Massage Styles

Sports Massage

This is the style of massage preferred by those who actively enjoy sport. However, this style is also useful on those who use a lot of repetitive movement, and / or high intensity muscular work. An occupation that involves holding the body in a fixed position (e.g. desk jobs, working with computers etc.) will often cause a specific pattern of tension. Parents who have to carry young toddlers and all the associated paraphernalia will endure a different but noticeable level of physical stress.

Sports massage is similar to therapeutic in that it is performed on a couch with oil, but it uses stronger pressure to target tension within the deeper layers of the body musculature. This blend of remedial massage with focussed stretching, pressing and kneading releases tension that superficial massage may miss.

Sports massage can feel less relaxing than therapeutic massage, as a degree of tenderness is usually experienced. However, this is necessary in order for the body to release tension.

Client feedback and correct breathing are encouraged and monitored throughout the treatment to ensure that physical discomfort limits are not exceeded.

Therapeutic Massage

This traditional style, often referred to as "Swedish", is the most widely known form of massage in the western world. Massage oils are applied to the body through a range of continuous sweeping and gliding strokes. The client is undressed to a level they feel comfortable with. Modesty is respected by using towels, so that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed.

The massage is performed on a professional couch that allows you to use a face-hole or an upper face-cradle and armrest. These increase comfort as there is no need to keep turning the head from side to side.