoon tea afterwards as well. Try it at: ESPA Life at Corinthia

For joint pain: hydrotherapy

From dry skin to osteoarthritis, hydrotherapy is a simple but effective soother for all kinds of aches and pains, especially joint pain. Essentially providing you with a good excuse to luxuriate in bubbly bliss, the combination of perfect temperature, massaging water jets, and the buoyancy effect that takes the weight off joints, makes it a soothing healer and a central feature for many a spa experience. Try it at: Rockliffe Hall

For headaches: Isopod Treatments

In a therapy that’s a bit like returning to the womb, Isopods are tanks filled with mineral infused water, that you float in for total peace and quiet. Surrounded by coloured mood lighting, the body is suspended and weightless, enveloped from head to toe. It gives you a chance to relax like you probably haven’t done in years. Plenty of people fall asleep during the treatment and everyone leaves feeling restored. Our advice is to follow it up by wrapping up in a fluffy white robe and going for a snooze in the relaxation lounge. Try it at: Ockenden Manor

For sports injuries: sauna rituals

Heat and ice are not new phenomena to sports enthusiasts for preventing injury and helping to speed up recovery. At the right spas however, you can supercharge that experience. At the prestigious Galgorm Resort and Spa for example, they offer a unique Celtic Sauna Ritual that’s ideal post workout. Lasting 12 minutes and with a view of the river, it improves blood flow, thereby helping muscle recovery. It’s also great for the immune system for anyone trying to stave off any winter colds. Try it at: Galgorm Resort and Spa