CORE CLINICS
Massage Therapy Clinic
Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. Massage therapy is an umbrella term for a variety of massage techniques including deep tissue massage, sports massage, Swedish massage and clothed massage.
Unsure which treatment is best for you?
Check our suggestions for which clinician we recommend for your first appointment here or contact us.
What is massage therapy
Typically used as a standalone treatment for people whose problems are not chronic, massage is also very beneficial for stress and tension, fatigue, general aches and pain or a ‘feelgood’ lift.
When used in combination with chiropractic adjustments or osteopathic mobilisation it can improve the effectiveness of the adjustments by relaxing the patient and reducing temporary discomfort of treatment.
In a shorter session the therapist will typically focus on one area of the body where tension or discomfort has been identified – typically the neck and shoulders, lower back, or legs. In a longer session they may do a whole-body massage. A variety of ‘strokes’ from deep tissue massage and expansive strokes to lighter touches may be used.
Massage therapy is not a protected title in the UK and there is no specific designated training course to undertake or regulator. Typically massage therapists hold a diploma qualification although degree level qualifications are available. All massage therapists in the Core team have a high level of qualifications and experience in massage and usually have further training in related fields (e.g. personal training, acupuncture).
How we can help you
Our team will be in touch as soon as possible to offer advice about the best approach for your problem, or to answer your questions.
Comprehensive consultation
Comprehensive consultation, examination and health history
Treatment plans and therapies
A clear diagnosis with recommendations for self-management and treatment protocols
Tailored to your needs
We work in partnership with our patients to deliver consistent results, with regular reviews and follow ups
Types of massage therapy
If you are unsure of what type, or combination of types, of massage are suited to you please don’t be concerned. Our massage therapists will advise and discuss alternatives with you to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your needs and preferences.
Sports massage
Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive-use injury to a muscle and it’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries and can help prevent sports injuries. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance or to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.
A sports massage can be done as a full-body massage or the massage therapist may focus on the parts of the body that need the most attention. Deep pressure may be alternated with soothing strokes depending on your needs.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a therapeutic massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness. However we do not recommend this type of massage if you’re overly sensitive to pressure.
Therapeutic / Swedish massage
A gentle, relaxing style of massage that’s ideal for people who are new to massage, have a lot of tension, are sensitive to touch or prefer a lighter massage pressure. It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.
The massage therapist will typically use a combination of kneading, long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart, deep circular motions, vibration and tapping and passive joint movement techniques.
Trigger point massage
Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain. This technique can also be combined with acupuncture or electroacupuncture with great success.
Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure.
The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released. You can wear lightweight clothing for the massage or be fully or partially undressed.
How we work
Multi-disciplinary patient-centred healthcare
Lots of clinics have different healthcare professionals under the same roof but they don’t tend to collaborate fully or share care with patients. They also don’t have clear and proven care protocols which have been tested and refined to provide the best possible results, and value for time and money for patients. At Core Clinics all our clinicians and therapists work in an integrated way, adapted to the needs of each patient. So, when you make a first appointment with anyone in our team, you’ll have access to everyone in our team – and we’ll clearly signpost to you who you should see and what you can do to help yourself too. We’ve developed and refined this approach for over 15 years and helped over 13,000 patients.
Don't just take our word for it
We have helped thousands of people to achieve a better state of health, or to reach their sports performance goals.
Rob PollardLower back pain/Sciatica Eric ShawAchilles Tendon/Hip Pain Denise WilkinsonFront Foot Pain Caroline Bulmer Mel Greenway Andrew DawberGet in touch
Core Clinics offer a unique, integrative approach to health and wellbeing and sports performance.
Comprehensive consultations
We leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of your health issues and answer all your questions.
Treatment plans and therapies
We’ll give you a very clear diagnosis and prognosis so that you know exactly where you stand and what you can expect from working with us.
Tailored to your needs
We’ll explain in detail our recommended treatment approach and give you lots of advice for self-care. If we feel you’d be better served with another clinical professional, we’ll let you know and arrange a referral.
Let us know how we can help
Our clinicians will be in touch soon with a personalised approach to your problem