Which Massage is Best for You?
Start with what you want from the treatment—not the massage name. Relaxation, focused muscular work, sports recovery and specialist wellbeing all call for a different starting point.
The short answer
Choose Swedish or Holistic Massage for a flowing, restorative treatment and a good first massage. Choose Sports or Deep Tissue Massage when you want more focused work on muscular tension or training recovery. Pregnancy Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and other specialist treatments have more specific purposes.
You do not need to diagnose yourself. Tell your therapist what you would like help with, the pressure you prefer and anything relevant about your health or recent treatment. They can adapt the session within the massage you have booked.
Match the massage to what you want
| What you want | A useful starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Relaxation and general tension relief | Swedish / Holistic Massage | Flowing, restorative techniques with adaptable pressure; a strong first-time choice |
| Help switching off or preparing for restful sleep | Sweet Dreams Massage | Combines relaxing body, head and foot techniques in a deeply calming treatment |
| Tight muscles and focused pressure | Sports / Deep Tissue Massage | Targeted techniques for muscular tension, stiffness and everyday mobility |
| Training and active recovery | Sports / Deep Tissue Massage | Focused work shaped around active lifestyles and recovery needs |
| A very gentle specialist treatment | Manual Lymphatic Drainage | Light, rhythmic techniques rather than deep pressure |
| Pregnancy after the first trimester | Pregnancy Massage | Adapted positioning and techniques for comfort, relaxation and pregnancy-related tension |
| Dedicated wellbeing time during menopause | Therapeutic Menopause Massage | Personalised gentle massage, acupressure and calming techniques |
| A treatment focused on the feet | Reflexology | Gentle acupressure on specific points of the feet in a relaxing specialist session |
What pressure should you choose?
Firm pressure is not automatically better. The appropriate pressure depends on the massage, the area being treated and your preference.
- Gentle to moderate: relaxation, first visits and treatments such as Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Moderate to firm: more focused muscular work where appropriate
- During the massage: tell your therapist if you want the pressure adjusted
How long should you book?
Available durations vary by treatment. As a general guide:
- 45 minutes: useful for a focused area or shorter treatment
- 60 minutes: a balanced first choice for many massages
- 75 or 90 minutes: more time for full-body work or several areas, where offered
The live massage page lists the exact durations available for each treatment.
When should you contact Embody before booking?
Please check with us first if you are pregnant, have recently had surgery or an injury, are receiving medical treatment, have a health condition that could affect massage, or are unsure which appointment is appropriate. We can explain the available treatments, although clinical advice must come from an appropriate healthcare professional.
What if you book the “wrong” massage?
Do not worry. Your therapist will speak with you before the treatment and can adapt pressure, focus and technique within the booked service. If a different specialist treatment would be more appropriate, they can explain that for a future appointment.
Explore massage at Embody
Compare the complete treatment list, current durations and prices, meet the therapists or choose a massage gift voucher. New massage clients receive £10 off their first treatment.
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