Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is assessment-led treatment that identifies the specific cause of your pain before combining techniques to address it. Fiona combines deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release and targeted stretching, tailoring the mix to what she finds during her assessment rather than following one fixed method. This makes it particularly effective for stubborn or long-standing issues.

Yes, remedial techniques are often very effective for sciatica caused by muscle tightness or compression. Tight muscles in the lower back, glutes and hips frequently compress the sciatic nerve or restrict movement in ways that cause referred pain down the leg. Combining deep tissue work, trigger point therapy and stretching often brings meaningful relief, particularly across a course of sessions.

Many tension headaches originate in tight neck and shoulder muscles, and remedial massage directly targets this. By releasing tightness in the upper trapezius, neck and base of the skull, and addressing any postural habits contributing to the tension, remedial massage can reduce both the frequency and intensity of tension-type headaches for many clients.

Myofascial release targets the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding your muscles, which can become restricted and contribute to pain. Fascia can tighten and restrict movement in ways that ordinary muscle work does not fully address. Including myofascial release alongside deep tissue and trigger point work gives remedial massage a broader reach than a single technique alone.

Remedial massage starts with an assessment to find the cause, then combines techniques, whereas deep tissue massage applies one method more broadly. Deep tissue massage is a single, broad technique of slow, firm pressure. Remedial massage begins with an assessment to establish what is actually causing your symptoms, then draws on several techniques, deep tissue, trigger point work, myofascial release and stretching, to address that specific cause.

This varies by condition, but many clients see meaningful change within a course of four to six sessions. For chronic or long-standing issues, Fiona typically recommends fortnightly sessions initially, moving to monthly maintenance once things improve. The course of six sessions at a discounted rate suits clients committing to a proper course of treatment.

There can be some discomfort when working directly on the affected area, but it should always feel therapeutic rather than harmful. Fiona works clinically but intuitively, checking in with you throughout and adjusting pressure to your tolerance, particularly around any diagnosed or sensitive area.

Yes, remedial massage is particularly suited to the compound postural problems that build up from years of desk work. Rather than treating just the most obvious symptom, Fiona's assessment looks at the wider pattern, tight chest muscles, weak upper back, restricted hips, and addresses the combination rather than a single point of pain.

Fiona holds qualifications in Sports Therapy, Massage and Rehabilitation and is a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapies (FHT). With over 25 years in the health and wellness industry, her assessment-led approach draws on this clinical training combined with an intuitive, hands-on style built over decades of practice.

Remedial massage is priced the same as deep tissue and sports massage, from £45 for 30 minutes up to £80 for 90 minutes. A 1 hour session at £60 is the most popular choice for a full assessment-led treatment, and a course of six 1 hour sessions is available for £300, saving £60.

Fiona provides remedial massage from The Manor Health & Wellness Centre, 11 Manor Road, Colchester CO3 3LX, welcoming clients from Colchester and the surrounding Essex area.