Massage

Here at Knead to Relax in Stirling, massage is our thing; it’s what we specialise in and are passionate about. We believe that everyone can benefit from some type of massage and it should be a part of all our lives. Our therapists are trained in a range of modalities and can mix and match for tailor-made treatments.

Desk-bound?

Remedial Massage

A combination of deep tissue massage and stretching techniques designed to address a range of musculo-skeletal disorders. This type of massage is especially useful for those who spend prolonged periods of time working at a computer and are suffering from aches and pains as a result. Remedial massage can be an effective treatment for many conditions including:

  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Back pain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Chronic or long-term conditions
  • Muscle tension
  • Muscle spasms
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Remedial massage is not designed to be relaxing – it is for remediation of a mechanical problem. However, often all round health benefits are seen such as improved sleep, increased vitality and mobility and improved general well being. Following your treatment, our therapists will also offer advice and stretching programmes designed to promote and maintain good health and mobility.

active?

Sports Massage

Whether you are a serious competitor or just keeping fit, maintaining your body when participating in sports is essential especially as you get older. A regular sports massage can help to keep your muscles in good working order and enhance your mobility, flexibility and overall fitness. Sports massage is appropriate when:

  • You have a specific problem such as a pain in your knee when running  
  • You are in training for any event whether it’s a fun run,10k or a major Triathlon
  • You have just competed in an event and want to recover quickly
Need to Relax?

Relaxation Massage

A gentler but very therapeutic type of massage and a great way to combat the rigours of everyday life. Take time out for yourself to relax your body and calm your mind. This type of massage is also especially useful for those suffering from stress, anxiety or depression. We recommend a minimum of a one hour treatment session for deep relaxation. 

Hot Stones Massage

Indulge in the deeply soothing experience of hot stone massage, designed to melt away tension and restore balance. Smooth, heated stones are gently placed on key areas of the body and used in flowing massage techniques to warm the muscles, allowing for a deeper, more effective treatment.

The comforting heat helps to ease muscle stiffness, improve circulation, and promote a profound sense of relaxation. This treatment is perfect for relieving stress, reducing aches and pains, and leaving you feeling completely rejuvenated.

Let the warmth of the stones calm your body and mind, bringing a sense of total relaxation and wellbeing.

Pregnancy aches and pains?

Pregnancy Massage

Experience relaxation and relief with our specialised pregnancy massage, designed to support your body through every stage of your journey. Using a premium pregnancy pillow, you can safely lie comfortably and supported on your front, to alleviate pressure on your back, hips, and bump—allowing you to fully relax.

Our gentle, tailored techniques help ease common pregnancy discomforts such as lower back pain, swelling, and tension, while promoting better sleep and overall wellbeing. Every session is adapted to your needs, ensuring both you and your baby are cared for in a calm, nurturing environment.

time to rebalance?

Reflexology

Restore balance and wellbeing with our calming reflexology treatments. Based on the principle that specific points on the feet correspond to different areas of the body, reflexology works to stimulate natural healing, improve circulation, and promote deep relaxation.

Each session is tailored to your individual needs, helping to reduce stress, ease tension, and support your body’s natural rhythms. Whether you’re looking to unwind or address specific concerns, reflexology offers a gentle yet effective way to rebalance both body and mind.

Take a step towards feeling lighter, calmer, and more in tune with yourself. 

Congested?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Support your body’s natural detox and healing process with manual lymphatic drainage treatment. MLD uses very gentle, rhythmic techniques designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to reduce fluid retention, improve circulation, and encourage the removal of toxins.

Using light, precise movements, this deeply relaxing treatment can help to reduce swelling, boost the immune system, and promote a sense of overall wellbeing. It is particularly beneficial following surgery, during periods of sluggish circulation, or simply when your body needs a reset.

Feel refreshed and rebalanced with a treatment that works in harmony with your body.

Erin is qualified in level 2 MLD and can treat:

  • Sinusitis
  • Other sinus issues including recurrent colds/infections, and for prevention
  • Constipation
  • Acne
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Post-plastic surgery
  • Lipoedema following surgery (not including compression)
  • Meniere’s disease 
  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Sprains

FAQ

All our therapists are trained in a range of massage modalities so we tailor every treatment to suit you using a combination of techniques. If you’re not sure what to book in for, start with a remedial massage and speak to your therapist at the start of your treatment to discuss what you need

Before the massage, you will be asked to strip down to your underwear behind a screen and get yourself onto the massage table. We will use sheets to keep you modestly covered at all times. You don’t need to bring shorts for sports massage, although you can if you are more comfortable wearing them during your treatment, but make sure they are fairly loose. For ladies, you have the option to keep your bra on during the treatment, though bear in mind, sports bras are more difficult for us to work around. 

At your first appointment, your therapist will discuss a treatment plan to suit you. For long-term or chronic issues, regular massage (between one and three months apart) is advised with perhaps a few treatments closer together at the start. 

For minor issues, a one-off treatment may do the trick.

Most importantly, your body will be your guide as to how often you need treatment. Old issues may never go away entirely but can be much improved with regular treatment.

Gentle movement within your pain free range of motion is your very best friend. The more you move, the less you will need to see us. We want you to be well.

For first appointments we suggest at least an hour unless it’s something really simple. 

For full-body massage we recommend either an hour or 90 minutes.

For back, neck and shoulder massage, 45 mins or an hour is good.

For relaxation massage you may want an hour or longer.

We don’t offer half hour appointments for online booking but your therapist can book you in for half hour follow-ups if appropriate. Or give us a call to book.

You will have been emailed a health form to fill in before your first appointment. This helps to alert us to any issues we need to be aware of. Your therapist will usually start with a chat about what you are looking to address during your treatment. They may ask you to stand-up for a brief postural assessment and assess your current range of movement.

For sports and remedial massage, the treatment session often involves some gentle stretching and mobilisation of joints.

Sports and remedial massage can feel a little tender sometimes but it shouldn’t feel painful. Your therapist will be guided by you. Everybody experiences pain differently so you should always speak up if something feels a little too painful.

You might feel a little tender for a day or so after a treatment in areas that have been worked on.

We don’t recommend massage more than once a week.

Regular maintenance massages could be spaced between one and three months apart.

Cancellation Policy

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, we ask that you give us a minimum of 24 hours notice otherwise you will be charged for the full cost of your treatment.