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Upper Back Massage

CLINICAL MASSAGE

What is Sports/Deep Tissue Massage?

In general, there are two fundamental categories of massage therapy: rehabilitative massage and relaxation massage. The Ridge provides rehabilitation massage, such as deep tissue massage and sports massage which are explained below:

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Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure to manipulate deep tissue of the body. This technique is administered as a full body massage or focused on lower limbs or the upper body. Its aim is to relieve muscular tension, reducing stress, breaking down knots, and increase blood flow to the muscles.

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Sports massage also uses firm pressure but is more specific to an area of injury, trauma, muscle imbalance or poor biomechanics. Its aim is to increase soft tissue flexibility to reduce the risk of injury when training or playing sport, it is also used to aid and speed up recovery from an injury, or to assist performance through increasing range of motion. Both forms of massage are also very good at boosting the immune system, increasing blood circulation, improving well-being and sleep.

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Sports massage isn’t just for athletes, it can be appropriate for many patients not undertaking exercise, for example, patients who sit at a desk for long periods of time, or those working on low work surfaces, will also require a specific muscle treatment approach associated with a sports massage.

Should I request a deep tissue or sports massage?

It can be a little tricky to choose between the massage techniques, but you needn’t worry, your practitioner will guide you through an initial assessment at the beginning of your appointment to gauge the discomfort you are experiencing, your current levels of activity and your health-related goals. This will inform your practitioner regarding the type of treatment that may suit you, which will be discussed and agreed with you before treatment commences.

What conditions can it be used for?

Similar to Osteopathy, there are many conditions massage can be used for, here are some of the more common complaints which we see:


  • Arthritic Pain

  • Back Pain

  • Hypermobility

  • Neck Pain and Headaches

  • Peripheral Joint Pain (Hips, Knees, Ankles, Shoulders, Elbows and Wrists conditions)

  • Plantar Fasciitis

  • Postural Problems Causing Pain

  • Pre- and Post-surgical rehabilitation

  • Pregnancy related pain (pubic symphysis, pelvic instability, lower back pain)

  • Sports Injuries

  • Sprained Ligaments and Strained Muscle

  • Tendinopathy

  • Radiculopathy – herniated discs, compressed nerves, sciatica

  • Repetitive strain injuries

Your Appointment

On your first visit to the clinic, your practitioner will take a short 10 - 15-minute medical history, fully assess the area of concern and once your practitioner has a better understanding about the pain and discomfort you are suffering with, will be able to advise you of their findings and carry out a massage technique and treatment plan specific to your requirements.


Following your appointment, you will be given a timescale for your treatment plan. Follow-up appointment duration will depend on the area of discomfort.

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