Massage Treatments

Deep tissue massage uses slow, focused massage techniques to work with areas of persistent muscular tension. Your therapist will usually begin by warming and relaxing the more superficial muscles before gradually introducing deeper pressure.

It does not mean that the massage needs to be painfully intense. A good deep tissue treatment works progressively, giving the muscles time to soften while allowing your therapist to respond to what feels comfortable for you.

Many people choose deep tissue massage when they feel tight, stiff or generally uncomfortable in their body. It can be particularly satisfying when tension has built up gradually through work, exercise, driving, desk work or everyday life.

Clients often choose it when they would like:

• Focused attention on areas of muscular tension
• A firmer style of massage
• To feel looser and more comfortable afterwards
• Time to relax while still addressing specific areas

Every Relax & Be therapist works slightly differently. Your massage may begin with long, flowing strokes to warm the muscles before moving into slower and more focused work.

Depending on your therapist and the area being treated, they may use their hands, forearms or elbows, along with kneading, compression and sustained pressure.

Deep tissue massage can occasionally feel intense when a particularly tight area is being worked, but it should not feel like something you simply have to endure.

Your therapist will check in with you and adjust the pressure. There is usually a comfortable middle ground where the work feels strong and effective without preventing you from relaxing.

Choose deep tissue massage if you enjoy firmer pressure or have particular areas of muscular tension you would like your therapist to concentrate on.

Choose relaxation massage if your main priority is to switch off, unwind and enjoy a gentler, flowing treatment.

If you want a bit of both, choose Bespoke Massage. Your therapist can combine relaxing techniques with deeper work where you need it.

There can be some overlap, but the intention is slightly different. Deep tissue massage is generally chosen for muscular tension and firmer full-body or focused massage.

Sports massage is usually more specifically concerned with movement, physical activity and particular muscles or areas affected by training, repetitive work or sport.

Sports massage is offered only by therapists with appropriate sports massage training.

Your therapist will bring the massage table, oils and everything needed for the treatment. At the beginning of your appointment you will have time to talk through the areas you would like them to focus on and the pressure you prefer.

You will normally undress to your lower underwear and lie comfortably on the massage table, covered appropriately with your towels or sheets. Your therapist will only uncover the area they are working on.

Once you are comfortable, there is very little for you to do other than let your therapist know if you would like anything adjusted and allow yourself to relax.

You may feel deeply relaxed straight afterwards. Areas that received particularly focused work can sometimes feel a little tender for a short while, rather like the feeling after exercise.

Give yourself a little time to come round after the treatment and take the rest of the day gently if you can.

Massage sometimes needs to be adapted or postponed because of illness, injury, recent surgery, skin conditions, wounds or other health concerns.

If lying face down is uncomfortable, choose Bespoke Massage and let us know. If you are pregnant, please choose Pregnancy Massage so we can match you with an appropriately trained therapist.

Our couples massage is designed to make sharing the experience wonderfully easy. One therapist visits your home and provides two treatments back to back.

While one of you has your massage, the other is free to relax, make dinner, read, have a bath or simply enjoy some uninterrupted time. Then you swap.

It works equally well for partners, friends and family members. The pleasure is in having the experience together without both needing to be on the massage table at the same time.

Modern life does not always leave much room for proper downtime. Work, family life, caring responsibilities and everyday admin can mean that even when we spend time together, neither person has really stopped.

A couples massage creates a reason to set the evening aside. Both of you get individual time to relax and then get to enjoy the lovely post-massage feeling together afterwards.

No. Your massages are individual treatments.

One person might prefer gentle relaxation massage while the other wants firmer deep tissue work. Your therapist can discuss pressure, focus areas and preferences with each of you separately.

This depends on what each person chooses. A relaxation treatment may use long flowing strokes, kneading and gentle rhythmic movements to help the body settle.

A firmer treatment may include slower, deeper work with the hands, forearms or elbows where appropriate.

Your therapist will arrive with their massage table and oils and will need enough space to set up comfortably.

Before each treatment they will briefly discuss preferences, relevant health information and any particular areas that need attention.

The person receiving the massage will normally undress to their lower underwear and be covered appropriately with towels or sheets throughout the treatment.

Not at all. We use the term couples simply to mean two people booking together.

You might book with your partner, your mum, your best friend, your sister or anyone else you would like to share a relaxed afternoon or evening with.

The same health considerations apply as with individual massage. Treatment may need to be adapted or postponed where there is acute illness, recent surgery, open wounds, certain skin conditions or another health concern.

During pregnancy, please book Pregnancy Massage so we can ensure your treatment is provided by a suitably trained therapist.

Essential Oil Massage combines a relaxing massage with aromatic plant oils selected to complement the mood of your treatment. It is closely related to aromatherapy massage and is designed as much around the sensory experience as the massage itself.

Scent can be an effective cue to slow down. Combined with warm, rhythmic massage, essential oils can help turn an ordinary room at home into somewhere that feels distinctly separate from the rest of the day.

People most often choose Essential Oil Massage because they want to relax deeply, enjoy a gentler style of treatment and create a sense of proper time out.

The massage itself can work with everyday muscular tension, while the chosen aroma adds another layer to the experience. Some oils feel soft and comforting, while others have a fresher, more uplifting character.

This will depend on the oils your therapist works with, your preferences and any sensitivities or allergies.

Lavender and other softer aromas are often associated with relaxing treatments, while citrus or herbal notes can feel fresher and more invigorating.

Your therapist will discuss this with you before your massage rather than simply choosing a scent without asking.

Essential Oil Massage is usually closer in style to relaxation massage than deep tissue massage.

Your therapist may use long flowing strokes, gentle kneading, circular movements and other slow rhythmic techniques. Pressure can still be adjusted to suit you.

Before starting, your therapist will talk with you about how you would like to feel, any areas of tension and any allergies or sensitivities that may affect the choice of oil.

You will normally undress to your lower underwear and be covered appropriately with towels or sheets on the massage table. Then you can simply settle in and enjoy the treatment.

Tell us about allergies, sensitivities or skin conditions before treatment. Your therapist can then decide whether a particular oil is appropriate or whether it would be better to use a simpler massage medium instead.

Massage may need to be adapted or postponed if you have open wounds, active skin irritation, recent surgery, acute illness or certain medical conditions.

Essential oils also need additional consideration during pregnancy, so please choose Pregnancy Massage if you are pregnant.

Bespoke Massage is our most flexible treatment. Rather than deciding in advance that your massage must fit one particular style, you and your therapist decide what is most useful on the day.

Perhaps your shoulders need firm work but the rest of you desperately wants to relax. Perhaps you normally enjoy deep tissue massage but today you want something gentler. Bespoke gives your therapist room to respond.

Almost anyone. It is particularly useful when you know you want a massage but are not sure which treatment name best describes what you need.

It can also work well if your needs change from one appointment to another or if you have several areas that need different levels of attention.

The main benefit is flexibility. Your treatment can be shaped around your body rather than your body having to fit a predetermined massage routine.

Depending on what you need, the session might focus on relaxation, everyday muscular tension, postural discomfort, physically demanding work or simply creating an hour in which nobody needs anything from you.

Your therapist can draw on the techniques covered by their own qualifications and experience.

This may include flowing Swedish massage, firmer deep tissue techniques, focused work on particular areas and, where your therapist is appropriately qualified, elements of sports massage.

Pressure, pace and the amount of time spent on each area can all be adapted.

Absolutely. You might want most of the appointment spent on your shoulders and upper back, or perhaps your legs feel tired while the rest of your body simply needs relaxing.

Tell your therapist at the beginning. You can also change your mind during the treatment.

Your therapist will first talk with you about what you want from the treatment, your preferred pressure and any relevant health information.

You will normally undress to your lower underwear and be covered appropriately with towels or sheets. Depending on the massage you have agreed together, your therapist may ask you to change position during the session.

Massage may need to be changed or postponed if you are acutely unwell, have recently had surgery or a significant injury, have open wounds or have another condition that could affect treatment.

If you are pregnant, choose Pregnancy Massage rather than Bespoke Massage so we can match you with a suitably trained therapist.

Pregnancy Massage is massage adapted specifically for the physical changes and comfort needs of pregnancy.

At Relax & Be we offer Pregnancy Massage during the second and third trimesters, provided by therapists with appropriate pregnancy massage training.

Positioning, pressure and techniques are adjusted so you can settle comfortably rather than trying to fit into the usual massage routine.

Pregnancy changes posture and places different demands on muscles throughout the body. The lower back, hips, legs, shoulders and neck can all begin to feel the effects.

Pregnancy Massage offers gentle hands-on attention to these areas while also giving you time to rest and switch off. For many clients, that uninterrupted hour of comfort is as valuable as the massage itself.

The treatment is adapted around pregnancy rather than simply being a normal massage with lighter pressure.

Your therapist may change your position, use extra support and avoid particular techniques or areas where appropriate. The aim is for you to feel comfortable and secure throughout.

No. Your therapist can position you comfortably according to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs.

Side-lying and supported positions can be used so there is no expectation that you must lie flat on your stomach.

Relax & Be offers Pregnancy Massage during the second and third trimesters.

If you are unsure whether massage is appropriate for your pregnancy, please speak with your midwife or GP before booking.

Your therapist will begin by discussing your pregnancy, comfort, any areas of tension and any relevant health information.

They will then help you find a comfortable supported position. Your body will remain appropriately covered throughout the treatment and pressure will be adjusted to suit you.

Pregnancy Massage is not offered by Relax & Be during the first trimester.

If you have pregnancy complications, a high-risk pregnancy, unexplained symptoms or any concerns about receiving massage, please check with your midwife or GP before making an appointment.

Sports Massage is a focused form of massage designed around the physical demands placed on your muscles through sport, exercise, work or repeated movement.

Despite the name, you absolutely do not need to be an athlete. If your body does a lot, Sports Massage may be worth considering.

Runners, cyclists, gym users and people involved in regular training commonly choose Sports Massage, but they are only part of the picture.

It can also suit people whose jobs involve lifting, repetitive movement, standing for long periods or spending hours in one position.

People often book Sports Massage because they want focused attention on muscles that feel tight, tired or heavily used.

It can also be incorporated into a regular training routine when you want to keep an eye on areas that repeatedly become tense.

Your therapist will work with what your body is doing now, rather than following a generic full-body massage routine.

Techniques vary depending on your therapist’s training, your activity and what you want from the appointment.

A Sports Massage may include effleurage, kneading, compression, friction and more focused soft-tissue techniques. It can feel firmer and more specific than a relaxation massage.

No. Sports Massage can be strong, but stronger is not automatically better.

Some focused techniques may feel intense around a tight area, but you should still be able to communicate with your therapist and ask them to adjust the pressure.

Deep Tissue Massage is a good choice if your priority is generally firmer massage and working with muscular tension.

Sports Massage is more appropriate when your treatment is connected to training, activity, movement or a particular muscle group affected by what you do.

If you are unsure, choose Bespoke Massage with a sports massage-qualified therapist and discuss it when they arrive.

Your therapist will begin by asking about your activity, areas of tension and what you want from the session.

Unlike a traditional relaxation massage, they may focus most of the appointment on only one or two areas. You may also be asked to change position during the treatment.

Depending on the area being worked on, comfortable shorts or underwear may be appropriate.

Massage may need to be adapted or postponed if you are acutely unwell, have a fever, open wounds, an active skin infection, a recent significant injury, recent surgery or another health concern that affects treatment.

If you are pregnant, please choose Pregnancy Massage.

This is a focused massage for the areas where many of us seem to collect the day’s tension: the upper back, shoulders, neck and scalp.

It combines massage to the larger muscles of the back and shoulders with slower work around the neck and a relaxing scalp massage.

The result is a treatment that feels focused without losing the sense that you have come to properly switch off.

It is a lovely choice if you spend a lot of time at a desk, drive regularly, carry children, study for long periods or simply notice that stress tends to settle around your shoulders.

It can also be ideal if you would rather spend your massage time concentrating on your upper body than having a full-body treatment.

Clients often choose this treatment when their shoulders feel tight, their neck feels tired or they simply want to experience the contrast between focused muscular massage and a quiet scalp treatment.

It is designed to leave you feeling more comfortable in your upper body and, perhaps just as importantly, considerably less busy in your head.

Your therapist may use long strokes, kneading, compression and more focused techniques through the back, shoulders and neck.

The scalp massage may include slow circular movements, gentle friction and rhythmic techniques. Every therapist has their own style, so no two treatments are exactly the same.

Yes. If one shoulder feels tighter than the other, your neck has been bothering you or there is one area you particularly want worked on, tell your therapist before the massage begins.

They can divide the treatment time accordingly.

Your therapist will first ask where you are feeling tension, what pressure you prefer and whether there is anything relevant in your health history.

You will normally undress to your lower underwear and lie on the massage table covered appropriately with your towels or sheets.

Most of the session will concentrate on the back, shoulders, neck and scalp. Depending on your therapist’s approach and the time available, they may ask you to change position towards the end of the treatment.

Massage may need to be changed or postponed if you have recent surgery, a recent fracture or significant injury, open wounds, acute illness, fever or another health concern affecting the treatment area.

If you are pregnant, please choose Pregnancy Massage.