Advanced Massage Therapy
Therapeutic effects of remedial sports massage and deep tissue massage
Therapeutic Massage at Spine Plus

Truly therapeutic massage therapy needs to be firm enough to stretch the deepest layers of a muscle whilst at the same time intuitive and sensitive enough to tune in to the body’s ability to relax and unwind.
Massage has been recognised for centuries in many countries and cultures around the world for its effectiveness in promoting healing and relaxation. At Spine Plus, our therapists deliver massage as a clinical treatment, not simply a spa experience. The emphasis is on therapeutic outcomes: reducing pain, releasing tension and accelerating recovery.
Remedial and Sports Massage
Remedial massage focuses on addressing specific pain conditions and injuries, whilst sports massage is tailored to the needs of active individuals. Both use a combination of advanced techniques:
- Effleurage, long gliding strokes to warm tissue and improve circulation
- Petrissage, kneading and lifting to address deeper muscle tension
- Trigger point therapy, sustained pressure on specific muscle knots to release referred pain
- Cross-fibre friction, works across muscle fibres to break down scar tissue and adhesions
- Myofascial release, gentle sustained pressure into connective tissue restrictions
- Muscle energy techniques, uses patient muscle contractions to increase joint range of motion
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage reaches the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is particularly useful for chronic muscle tension, postural problems and recovery from injury. The pressure applied is firmer than in relaxation massage, and your therapist will always monitor your comfort throughout the session.
Conditions Treated
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Muscle spasm and guarding
- Trigger point pain and referred pain patterns
- Sports injuries: strains, pulls and overuse injuries
- Scar tissue and post-operative recovery
- Tension headaches arising from tight neck and shoulder muscles
- RSI and repetitive strain conditions
- Joint stiffness and restricted range of motion

What to Expect
Sessions are tailored to your individual needs following a brief assessment. Most patients attend weekly, with a typical course lasting 3 to 6 sessions for a specific injury or pain condition. Your therapist will advise on the most appropriate frequency and will adjust treatment as your condition improves.
Some temporary soreness after deep massage work is normal and usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Drinking plenty of water after each session helps tissue recovery.
About Spine Plus
Spine Plus Clinics were established by osteopath Robert Shanks, author of "Back Pain Decoded." For the past two decades Spine Plus has been treating back pain, neck pain and other orthopaedic problems, including shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and foot problems, across clinics in Essex and Central London (Harley Street). Spine Plus is also one of the UK’s leading and most experienced providers of IDD Therapy, the gold standard in spinal disc decompression for relieving pressure on damaged, slipped and bulging discs, helping people avoid injections and surgery.
Massage Therapy Near You
Serving the local communities of Woodford Green, Epping, Theydon Bois, Debden, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell, Nazeing, Waltham Cross, Hainault, North Chingford, Ivy Chimneys, Coopersale, High Beech, Barkingside, North Weald, Waltham Abbey, Chingford, Woodford, Woodford Bridge, Loughton, Ilford, Wanstead, Chigwell Row, Chadwell Heath, Walthamstow, Clayhall, South Woodford, Redbridge, Gants Hill, Snaresbrook, Leytonstone, Whipps Cross, Grange Hill and Abridge.
Why Choose Spine Plus
- 100’s of 5-star Google and Facebook reviews
- Established over 20 years
- Established IDD Therapy Centre – specialists in disc care
- Rapid referral for MRI if required (discount via our partner MRI centre), or referral to our partner doctor consultants
- Same-day appointments, with early and late availability
- Online booking system – book whenever, wherever
- Access to our exercise app for home rehab drills
What Our Clients Say
Aston (JLS)
We would all like to thank Spine Plus for being part of our British Tour in 2012. Be great to have you on board in 2013.
Dr Bryn Walton
The team at Spine Plus have truly got my life back on track. After suffering for months with no idea where to go or what to do, I am now living a normal life again, something that I didn’t think was possible.
Jono Partridge
There’s no one else I go to keep me injury-free and at the top of my sport. It’s as though they have a sixth sense and know exactly where the cause of an injury is and what to do about it!





