How does massage at Back in Action differ from a salon massage?

There is nothing wrong with a relaxing spa or salon massage — it just tends to have a different purpose. A salon massage is usually aimed at relaxation and general wellbeing, which is lovely in its own right. Massage at a clinic like ours is more clinically focused: it is part of healthcare rather than pampering.That means it is assessment-led and aimed at a specific outcome. Our therapist will take account of your problem, target the particular muscles and soft tissues involved, and work as part of a wider plan that may include chiropractic care, exercises and advice. The techniques may be more specific, and the session is geared towards helping with a genuine musculoskeletal issue or supporting your recovery, rather than purely relaxation — though we hope you find it relaxing too. If you are dealing with a particular ache, tension or injury, this more targeted, clinical approach is often what makes the difference.

How often should I have a massage?

There is no single right answer, because it depends on why you are having massage in the first place. If it is to help with a specific problem — a particular area of tension, or a soft-tissue issue we are working on — then we might suggest a short series of sessions fairly close together while we tackle it, easing off as things improve.If, on the other hand, you simply find that regular massage helps you feel and move better and you enjoy it as part of looking after yourself, then how often is largely a matter of what suits you and your budget; some people like a session every few weeks, others just now and then. We will give you honest guidance based on your situation rather than signing you up to a fixed schedule, and we will never suggest more sessions than we genuinely think are worthwhile. If you would like a recommendation for your particular case, just ask.

Can I have massage and chiropractic care together?

Yes — massage and chiropractic care complement each other well, and many people benefit from combining them. Massage works mainly on the soft tissues, easing muscular tension, improving circulation and helping you relax, while chiropractic care focuses more on the joints and how they move. Used together, they can support each other nicely.For example, releasing tight muscles with massage can make joint-focused treatment more comfortable and effective, and easing a stiff joint can in turn relieve the muscles working around it. Because we offer both at the clinic, we can coordinate them sensibly as part of a single, joined-up plan rather than two separate things happening in isolation. After assessing you, we will suggest whether combining them is likely to help in your case, and how best to fit them together. If you are interested in having both, just let us know and we will talk through the options.

Massage – Back In Action

Massage at Back in Action is about more than relaxation, although it certainly is relaxing. Our remedial and sports massage helps ease muscular tension, supports recovery from everyday strain, and complements the hands-on care our Penwortham clinic has been known for since 2002. For many patients it is the perfect partner to chiropractic and rehabilitation — the soft-tissue counterpart to work on the joints.

What our massage involves

Massage is the hands-on manipulation of the body’s soft tissues — the muscles, tendons and fascia that move and support you. Depending on what you need, it can range from firmer remedial and deep-tissue work aimed at a specific area of tightness, through to gentler, flowing techniques that help you unwind and let go of accumulated tension.

It is a drug-free, comfortable way to address the muscular side of aches and stiffness. While it is enjoyable in its own right, it is also a genuinely useful part of a wider plan of care, helping muscles to relax so that other treatment can be more effective.

More than a treat: the wider benefits

People sometimes think of massage as an indulgence, but its benefits are practical as well as pleasant. By helping tight muscles to release, it can ease the stiffness that builds up from repetitive postures and long days. By helping tight muscles release, it can ease the stiffness that builds up from repetitive postures and long days. Many people simply find it a comfortable way to take some time out. For those who are physically active, it’s a useful way to look after hard-working muscles between training sessions. For those who are physically active, it can be a valuable part of looking after hard-working muscles between training sessions. None of this replaces appropriate treatment for a specific injury or condition, but as part of a balanced routine, regular massage can help you feel and move more comfortably.

How massage can help

People come to us for massage for many reasons. It can be helpful for:

Easing muscular tension across the upper back, shoulders and neck
Supporting recovery after exercise or a busy, physically demanding week
Relieving stress-related tension held in the muscles
Complementing treatment for longer-standing aches and stiffness
Simply taking time out to relax and reset

Massage works best as part of a considered approach. If your discomfort has a clear mechanical or joint-related cause, we will say so and guide you towards the most appropriate care rather than relying on massage alone.

Our approach at Back in Action

Every session is tailored to you. We will ask what you are hoping to get from your massage, check for areas of particular tension, and adjust the pressure and technique to suit you and how you respond on the day. The aim is for you to leave feeling looser, calmer and more comfortable — not battered. Firmer is not always better, and we will work with you to find the right level.

Within our chiropractic care we also use focused soft-tissue massage and methods such as fascia release and cupping where they are appropriate, so the muscular and joint-related sides of a problem can be addressed together rather than in isolation.

What to expect

Your first session starts with a short conversation about your goals, any areas of concern and your general health, including anything that might mean a particular technique is best avoided. We then carry out the massage at a pace and pressure that suits you, checking in as we go and adjusting as needed.

Afterwards, it is normal to feel relaxed, and sometimes a little sleepy. If you have had firmer, deeper work, you may notice some mild, short-lived tenderness in the area, much as you might after a good workout; it usually settles within a day or two. We will let you know what to expect and offer any aftercare advice. You can read more about visiting us on our new patients page, with current charges on the fees page.

Who massage is for

Massage suits a wide range of people. Desk workers carrying tension in the neck and shoulders, active people and gym-goers looking after tired muscles, those under pressure who hold stress physically, and anyone who simply wants to feel more at ease in their body can all benefit. If you are receiving other care with us, massage can sit comfortably alongside it; if you are coming for massage alone, that is perfectly fine too.

How massage fits with our other services

Massage sits naturally alongside the rest of our care. Patients often combine it with chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy or sports therapy, and because everything is available at the same Penwortham clinic, your care can be coordinated from start to finish without repeating yourself to different practitioners in different places.

Booking your appointment

Whether you are carrying tension from a demanding week or want to support your recovery and wellbeing, we would be glad to help. You can get in touch to book, or to ask any questions first.