Massage Therapy

A holistic approach requires a broad range of skills.

Massage therapy has long been a method of aiding recovery. As time has progressed our understanding of the beneficial effects has improved. The result is that we now know what works and what doesn’t. Massage therapy can vary in intensity and depth to achieve different physical and psychological responses. Our Edinburgh based therapists are well trained in different techniques and will adapt their delivery depending on your requirements. We have a team of trained massage therapists. All our practitioners work together to provide the best combined approach to your care.

What can massage therapy do to help?

Massage therapy addresses a variety of needs for our patients:

Relief from the effects of stress through aiding relaxation
Relief from muscle/soft tissue (myofascial) pains and fatigue
Enhancing recovery from occupational postures or exercise and sporting activity

Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage (sometimes termed remedial massage) is where massage is used within a program of therapy. We direct treatment at specific types of conditions or for certain types of effects. At Physis we use it for a wide range of health-related benefits and for several different clinical reasons:

Therapeutic Massage (Musculoskeletal (MSK)/ Orthopaedics)

Uses advanced techniques aimed at helping localised tissue pathology. Examples may include postural neck pain, flexibility of tight muscles, reduce tissue swelling, promote circulation and tissue recovery. This type of massage is more focused on addressing specific goals within your recovery and management of your problem. Commonly we use this form of massage as part of a physiotherapy session. We direct patients who may only need massage therapy to our specialised team.

Therapeutic Massage (Relaxation)

We use gentle and relaxing techniques aimed at reducing pain and tension whilst promoting relaxation. Sometimes tissue tension, anxiety or stress are active drivers of the problem. We use therapeutic massage for patients suffering from chronic pain, respiratory and even vestibular conditions. As part of a holistic rehabilitation/recovery or management plan, it can provide a welcome benefits for a wide range of patients and is a useful therapeutic tool.

Sports Massage

Sports massage uses a variety of techniques aimed at preparation or recovery from sports or intense physical activity. But don’t be confused although ‘sport’ is in the name of this type of massage, it is not exclusively directed at sportspeople. It is just as likely to aid the recovery of a hill walker as a marathon runner, or someone with a very physical job. We often refer to this as deep tissue massage as the technique depths are sometimes different to other forms of massage.

Your therapist will adapt their delivery depending on the clinical signs that you present with and will communicate with our physiotherapists to achieve the best outcome for you.

If you are unsure what you need, our therapists will be happy to direct you. They will adapt their delivery depending on your needs and preferences.

Email us at [email protected] or call 0131 478 4646 to find out more or to make an appointment at any of our four Edinburgh physiotherapy clinics.