Massage Therapists in the UK

Finding a good massage therapist in the UK

Massage therapy runs from an hour's relaxation in a spa to clinical work on a specific injury, and the same word covers both, so the first thing is knowing which you want. Sports and deep tissue massage work into muscles and connective tissue to release tension and treat strains, often uncomfortably; Swedish and relaxation massage is lighter and about calm and circulation; remedial massage sits between, treating a problem over a course of sessions. Then the specialisms: pregnancy massage with a therapist trained for it, manual lymphatic drainage for swelling and post-surgery recovery, Indian head massage, Thai massage, hot stone, reflexology and aromatherapy.

Massage is not regulated by law in the UK, so the qualification and the insurance are what you check. A therapist should hold at least a Level 3 diploma (ITEC, VTCT or equivalent) in massage, with further qualifications for sports massage (Level 3 or 4), pregnancy and lymphatic drainage, and should belong to a professional body — the FHT, the Sports Massage Association, the CThA or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council — which requires insurance and a code of conduct. Many therapists work from a clinic, a gym, a spa or a treatment room at home, and a good number are mobile.

The listings here show each therapist's reviews, treatments, qualifications, opening hours and contact details, so you can see who is nearby, who does sports massage or pregnancy or lymphatic drainage, and whose clients say the treatment did what it was meant to.

What massage therapists offer

Sports and remedial: deep tissue work, trigger-point release, stretching and treatment of strains, tight hamstrings, runner's calves and desk-bound necks and shoulders, over one session or a course.

Relaxation: Swedish, aromatherapy, hot stone and full-body massage for stress, sleep and general wellbeing, in a spa or a treatment room.

Pregnancy and postnatal: side-lying massage with a therapist trained in pregnancy work, usually from the second trimester.

Lymphatic drainage: gentle manual lymphatic drainage for swelling, lymphoedema, and recovery after surgery, by a therapist trained in the technique.

Others: Indian head massage, Thai and shiatsu, reflexology, chair massage at workplaces and events, and mobile massage at home.

Before you book a massage

• Say what you want it for — an injury, stress, pregnancy, swelling — so the therapist can say whether they are the right person and which treatment fits.
• Ask about qualifications and professional body membership; a Level 3 diploma is the minimum, more for sports, pregnancy and lymphatic work.
• Tell them about medical conditions, medication, pregnancy and recent surgery; some conditions need a GP's say-so first.
• Ask the session length and price, what to wear, and whether the first session includes an assessment.
• For a sports injury, expect it to be uncomfortable but not unbearable; say so if it is too much.
• Read reviews for the treatment's effect, not just the ambience, and expect a professional setting with clear draping.

What massage costs in the UK

As a rough guide, a 60-minute massage costs £45 to £70 in most of the country and £60 to £100 in London, with 30-minute sessions £30 to £45 and 90 minutes £70 to £120. Sports and deep tissue with a qualified sports therapist run £45 to £80 an hour; pregnancy massage £50 to £80; manual lymphatic drainage £50 to £90 a session, often in a course; spa massages £70 to £150 with the facilities included. Mobile therapists add £10 to £20 for travel, and many offer courses of five or six sessions at a discount.

A course is often the best value for an injury or lymphatic work, where one session rarely finishes the job. Ask how many the therapist expects it to take and review after each.