Tight Iliopsoas And Back Pain: The Muscle Therapists Miss

Back pain is a daily struggle for many, yet its true cause often stays hidden. While most people blame their spine or posture, a tight iliopsoas—a deep muscle in your hips—could be the real culprit behind tight iliopsoas and back pain. This muscle can trigger pain in your lower back and even your mid back, yet therapists rarely look there. As a massage therapist dedicated to lasting solutions, I’ll explain how a tight iliopsoas causes back pain, why it’s overlooked, what tightens it, and how targeted massage therapy can fix it for good.

What Is The Iliopsoas

The iliopsoas, often called the psoas, is a powerful muscle group that links your lower spine to your pelvis and femur (thigh) bone. It’s made up of two parts: the iliacus and the psoas major. This muscle helps you bend at the hip, like when you lift your knee, and keeps your spine stable for good posture. Because it’s buried deep in your abdomen, it’s hard to feel or assess, which is why a tight iliopsoas and back pain often go unnoticed.

Anatomical diagram of the iliopsoas muscle connecting the lower spine to the hips, a common cause of lower back pain.

When the psoas tightens, it pulls on your spine and pelvis, throwing your body out of balance. This tension can cause pain that feels like a back issue but actually starts in your hips. Recognising this muscle’s role is the first step to tackling a tight iliopsoas and back pain effectively.

A tight psoas creates back pain through several pathways, affecting both your lower and mid back. Here’s how it works:

Lower Back Compression

The psoas attaches to the lumbar spine (L1-L5)(1). When tight, it pulls these vertebrae forward, exaggerating the natural curve of your lower back. This condition is called lordosis. This squeezes spinal joints and discs, leading to aching or sharp pain in the lower back. This tension is a major driver of tight iliopsoas and back pain

Mid Back Pain From Thoracic Pull

Less known but equally critical, the psoas major connects to the lower thoracic spine (T12). A tight iliopsoas tugs on these mid back vertebrae, causing tension or stiffness that feels like a knot between your shoulder blades. This pain is often mistaken for a thoracic muscle strain or joint issue, but the psoas is the hidden source. Its deep location means therapists rarely suspect it, leaving tight iliopsoas and back pain in the mid back untreated.

Pelvic Misalignment

A tight psoas tilts your pelvis forward, disrupting your body’s alignment. This forces your lower and mid back muscles to work harder to keep you upright, leading to fatigue, spasms and pain. The misaligned pelvis also stresses the sacroiliac joints, adding to tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Compensatory Muscle Strain

When the psoas is tight, other muscles—like the quadratus lumborum, erector spinae, or mid back muscles (such as the rhomboids)—overcompensate to stabilise your spine. These overworked muscles become sore, spreading pain across your lower and mid back and perpetuating tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Nerve Irritation

The psoas runs close to the lumbar plexus, a bundle of nerves in your lower back. Tightness can press on these nerves, causing radiating pain, tingling, or numbness that may reach the mid back or legs. This mimics sciatica or thoracic nerve issues, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.

Why the Iliopsoas Is Overlooked In Treatment

Despite its role in tight iliopsoas and back pain, the psoas is often ignored. Here’s why:

Deep Location

The psoas is buried deep in your abdomen, making it hard to assess without specialised skills. Therapists typically focus on surface muscles like those in the back, missing the psoas’s influence on lower and mid back pain.

Symptom-Focused Care

When you point to your lower or mid back as the pain source, therapists often treat only that area. This approach ignores the psoas, even though it’s driving a tight iliopsoas and back pain from the front of your body.

Lack Of Training

Many healthcare providers aren’t well-versed in the psoas’s biomechanics, especially its connection to the thoracic spine. Without this knowledge, they attribute mid back pain to posture or spinal issues, overlooking tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Misdiagnosis

Psoas-related pain mimics other conditions, like herniated discs, sciatica, or thoracic joint problems. This leads to treatments—like medication or imaging—that don’t address the muscle. This oversight leaves people stuck in a cycle of temporary relief and recurring tight iliopsoas and back pain.

What Causes A Tight Iliopsoas?

Several everyday factors can tighten the psoas, setting the stage for back pain:

Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for hours—at a desk, in a car, or on a couch—keeps the psoas in a shortened position. Over time, this leads to chronic tightness and tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Poor Posture

Slouching or leaning forward while sitting or standing strains the psoas. This is common among office workers or those who have a lot of phone use as it reinforces tightness.

Overuse in Activities

Athletes, like runners or cyclists, repeatedly flex their hips, overworking the psoas. Imbalanced workouts that neglect stretching or opposing muscles (like hamstrings) worsen tightness, contributing to tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Stress And Tension

The psoas is sensitive to stress, often called the “fight or flight” muscle. Chronic stress or anxiety keeps it tense, amplifying back pain.

Injuries And Compensation

Past injuries to the hip, pelvis or back can make the psoas tighten as it compensates. For example, a sprained ankle might change how you walk, overloading the psoas and causing tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Signs Of A Tight Iliopsoas

How do you know if the psoas is behind your back pain? Watch for these signs:

  • Lower or mid back pain that worsens after sitting or standing for long periods.
  • Difficulty standing straight after sitting as if you’re stuck in a slight hunch.
  • Tightness or pulling in your hips or groin.
  • Pain that spreads to your buttocks, thighs, or mid back.
  • Discomfort during activities like running, climbing stairs, or twisting.

If these sound familiar, you may be dealing with tight iliopsoas and back pain.

How Massage Therapy Fixes Tight Iliopsoas

Massage therapy is ideal for treating tight iliopsoas and back pain. As a massage therapist, I use targeted techniques to address this muscle directly, helping you move better and hurt less. Here’s how I do it:

Thorough Assessment

  • Posture Check: Is your pelvis tilted forward? Is your spine overly curved? A postural analysis will reveal this.
  • Movement Tests: Do you struggle to extend your hip or twist your torso?
  • Muscle Tests: Is the psoas tight or overactive? Are other muscles compensating?
    This pinpoints how the psoas is driving tight iliopsoas and back pain in your lower or mid back.

Myofascial Release

I begin with gentle myofascial release to loosen the tissues around the psoas, like the abdominal muscles and hip flexors. This prepares the area for deeper work, reducing tension that contributes to tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Psoas Release Technique

The psoas requires careful, precise work because of its depth. I apply slow, controlled pressure into the abdomen, just below the navel and slightly to the side. This targets the psoas without aggravating it. Clients often feel a deep stretch or release, followed by less back pain. This method directly addresses tight iliopsoas and back pain at its source.

Deep Tissue Massage

I then incorporate deep tissue massage to lengthen the psoas and surrounding hip flexors. This isn’t about brute force. Gentle, sustained pressure works best to avoid irritating the muscle. This approach eases tension in both the lower and mid back.

Stretching And Guidance

Where necessary I guide clients through assisted stretches, like a modified lunge, to open the psoas. I also teach simple at-home stretches to keep the psoas loose and support massage results.

Holistic Support

Massage alone isn’t enough and I offer advice on lifestyle changes:

  • Ergonomics: Adjust your chair or desk to avoid slouching(2)
  • Movement Breaks: Stand and stretch every hour to prevent psoas tightening.
  • Stress Relief: Try deep breathing to relax the psoas.

These habits reinforce massage benefits, breaking the cycle of tight iliopsoas and back pain.

Why Massage Works For Tight Iliopsoas And Back Pain

Massage targets the psoas directly, unlike generic back rubs that only soothe symptoms. By releasing this deep muscle, massage restores spinal alignment, eases pelvic tilt, and calms irritated nerves. It’s not a quick fix—it requires consistent sessions and client effort—but the results are lasting. Clients often report standing taller, moving easier, and feeling less pain in both their lower and mid back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a tight iliopsoas really cause back pain?

Yes, it is one of the most common hidden causes of persistent lower back and mid-back pain. The iliopsoas connects your lumbar spine to your thigh bone. When it becomes chronically tight, it pulls the pelvis forward into an anterior tilt. This increases stress on the lower back muscles and spine, often mimicking spinal problems. Many clients come to me believing they have a disc or spinal issue when a large part of their pain is actually coming from this deep hip muscle.

Why do so many therapists miss tight iliopsoas issues?

The iliopsoas is a very deep muscle lying underneath several layers of tissue, making it difficult to locate and treat properly. Most standard massages only work on the area where the pain is felt (usually the lower or upper back) rather than investigating the root cause. I combine sports massage with my personal training background, and my own personal experience of an ilopsoas injury.

So how did you become so knowledgeable about the iliopsoas?

I have a deep understanding of the iliopsoas because of professional expertise and personal experience.
Years ago, long before I had sorted out my own body, I once strained my iliopsoas simply by sitting up in bed. The pain was so severe I was in agony and was virtually immobilised and unable to sleep for nearly a week. That experience gave me powerful first-hand insight into how debilitating this muscle can be if it isn’t healthy.
Since then I’ve learned how it functions, how it compensates, and how to treat it effectively. With my professional qualifications in sports massage (2005) and Advanced Personal Training (2008), this combination of real-world experience and clinical knowledge allows me to identify and treat iliopsoas-related problems more effectively than most therapists.

Is hard pressure the best way to release a tight psoas?

No, but this is actually a very common mistake. Aggressive pressure on the iliopsoas can cause irritation and rebound tightness. I use slow, gentle, and sustained pressure in very specific ways. This careful approach is far more effective and comfortable for safely releasing this deep, sensitive muscle.

Will stretching fix my tight iliopsoas?

A chronically tight iliopsoas is usually caused by prolonged sitting, weak glutes, and poor movement patterns. The best results come from a combination of proper soft tissue release, glute activation exercises, and changes to daily habits. Trying to stretch a tight muscle can cause it to tighten further, or even cause an injury.

How many sessions will I need for iliopsoas-related back pain?

It depends on how long the issue has been present. Some clients with more recent tightness feel significant improvement after 2–3 sessions. For long-standing problems, I usually recommend an initial course of 4–6 sessions. This allows us to properly release the deep tension and retrain movement patterns. Many clients then move to maintenance sessions every 4 weeks, but every body is different.

Can a mobile massage really help with deep hip flexor issues?

Yes, often better than a clinic. After releasing the iliopsoas you don’t want to sit in a car and drive home, as this can quickly re-tighten the muscle. With a mobile session at your home in York, you can stay relaxed and rest properly afterwards, which helps the results last much longer.

Is it too late to fix a tight iliopsoas if I’ve had the pain for years?

It’s never too late. Even after many years of tightness and compensation patterns, the body can respond very well when we address both the muscle restrictions and the underlying movement imbalances. I’ve helped many clients who had been suffering with this for 5–10+ years, including myself!

Book A Massage For Tight Iliopsoas And Back Pain

If you would like to book a mobile massage please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. For more information on booking click here

Do Massages Work? Only If They’re Done The Right Way

Have you ever booked a massage to relieve a chronic ache or persistent pain, only to find it return within a few days? Perhaps you’ve sought help for lower back issue or a tight shoulders but soon after, the discomfort comes back. If so you might find yourself asking, “Do massages work?”. Well the answer is a resounding yes—but only if they’re performed correctly. Too often, massages fail to deliver lasting results because they target only the painful spot, ignoring the broader issues at play. In this article, we’ll look at why many massages fall short and how a systemic approach can offer a long-term solution to your pain.

The Problem With Many Massages

When you visit a massage therapist with a specific complaint—like pain on the left side of your lower back—it’s not uncommon for them to concentrate solely on that area. They might knead and press the sore spot diligently. They might even spend a few minutes on the right side too. And while this could ease the pain temporarily, it’s often a short-lived fix. The question “do massages work?” hinges on addressing more than just the surface-level ache.

Why Therapists Focus On Painful Areas

do massages work for a woman with hip pain
| Do massasges work if they only concentrate on the pain and not the cause?

Several things drive this narrow focus. Time is a major factor. A typical one-hour session leaves little room to explore beyond the immediate problem. Many therapists are also trained to zero in on the pain point, assuming that’s where the issue originates. Clients also play a role—often insisting the therapist “fix” the area that hurts, unaware that other parts of their body might be contributing to the problem. For instance, if the left side of your lower back hurts the right side is almost certainly in need of treatment due to overcompensating. Or there could be tension elsewhere that’s pulling your body out of alignment. Ignoring these connections means the relief is brief and the pain returns. To understand why, we need to see pain as a signal of a deeper, systemic issue.

Pain As A Symptom Of A Bigger Problem

Your body isn’t a collection of separate parts, everything is linked. Muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments form chains that work together. When one link is out of balance, the effects ripple elsewhere. Pain alerts you to a problem but very often that problem isn’t the source, it’s a symptom, not the root cause.

Consider headaches. This is a common complaint that sends people to massage therapists. You might assume a tight neck is to blame and a neck massage feels good for a while. But why is your neck tight? It could stem from overworked trapezius muscles, which run from your neck across your shoulders and down your upper back. Look deeper and you might find the trapezius is compensating for tightness in your lower back, and that lower back tension could trace back to improper lifting habits caused by tight glutes. Your glutes anchor your posterior chain—a muscle group including the hamstrings, lower back and calves. If they get tight they can pull the entire chain out of alignment, leading to hamstring stiffness, hip pain, lower back issues and general spinal misalignment(1). And eventually that headache.

Beyond Headaches

This interconnectedness isn’t unique to headaches. Shoulder pain, for instance, might not originate in the shoulder at all. Tight chest muscles can pull your shoulders forward, causing strain. Focusing solely on the shoulder misses the chest’s role. Similarly, knee pain could stem from tight hips or calves. Pain is a symptom, and treating it in isolation rarely solves the puzzle.

The Systemic Approach to Massage

So, how do we answer “Do massages work?” with a confident, yes? The secret lies in a systemic approach—treating the body as a unified whole rather than a series of disconnected parts. A therapist using this method doesn’t just chase the pain, they investigate its source and its ripple effects.

Picture a yourself with left-side lower back pain. A systemic therapist wouldn’t stop at that spot. They’d assess the hips, glutes, hamstrings and calves, looking for imbalances or tension patterns. They might ask about your daily habits—how you sit, stand, or lift—to pinpoint what’s throwing your body off-kilter.

The treatment plan goes beyond the pain point. It might involve loosening tight glutes to ease the posterior chain, balancing the hips to stabilise the spine or stretching hamstrings to restore proper pelvic alignment. The goal? To fix the system, not just the symptom.

This approach often combines various techniques. Myofascial release targets the fascia—the connective tissue encasing your muscles—to free up restrictions. Deep tissue massage digs into deeper muscle layers to break up knots. Trigger point therapy tackles specific sore spots that refer pain elsewhere. Even Swedish massage, with its focus on relaxation and circulation, can support the process when paired with these methods.

Why Do Systemic Massages Work

The systemic approach transforms massage therapy from a quick, temporary fix to a lasting solution. Here’s why it stands out:

Long-Term Relief

By tackling the root cause—like tight glutes driving a chain reaction to your neck—systemic treatment can banish pain for months, years or even permanently. Compare that to the weeks or even just days relief from a symptom-focused session. Clients with chronic headaches, for example, might find they no longer need regular appointments after their posterior chain is balanced.

Prevention Over Cure

Fixing imbalances does more than relieve current pain, it prevents future issues. Proper alignment reduces strain on joints and muscles, lowering the risk of new injuries. This is important for amatuer athletes or anyone doing repetitive tasks like office workers hunched over desks or lifting heavy loads.

Holistic Benefits

When your body works as it should, you feel it everywhere. Energy levels rise, sleep improves and stress melts away. Clients often leave feeling lighter, not just in their painful areas but overall. It’s wellness that goes beyond the massage itselt.

Practical Takeaways

massages do work if treating the body as a whole
| By treating the body as a whole you can achieve lasting results

For that lower back pain tied to tight hamstrings, a therapist might teach you daily stretches to keep them supple. If posture is the culprit, they could show you how to sit with a supported spine or stand without slumping. These small habits reinforce the massage’s effects, reducing the need for constant follow-ups.

Understanding why your pain exists like, how tight glutes affect your whole body, puts you in control. You might tweak your lifting technique or add strengthening exercises to your routine. This partnership between therapist and client is what turns a good massage into a transformative one.

Conclusion

So, do massages work? Yes, but only if they’re done the right way. Most massages falter because they treat pain as an isolated problem, leaving the right side untouched in a left-sided backache or missing the systemic roots of a headache. Pain isn’t the enemy it’s a messenger, pointing to imbalances that need attention.

A systemic approach changes things by addressing the whole body. Improving the posterior chain for headaches or balancing hips for back pain it delivers relief that lasts. It’s not about quick fixes or endless bookings, it’s about fixing you for good.

Booking A Massage In York Today

If you would like to book a mobile massage or personal training please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. For more information on booking click here

Sports Massage For Lower Back Pain

As a mobile sports and remedial massage therapist in York, I frequently treat clients with stubborn lower back pain that hasn’t responded well to standard treatments. My approach is shaped by both my professional qualifications and my own 30+ years of living with chronic back pain after a serious car accident in 1989. Having qualified in massage in 2005 and as an Advanced Personal Trainer in 2008, I now combine sports massage with a deep understanding of strength training and movement patterns. I never use a standard “lower back pain” massage. Whether the pain is coming from a tight Quadratus Lumborum (QL), weak Gluteus Medius causing compensation, old scar tissue, or postural issues from desk work or training. Instead I focus on finding the real mechanical drivers behind your pain, not just treating the symptoms. In this article, I’ll explain the most common causes I see in my York clients and how my individualised approach can help you move from constant pain management toward better function and long-term relief.

Anatomical illustration of a man with lower back pain, highlighting the lumbar spine and muscles treated by a sports and remedial massage therapist in York.

Lower Back Pain When Sitting

Many health experts have said that too much sitting is as bad for our health as smoking(1). Whether or not this is true, it’s definitely bad for your back. If your lower back pain is like an ache when you’re sitting, there’s a good chance that prolonged sitting is what caused it in the first place. This could be from driving in York, working at a desk, or slumped on the sofa working from home. Unless you have a very strong core that can keep your back in its correct position for several hours a day your muscles are going to be tight. And tight muscles eventually become sore and inflamed, even when you’re not sitting.

Woman sitting on a gym mat holding her lower back in pain, illustrating a weight training injury that requires assessment from a York sports massage and personal training specialist.

But Is It Just Your Lower Back?

If prolonged sitting is the reason you’re wanting of a sports massage for lower back pain, it will definitely help. But the area most in need might not be in your lower back, it could be the muscles of your hips and glutes. When you’re in a seated position, your hip muscles contract and become shortened. As are your gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and piriformis. This means they will tighten up, become inflamed and have reduced blood supply. And that can send pain into your lower back. The job of those muscles is to assist with hip abduction when you’re walking. When they’re tight however, your quadratus lumborum (QL) has to take over. This back muscle now has to do a job it wasn’t designed for, which further stresses something that is already a tight and weak.

Lower Back Pain When Standing

If your lower back issues are at their worst when you are standing, or straightening up after bending forward, the cause is likely to be related to your hips and glutes. As mentioned earlier, sitting for long periods can tighten up those muscles and affect your back. But so can prolonged standing. This doesn’t mean when you’re walking around or being generally active though. It means standing in pretty much the same place.

Jobs such as a barrista, factory worker or chef are good examples(2).

Why Is This Bad For Your Muscles?

Woman in athletic wear holding her lower back in pain outdoors, illustrating back injury triggers from jogging or weight training addressed by a York sports massage therapist.

This position shortens your glutes and your lower back, leading to a lack of flexibility in these muscles. Specifically, your gluteus maximus and medius and your quadratus lumborum (QL). As well as your erector spinae muscles which run alongside your spine from your lower back up to your neck. And let’s not forget your hamstrings, already tight from sitting and driving, which can tighten further, adding to the discomfort.

Bending forward becomes a particular struggle when these shortened muscles tighten further, leaving your lower back feeling stiff and achy.When you do, all of these muscles have to stretch, which they no longer find easy. And because your glutes can’t do the job they’re meant for, your hamstrings and especially your lower back have to try to take over. This can turn a chronic back ache into a jolt of sudden of pain. Even if it’s something as simple as putting on your socks in the morning.

Lower Back Pain In Bed

If you struggle through the day with back pain you can at least check your sitting and standing posture. You can also do some gentle stretches and mobilisation exercises to help prevent things getting worse while you have treatment. For some people, laying down takes all of the pressure off their back and allows them some relief. But for others, laying down, especially in bed, can make things even worse. And a good night’s sleep free from waking up every time you turn over a distant memory.

A woman waking up in bed with lower back pain and morning stiffness, a condition treated by a mobile sports and remedial massage specialist in York.

Getting Up Can Be Even Worse

You might also find sitting up to get out of bed in the morning just as difficult. And instead you have to wriggle on to one side so you can get your knees underneath you and then roll to the floor. This problem can be caused by issues which have been mentioned before. A tight quadratus lumborum (QL), erector spinae and tight glutes.

If you tend to sleep on your front or back this puts these muscles in a very short position. As a result they will stiffen up during the night. Sitting up to get out of bed then requires these muscles to stretch, which is what causes the pain. Side sleeping stretches one QL while shortening the other, creating a muscle imbalance that can contribute to pain. Especially if you have a soft mattress(3). Then when you try to turn over you are asking these muscles to work and for the shortened muscle to stretch. Not only can this action be very painful it can also cause injury in the form of a muscle strain.

Exercise And Lower Back Pain

There are many causes of lower back pain while exercising, whether this is group classes, lifting weights or jogging. And while the muscles involved are usually the same, the reason why you are having problems with them can differ.

Lower Back Pain From Deadlifts

If deadlifts are your issue, such as a sharp pain or stiffness during the exercise, there are two main reasons. The first is glute muscles that are too tight or weak to allow you to bend at the hip. The second is a tight QL and erector spinae muscles trying to do a job they’re not designed for. Both of these things will also prevent you from maintaining a correct S-shaped spine and instead it will be more C-shaped. If you are doing squats, these tight muscles will instead cause an excessive lumbar curve. And this will put a lot of pressure on your lower back.

Lower Back Pain When Jogging

If jogging around York is when you feel your lower back pain, a common reason is tight glute muscles. Specifically, your gluteus medius. The reason for this is when you run (or walk) it should be doing the job of hip abduction. But if it’s tight and weak your QL has to do the work instead, which puts excessive strain on your lower back. Running on hard surfaces like pavement or roads can further exacerbate the situation.

Lower Back Pain From Exercise Classes

The two previous examples can cause your lower back pain even if you’re concentrating on your technique. But doing them at speed in a group exercise class such as Body Pump can be just as bad if not worse. Countless reps involving bending, lifting and twisting with no time to think about that twinge in your back can all add up to a major problem. And a tight muscle anywhere can lead to compensation by others that shouldn’t really be involved in that movement.

Poor Posture And Lower Back Pain

Having a good posture means your body is in its optimum position for what it’s doing. Whether this is sitting, standing, picking something up, running, doing a specific exercise at the gym, DIY, gardening, using your phone or laptop or even sleeping. If your posture is good, you are less likely to get injured. This is because you are using your body as it was meant to be used. If it’s bad you could be using the muscles on one side more than the other. Or making them work in a way they’re not designed to.

Side view of a woman with forward head posture and rounded shoulders, illustrating postural imbalances treated by a York sports massage therapist and personal trainer.

It could be that many years ago you had an accident or injury that caused a small change to your posture you were unaware of. And over time this has developed into something far more significant in that area. Or it could have progressed to the point where the painful muscle is not the one you originally injured(4).

What Does This Have To Do With Lower Back Pain?

Well, if you have a poor posture it affects the way you sit, stand, move and lift. Instead of maintaining a healthy S-shaped curve, chronic poor posture can gradually flatten your lower back, setting the stage for potential discomfort. Especially if you slump in your chair.

Another common cause is picking things up by bending at your waist rather than your hips, which can lead to a strain or even a slipped disc. In turn this can lead to excessive lumbar curve and be the cause of problems in your upper back. The reason for this is your glute muscles have become tight and therefore weak. This means that your hamstrings and lower back have had to take over the role to compensate. Your erector spinae and QL also then become tighter and therefore shorter, which is what causes you to have a poor posture. And your poor posture is what can cause lower back pain.

3D anatomical diagram highlighting the erector spinae muscle group, illustrating the clinical focus of remedial massage therapy in York.

Muscles Targeted In A Sports Massage For Lower Back Pain

This article has highlighted the quadratus lumborum (QL), the erector spinae and the gluteus medius muscles as major contributors to lower back pain. But where exactly are they and how will a sports massage for lower back pain help?

The Quadratus Lumborum (QL) And Erector Spinae

The QL is a deep muscle in your lower back. It runs from the iliac crest of your pelvis and connects to your lumbar vertebrae and lowest rib. If just one side contracts you will bend to that side at the waist. If you are already bending forward and both sides contract they will straighten you up to an upright position.

Anatomical diagram of the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscle, a key area for lower back pain relief through sports and remedial massage in York.

The erector spinae is a group of 3 muscles alongside your spine. They run from the iliac crest of your pelvis all the way up to your head. Like the QL, if one side contracts you will bend to that side, if both sides contract you will straighten. The difference is that the erector spinae affect the length of the back, therefore keeping it straight during a deadlift type movement.

Tightness in the erector spinae or QL will contribute to an excessive lumbar curve. And it is tightness, overuse or incorrect use of these muscles that is most often responsible for lower back pain.

The Gluteus Medius

Although you are less likely to feel pain in your gluteus medius, issues here are often the initial cause of your lower back pain. It is hidden deep under your gluteus maximus (buttock) and connect your femur (thigh) to your pelvis. When contracted it abducts your hip, meaning it moves one leg away from the other. It also stabilises your pelvis when you walk or run. Problems arise when you do something that involves bending at the waist, especially with a heavy weight or when twisted. It is tightness or weakness here that contributes to incorrect use of the QL.

Anatomical 3D diagram highlighting the gluteus medius muscle, illustrating its role in pelvic stability and lower back pain relief through remedial massage in York.

How A Sports Massage Can Help Lower Back Pain

A sports massage at home for lower back pain would initially focus on reducing the discomfort in your QL and erector spinae. This means getting rid of any scar tissue that has built up and increasing blood supply to the area. As well as increasing flexibility to allow your pelvis to move more freely. This is likely just a symptom of issues with your gluteus muscles however. So in order to prevent your back issues returning the underlying cause should be dealt with by also massaging your gluteus medius.

Side view of a woman with correct neutral spine alignment and good posture, following remedial massage and postural correction in York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between your sports massage and a standard back massage?

I don’t do standard back massages. I assess movement patterns and compensation (weak glute medius making the lower back overwork, or tight hips from sitting/driving) and treat the real causes of your pain—not just where it hurts. After curing my own 30+ years of chronic lower back issues, I learned that the pain is usually the symptom, not the cause. I combine clinical massage to release the tight areas with knowledge from my personal training background to address why those muscles became tight in the first place. This is why many clients get longer-lasting results.

How many sessions will I need for lower back pain?

It really depends on how long the issue has been there and what the underlying causes are. For recent or mild cases, many clients notice a meaningful difference after 2–3 sessions. For chronic or recurring pain that has built up over years (which is very common), I usually recommend an initial course of 4–6 sessions spaced 1–2 weeks apart. The early sessions focus on releasing tight muscles and improving mobility, while later ones strengthen weak areas and lock in better movement patterns so the pain doesn’t keep returning.

Do you treat lower back pain caused by desk work or long driving commutes?

Yes, this is one of the most common patterns I see. Prolonged sitting shortens hip flexors and glutes while weakening the deep stabilisers. I target the QL, erector spinae, glutes, and hip flexors specifically, then show you simple resets you can do during the day (e.g., standing breaks, glute activation, hip flexor stretches). Many office workers and drivers notice they can sit or drive longer without the usual end-of-day ache after a few sessions.

Can mobile sports massage really be as effective as going to a clinic?

In my experience, it often works better for lower back pain. You’re in your own space, so you’re more relaxed. There is no drive home afterwards that can tighten everything up again. I can also show you quick follow-up techniques using things you already have at home (cushions, walls, chairs). Plus a mobile massage in your home is a lot more personal and one-to-one than the conveyor belt feeling you get from many clinics. The knowledge and experience of the therapist giving the massage is far more important than the location.

Is sports massage painful when treating lower back issues?

I always work within your comfort zone and encourage your feedback. Some areas (especially deep glute work, QL, or scar tissue) can feel intense at first because those muscles have been locked up for a long time. Most clients describe it as “good pain” or therapeutic pressure that eases as the tissue releases. I never force anything—if it’s too much, we adjust immediately. The goal is relief and improved muscle function, not to see how high your pain threshold is.

Will sports massage help with sciatica or disc-related pain?

It can help a lot with the muscular side of sciatica—tight piriformis, glute medius, or QL muscles often compress or irritate the nerve. I focus on releasing those areas and improving pelvic alignment. However, if there’s a significant disc bulge or nerve root compression, I always advise working alongside your GP, physio, or specialist. Massage is complementary, not a replacement for medical diagnosis.

How soon after a session can I return to exercise or heavy lifting?

For most people, light movement and walking the same day is fine and even helpful. For heavy lifting or intense training, I recommend listening to your body. Many clients feel noticeably better mobility within 24–48 hours as inflammation drops and range improves. If the session was releasing a chronic issue I suggest taking it easy at first to let the body adapt. A muscle that might not have been active for months or even years doesn’t suddenly want to be part of your heavy deadlift or squat routine.

What should I do between sessions to make the improvements last?

The biggest difference comes from the simple things you do consistently. I can give you targeted stretches and mobility drills that are specific to your problem areas — for example, glute medius activation work, QL stretches, hip flexor release, or gentle thoracic rotations. It depends on what we find during the session. The key is quality over quantity: 10–15 minutes a day done properly is far more effective than 30 minutes done occasionally. I’ll show you exactly what to do and how to do it so you’re not guessing.

Is there anything I should avoid before or after a session?

Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol before we meet. I also recommend avoiding painkillers immediately before the session if possible as these can mask your natural pain response. This makes it harder for us to gauge the correct pressure and ensure the treatment is both safe and effective.
Following the session, I will provide you with a set of specific instructions tailored entirely to your physical presentation and the issues we addressed. This isn’t “one size fits all” advice. Depending on whether we focused on acute nerve irritation or chronic postural resetting, I will direct you on exactly how to manage your activity levels, hydration, and movement for the first 24 hours to ensure the best results.

How To Book

If you would like to book a sports massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here

Mobile Massage In York – FAQ’s

Massage in York offers mobile massage in York and the surrounding area. I am an experienced, fully qualified massage therapist and if you’re in need of a massage, I will come to you. If you want information on how to book a mobile massage click here. Or keep reading for answers to the most frequently asked questions. 

Why Have A Mobile Massage In York?

If a hectic life is giving you stress or you’re struggling to get about due to back pain or an injury, the last thing you want to do is fight your way through York’s endless traffic or walk any further than absolutely necessary to get treatment. A mobile massage from Massage In York is the answer. Available from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week, you can book a massage to fit in with your schedule.

What Does A Mobile Massage Involve?

Besides taking place in your home, a mobile massage is like any other massage and can involve different techniques to suit your needs. This includes a Swedish massage for relaxation, insomnia treatment, a boost to your immune system and numerous other benefits. Click to find out more about Swedish Massage.

Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massage are for treating pain or injuries. Whether this is back or neck pain from prolonged computer work or a strain from sport or working out. Or rehabilitation to help improve flexibility and mobility after recovery an injury or operation. Click to find out more about Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage.

If you aren’t sure what type of massage your need that’s not a problem. Whether you’re wanting general relaxation or something more specific such as an area of tension or injury, we can decide together which would be best.

Does A Massage Hurt?

Despite what many people believe, a massage does not have to hurt to be effective(1). For optimal results, when treating injuries or addressing knots, a deep tissue massage will prioritize muscle relaxation. If the level of pressure is causing you pain or too much discomfort you are unlikely to be relaxed. In the unlikely event this is the case during your massage don’t be afraid (or too polite) to say so.

Do You Provide Oil, Towels etc?

Just like you wouldn’t expect to take your own towels to a salon, a mobile massage from Massage In York is no different. I provide everything that is required. However, if you wish to use your own towels, as some people prefer, you are welcome to do so. Also if you have allergies you might want to provide an oil that you know is suitable.

Do I Need To Complete A Health Questionnaire?

Completing a brief consultation form is necessary before the massage begins but this does not affect your massage time. This information helps to ensure your safety and well-being by identifying any potential risks before your massage. It also needs to be done for insurance purposes and only takes a couple of minutes. Alternatively I can email you the consultation form in advance if you’d like to complete it at your convenience.

Is a Mobile Massage As Good As Massage In A Salon?

The qualifications and training required to offer mobile massage are exactly the same as a massage offered anywhere else. I have a diploma in massage therapy and originally began massaging in 2005. I also qualified as an advanced personal trainer in 2008 and these qualifications cover all aspects of health and fitness. They include client lifestyle and fitness assessment, nutrition, weight management, and postural analysis. This helps me diagnose the causes of many problems and offer advice on how to prevent their return after massage.

A mobile massage is also more private and more convenient than in a salon. And when they’re finished you don’t have the hassle of getting home, you’re already there!

Click to read feedback from previous clients

Do You Also Offer Personal Training?

Yes, I offer personal training alongside sports massage. My focus is on strength, mobility and injury prevention, ensuring you get the best results from your training while staying pain free. Whether you need rehab exercises or performance coaching, I can tailor sessions to your needs. Read more about this here

Book A Mobile Massage

If you’re looking for a massage therapist in york and would like to book please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here

Massage Therapist In York

As a mobile sports and therapeutic massage therapist in York, I provide professional, personalised massage treatments directly at your home.

With over 20 years of hands-on experience, qualifications in sports massage (2005) and Advanced Personal Training (2008), and having overcome my own 30+ years of chronic pain following a serious car accident, I bring a deep understanding of the body to every session.

I don’t offer generic massages. Instead, I focus on truly understanding your lifestyle, activities, posture, and specific problems so I can deliver targeted, effective treatment that addresses the root causes of tension, pain, or tightness, rather than just the symptoms.

Whether you’re dealing with sports injuries, desk-related posture issues, lower back or neck pain, post-surgery recovery, or simply the build-up of daily stress, my goal is to help you move and feel better.

In this article, I explain what it’s like to have a mobile sports massage with me in York, how I work differently, and why so many local clients choose me as their regular therapist.

Why You Need Me As Your Massage Therapist

Some issues are quite straightforward. For example, tennis or golfer’s elbow is pain on the outside or inside of the forearm usually the result of repetitive strain. This causes tension and inflammation in the muscles, treated by rest and massage to the affected area.

But things can get a lot more complicated.

If you have a pain in your foot when you run, or even just when you walk, you might have plantar fasciitis. You could try stretching or rolling your foot over a tennis ball, but this is just treating the symptom. The cause of the pain is more likely to be tight muscles in your calves. But why are they tight?

As a massage therapist in York I look for the source of the issue. In the case of foot pain (plantar fasciitis) I have seen this be caused by tight calves, which in turn was caused by an incorrect walking action. This was the result of tight hip muscles (gluteus medius(1)) which also caused lower back pain. As well as neck and shoulder pain!

Alt Text: An anatomical diagram of the human skeleton illustrating how pelvic misalignment and kinetic chain compensation cause a chain reaction of pain, from heel discomfort and knee stiffness up to lower back aches, neck cricks, and headaches.

How I Work Differently As A Massage Therapist In York

I’ve been a professional massage therapist for over 10 years, but I don’t work like most therapists. After living with chronic pain for over 30 years following a car accident in 1989, and then qualifying in sports massage in 2005 and Advanced Personal Training in 2008, I developed a very different approach. I learned through my own painful experience that a standard “rub where it hurts” massage often gives only short-term relief. Real, lasting results come from understanding why the problem exists in the first place.

My Approach

I always start every session with a proper assessment. I don’t just ask you where it hurts. I look at how you stand, walk, sit, and move. I check posture, pelvic alignment, muscle imbalances, and compensation patterns. This allows me to identify the root causes rather than just treating the symptoms.

My treatments are never one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a desk worker with neck and shoulder tension, a horse rider with lower back and hip issues, an athlete recovering from training, or someone dealing with post-surgery restrictions, I build the session around your specific lifestyle, activities, and goals.I combine several layers in every treatment:

  • Targeted sports and remedial massage to release deep tension and scar tissue
  • Soft tissue techniques to improve muscle length, blood flow, and nerve glide
  • My personal training knowledge to include corrective exercises and activation work so the improvements last longer
  • Practical advice on posture, daily habits, and movement patterns that I notice during the session

Because I’m a mobile therapist, I come to your home in York. This isn’t just about convenience. Treating you in your own environment gives me a much better understanding of your daily reality. This can include your sofa, office chair, bed, or car seat which all give clues about why certain areas keep tightening up. It also means you can fully relax during and after the session without having to drive, which significantly improves results.

I won’t give you the same generic massage every time. Some sessions are more clinical and remedial. Others are deeper sports-style work. Some clients need a careful balance of release work and mobility. I adapt every single session based on how your body presents on the day.

This combination of thorough assessment, personalised treatment, hands-on expertise, and corrective guidance is why many of my clients in York have been seeing me regularly for years. They don’t just feel better for a few days — they experience real, measurable improvements in mobility, pain levels, posture, and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sports massage and a regular relaxation massage?

Sports and rehabilitation massage is significantly more targeted and clinical than a standard relaxation massage. While I still provide excellent relaxation, the main focus is on identifying and correcting specific muscle imbalances, tightness, scar tissue, and compensation patterns that cause pain or limit movement. I combine deep tissue and remedial techniques with movement assessment and corrective exercises (drawing from my Advanced Personal Training background). This approach aims for longer-lasting results and improved function rather than just short-term relief.

How far do you travel for mobile sports massage in York?

I cover the majority of York and surrounding villages. This includes York city centre, Acomb, Holgate, Fulford, Bishopthorpe, Copmanthorpe, Poppleton, Haxby, Strensall, Dunnington, and many more areas. If you’re unsure whether I cover your specific location, feel free to contact me and I’ll confirm availability straight away. Most areas within a reasonable distance from central York are covered without additional travel fees.

What should I wear for a sports massage session?

I recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access and movement, such as shorts and a t-shirt, or sports bra and leggings. During the treatment you will be properly draped with towels for privacy and warmth at all times. Only the area being treated is exposed. Your comfort and modesty are always my top priority throughout the session.

Will the sports massage be painful?

I always work within your comfort level and regularly check in with you. Some areas that are particularly tight or have built-up tension may feel intense at first (often described as nice pain), but it should never be sharp or unbearable pain. If any area feels too much, I adjust the pressure immediately. The goal is effective release and relief, not to push through pain.

How often should I have a sports massage?

It depends on your current condition, activity level, and goals. Many of my clients in York start with weekly sessions when they have significant pain, tightness, or are recovering from injury or intense training. This allows us to make consistent progress, properly release deep tension, and correct movement patterns. Once the main issue has improved and they are feeling much better, most clients then move to monthly maintenance sessions to stay on top of tension and prevent problems from building up again.

Others prefer to have a block of weekly or fortnightly sessions when they feel they need it (for example during heavy training periods, after competition, or when desk work has left them very tight), then pause and rebook another block when they feel the need again.

During your first session I will assess your body and give you honest, personalised advice on the best frequency for your specific situation. Many clients find that a combination of weekly sessions when needed, followed by regular monthly maintenance, works best for them.

Is mobile sports massage at home as effective as clinic treatment?

For most cases it is equally effective and for many clients it actually works better. The quality of the treatment depends primarily on the therapist’s skill and experience, not the location. Being treated in your own home often allows deeper relaxation because you’re in a familiar environment. There’s also no drive home afterwards, which prevents the muscles from tightening up again straight after treatment. Many clients report feeling noticeably better the following day because they could rest properly.

Do I need to provide any equipment or towels?

No, you don’t need to provide anything. I bring a professional portable massage table, fresh towels, oil, and all necessary equipment. Some clients prefer to use their own towels for personal preference and that is completely fine.

Can you help with specific conditions like back pain, neck pain, sciatica or sports injuries?

Yes. I have extensive experience treating common issues including chronic lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension, sciatica, hip and knee problems, sports injuries, and post-surgery recovery. As well as general muscle tightness from desk work or training. My approach combines hands-on soft tissue work with postural assessment and corrective exercises to address both the symptoms and the underlying causes.

Book A Mobile Massage

If you’re looking for a mobile massage in york and would like to book please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here

How Often Should You Get A Massage

How often should you get a massage is a common question I get asked as a massage therapist. But there isn’t a simple answer. It depends whether it’s a sports massage or something lighter and for what reason. Most people that have massages would probably like at least one every week, but cost is obviously an important factor. By timing the massages you get correctly however, you can maximise the benefits they give you.

How Often Should You Get A Massage For Relaxation

How Often Should You Get A Massage For Stress
| Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension which can lead to pain and even injury

A massage to help you relax, ease stress and anxiety and increase your overall wellbeing is very soothing to your body. Tension is lost from muscles, circulation is increased and the nervous system is calmed. Because of this there is no limit on how often you should have one, other than your level of stress. If it normally isn’t an issue for you but you’ve had a busy week or two, try once or twice a week until you feel more relaxed. It might only take a couple of sessions to get you back to feeling like your old self.

If you regularly have a stressful job and a hectic home life however, it could take longer. Stress is cumulative and can build up for weeks, months or even years. Because of this it could take a few massages to ease out all of that stored tension. After which, a regular maintenance massage a couple of times a month will help keep your body relaxed and healthy.

How Often Should You Get A Massage For An Injury

If you have an injury or are recovering from surgery, sports massage and stretching is ideal rehabilitation. It helps prevent the formation of scar tissue which would otherwise increase recovery time and restrict your range of movement. Plus massage increases blood flow to the area which helps to provide sufficient oxygen and other nutrients to promote healing(1). If that wasn’t enough, it also reduces pain naturally, without the need for medication.

A massage for an injury or after surgery is best done as an intensive, short-term treatment. Once or ideally twice a week treatment for four to six weeks. If this is to be done alongside other rehabilitation or stretching exercises you should first check that this okay. As healing and recovery progresses, massage frequency can be reduced to once a week or even once every two weeks. Depending on the cause of the injury, other muscles might benefit from massage to prevent future occurrences. For example, your slipped disc could be the result of long hours spent sitting at a desk which lead to tight back muscles and poor posture. Future back problems could be prevented by loosening those muscles with regular massage and stretching.

How Often Should You Get A Massage For Chronic Pain

How Often Should You Get A Massage For Chronic Pain
| Chronic pain is unlikely to heal without treatment such as massage 

Acute pain is that is felt at the time of an injury, such as a muscle strain or a tear, and is usually a sharp sensation. Chronic pain tends to be more of a dull ache or throb that persists for more than a few weeks. It can be the result of an injury that is developing or has developed scar tissue as it heals. But it is more likely to do with overly contracted muscles that cause tension and shortening. This means they can never properly relax. An example of this could be neck and shoulder pain from stress or working at a desk. Or it could be lower back pain from prolonged sitting or standing. These can go on to cause other issues such as headaches, migraines, sciatica and more.

Deep tissue massage or sports massage can be very beneficial in releasing muscle tension that is the cause of chronic pain. Initially one or two sessions a week is usually recommended which can become less frequent as things improve. However, research has shown that two or three sessions a week for the first four weeks is most effective(2). Overall the amount of sessions will be about the same, but cost and available time is a factor.

How Often Should You Get A Massage For Sport Or Exercise

Sports massage before competition or exercise has been shown to increase performance, reduce injuries and improve recovery time. Research has also shown that it reduces inflammation and stimulates the growth of new mitochondria(3). This means you’re a lot less likely to suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

For best results, two or even three sports massages a week are recommended if time and your bank balance permits. If not, try to get at least one a week to reduce the chance of any developing knots becoming strains or tears. In the off season or during lighter training periods, you could instead have a Swedish massage once a week. Your nervous system, lymphatic system and circulatory system will thank you for the extra attention.

Book A Mobile Massage

If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here

Deep Tissue Massage – What Is It?

A deep tissue massage is intended to help relieve painful, tight or injured muscles. If relaxation is your goal, a Swedish massage might be more suitable. Also, a deep tissue massage will generally focus on a specific area of tightness or injury. A relaxation massage is more likely to involve the whole body.

What Is Deep Tissue Massage?

Calf Having Deep Tissue Massage In York
| A massage therapist relieving tension in the calves

A deep tissue massage can treat a variety of complaints. These include muscle pain, muscles that are tight or knotted, postural issues, back pain, sciatica or neck and shoulder pain. It can also help with injuries from exercise such as tennis elbow or a strained hamstring. Or something that stops you exercising at your best. Studies have shown that massage can be effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain and fibromyalgia.

Many of the techniques used for deep tissue massage are similar to those for relaxation. But as the name implies, the aim is to work deeper into the muscles. For example, tension or injury to muscles that are close to the skin could cause your back problems. In many cases however, the issue is deeper. This means that more pressure may need to be applied in order to reach them. Therefore the massage might well start off feeling like one intended for relaxation in order to loosen up the surface muscles. But this is only to get through to those beneath where the actual problem lies.

Does A Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

Whatever you’re reasons for getting a deep tissue massage, if one is necessary it usually means that there are some muscles that need to relax. The extra pressure might not be quite as comfortable as a relaxation massage. This does not mean it will be painful however. If you experience pain during a massage you are likely to tense up your muscles rather than relax them, which is the opposite of what we want. There may be certain areas that are more sensitive than others, but this should no more than a discomfort. As with any massage though, you have the final say on the pressure applied and the treatment used.

Deep Tissue Massage Techniques

If you have ever had a Swedish massage you will recognise some of the techniques. But it’s not as simple as the same thing with more pressure. Deep tissue massage actively targets “knots” and scar tissue, promoting their release and reducing pain and inflammation. In turn this can limit range of motion, affect circulation and impinge nerves such as the sciatic nerve which can cause back pain.

Effleurage is first used to in order to warm up muscles and facilitate relaxation. After this, other techniques are then applied depending on the nature of the problem. The most common include petrissage, which is used to compress and squeeze muscles to get rid of knots. Also friction, which works against the grain of a muscle, and stripping, which is a deep gliding pressure along the muscle.

Benefits Of Deep Tissue Massage

Some of the many benefits include:

Reduced Stress And Tension

Shoulder Having Deep Tissue Massage In York
| Upper back pain is often the result of muscle tension and stress

Studies have shown that deep tissue massage is even more effective than Swedish massage for reducing stress and tension (1). This is important because chronic stress increases inflammation in the body. And this can lead to a host of illnesses and conditions. This includes a weakened immune system, which is unable to fight off colds and influenza or more serious illness. It can also cause high blood pressure with its potentially life-threatening side effects and general poor health. A single massage session has demonstrably lowered both blood pressure and resting heart rate.

Breaking Up Of Scar Tissue

Following injury the formation of scar tissue can slow recovery and reduce range of movement. Also, inflammation around the injury can restrict blood flow, preventing vital nutrients reaching the area and increase pain. Deep tissue massage can minimise the formation of scar tissue, reduce muscle spasms and stimulate blood flow. Untreated scar tissue in an older injury can lead to chronic pain and a reduced range of motion. Treating this with massage can return the affected area to normal function.

Reduced Arthritis Symptoms

The Arthritis Foundation states massage is often used in the relief of many common symptoms of arthritis (2). This includes reduced pain and stiffness, reduced anxiety, improved range of motion and better quality of sleep. But the pressure has to be moderate, as with a deep tissue massage, rather than light. Deeper pressure lowers the heart rate which stimulates relaxation and reduces tension.

Treatment For Chronic Back Pain

There are numerous treatments for chronic back pain, but many are ineffective, short-term or invasive. The most frequent cause is muscle strain, whether by sudden movement, over exertion or pre-existing tension. Inflammation and scar tissue can persist after healing and contribute to the ongoing experience of chronic pain. Deep tissue massage can reduce scar tissue and inflammation whether it has been weeks, months or even years.

Book A Mobile Massage

If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue  massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here