What is massage and how can it help you recover quickly and safely?
What is massage and what do you offer?
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues — muscles, tendons and connective tissue — designed to ease tension, improve circulation and promote relaxation and recovery.
At The Movement Clinic Newcastle, we offer two distinct forms of massage tailored to different needs. Our CLINICAL CALM massage is a standard massage ideal if you’re looking to release everyday stress, ease muscle tightness from long hours at a desk or simply want a restorative session to unwind.
In contrast, our dedicated ACTIVE RECOVERY massage is a deeper, more targeted treatment: it focuses on specific muscle groups, adhesions or scar tissue, aims to enhance range of motion, speed up recovery after training or injury, and prevent future niggles.
Which massage is best suited to me?
Sports massage is not just for elite athletes — it suits anyone engaged in regular physical activity, from gym goers and weekend warriors to active professionals whose bodies are under strain. Meanwhile, normal (or therapeutic) massage is beneficial for those seeking general wellbeing, stress relief or gentle support after less demanding activity. Whether you’re managing soreness, recovering from exercise or simply wanting to keep your body moving freely — we’ll help you choose the right approach and tailor the session to your goals.
When massage might not be suitable.
While massage therapy offers many benefits, there are certain situations where it might not be appropriate — these are known as contraindications. Your safety is always our priority. Before any session, your therapist will discuss your health history and adjust or postpone treatment if necessary to make sure you’re getting care that’s both safe and effective.
Massage should be postponed or avoided in the following cases:
Fever, infection or illness: Massage can worsen symptoms or spread infection when your immune system is already under strain.
Recent injury or acute inflammation: Massage shouldn’t be performed directly over swollen, bruised, or recently injured areas.
Skin conditions: Any contagious skin disease, rash, or open wound should be fully healed before treatment.
Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Massage may increase the risk of a clot moving through the bloodstream and should only proceed with medical clearance.
Cancer, cardiovascular or neurological conditions: In some cases, massage can be beneficial, but it should be approved or guided by your healthcare provider.
Pregnancy (first trimester): Massage is generally safe after the first trimester when carried out by a trained professional.
When Massage Can Be Modified
In many situations, massage can still be performed safely by making suitable adjustments — for example, avoiding specific areas, using gentler pressure, or shortening session time. Our therapists are trained to assess each client individually and tailor every session to ensure your comfort and safety.
If you’re unsure whether massage is right for you, we’re always happy to discuss your circumstances and help you choose the safest and most effective treatment option.