Massage and complementary therapies

Some people come to us for massage because a shoulder has seized up over a long week at a desk. Others come because they are on their feet all day, or because an hour of being properly looked after is the only hour of the week that belongs to them. Both are good reasons, and we treat them the same way, which is to ask what you want from the session and then deliver that rather than a standard routine.

More information

We offer general massage therapy, deep tissue and sports massage for tight and overloaded muscle, aromatherapy, and reflexology. Because these sit inside a physiotherapy clinic rather than a spa, there is a useful safety net. If something we find during a massage looks like it needs assessing properly, we will say so, and there is a physiotherapist along the corridor.

What is the difference between deep tissue and a relaxing massage

Deep tissue massage works more firmly and more specifically into muscle and fascia, and it is aimed at areas that are tight, overloaded or restricted. It should be comfortable enough to breathe through, and it is not a competition. A relaxing massage works at a lighter pressure across a wider area, and the goal is the nervous system as much as the muscle. Tell us which you are after, or tell us what is bothering you and we will suggest one.

Will it hurt afterwards

Deep work can leave you a little tender for a day, in the way a decent gym session does. It should not leave you bruised or unable to move, and if a previous massage anywhere has done that, tell us and we will work differently.

Is massage worth it if I have a specific injury

It can help a great deal with the muscular part of the picture, but on its own it will not resolve a tendon problem, a joint that is stiff for a mechanical reason, or a nerve related pain. If that is what you have, an assessment first will save you money, and we would rather say that than sell you a course of massage that was never going to fix it.

Person lying face down on table receiving hands-on lower-back massage
Dropper releases a droplet above four corked glass oil bottles on a wooden slab with fresh herb sprigsTwo hands knead the upper shoulder and neck of a reclining person with blonde hair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between deep tissue and sports massage?
The two overlap a great deal. Deep tissue massage works firmly and specifically into tight or restricted muscle and fascia. Sports massage does the same but is usually planned around training and competition, whether that means loosening off after a hard block or preparing for an event.
Should I have a massage or see a physiotherapist?
If the problem is muscular tightness and general soreness, massage is often exactly right. If you have a specific injury, a stiff joint, or pain that travels down a limb, book a physiotherapy assessment first, because massage alone is unlikely to resolve it and you would be paying for the wrong thing.
Will I be sore after a deep tissue massage?
You may be a little tender the following day, much as you would be after a good gym session. You should not be bruised or struggling to move, so if a previous massage has left you like that anywhere, tell us and we will adjust how we work.