FAQ

You can book directly through our website www.coredulwich.co.uk or contact us https://coredulwich.co.uk/contact - if you’d like guidance on choosing the right treatment for your needs or have any issues booking online.

Avoid the following before a massage:

1. Eating a heavy meal: It can make you feel bloated or uncomfortable during the session.
2. Drinking alcohol or caffeine: These can dehydrate you and interfere with relaxation.
3. Engaging in intense exercise: This may leave your muscles overly sore, potentially making the massage less enjoyable.
4. Skipping hydration: Staying hydrated helps your body respond better to the massage.
5. Wearing heavy lotions or perfumes: These can interfere with massage oils and the experience.

It depends on your needs: Swedish massage is ideal for relaxation and stress relief, while Thai massage is better for deep stretching and improving flexibility.

Swedish massage is the most commonly recommended for beginners or those seeking relaxation, but therapeutic or deep tissue massage is often suggested for addressing muscle tension or pain.

The best type of massage depends on your specific needs and preferences:

1. For Relaxation and Stress Relief:

   • Swedish Massage: Gentle, flowing strokes to promote relaxation.

2. For Muscle Pain or Tension:

   • Deep Tissue Massage: Focused pressure to relieve tight muscles.
   • Trigger Point Therapy: Targets knots and specific pain points.

3. For Flexibility and Energy:

   • Thai Massage: Incorporates stretching and acupressure.
   • Sports Massage: Ideal for athletes to improve performance.

4. For Soothing and Warmth:

   • Hot Stone Massage: Uses heated stones to ease muscle tension.

Sports massage is a targeted form of massage therapy designed to support injury prevention, recovery, and physical performance. It focuses on muscles, tendons, and connective tissue commonly affected by exercise, training, or repetitive movement. Sports massage is suitable for both athletes and non-athletes experiencing muscle pain or tension.

Not at all. While sports massage is popular with runners, cyclists, gym-goers, and athletes, it’s equally effective for desk workers, busy professionals, and active individuals in Dulwich and across London who experience muscle tightness, postural pain, or restricted movement.

Sports massage can be effective for:

Muscle tightness and soreness

Sports and gym-related injuries

Back, neck, and shoulder pain

Running injuries and overuse injuries

Reduced flexibility or mobility

Post-exercise recovery

Postural strain from desk or remote work

and many other muscle related conditions. 

It’s commonly used alongside training programmes and active lifestyles.

Sports massage can involve deeper pressure than relaxation massage, but it should never be unbearable. Some areas may feel intense, especially where muscles are tight or overworked, but treatment is always adapted to your comfort level. Effective sports massage does not require excessive pain.

Sports massage is more assessment-led and goal-oriented. While deep tissue massage focuses on releasing tension, sports massage also considers movement patterns, activity levels, and injury history. Treatment is tailored to support recovery, performance, and long-term physical health.

Yes. Sports massage is commonly used to support recovery from running injuries, weight training strains, and repetitive load issues. Treatment aims to improve tissue quality, reduce muscle tension, and restore movement efficiency — helping you train more consistently and comfortably.

Your appointment will begin with a short consultation to understand your symptoms, activity levels, and goals. This may include movement or posture assessment, followed by hands-on treatment using techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy.

This depends on your individual goals and condition. Some clients notice improvement after one session, while others benefit from a short course of treatments or regular maintenance massage. We’ll always be transparent and guide you on what’s most appropriate for you.

For injury recovery or intensive training periods, weekly or fortnightly sessions may be beneficial. For general maintenance, flexibility, and injury prevention, many clients in Dulwich and South London choose monthly sports massage sessions.

Absolutely. Sports massage is highly effective for neck, shoulder, and lower back pain linked to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or remote work. Treatment focuses on releasing overloaded muscles and restoring balance to the body.

Yes. Sports massage is safe when performed by a qualified therapist. A full consultation is carried out before treatment to ensure it’s suitable for you. If needed, we may advise modifying treatment or working alongside other healthcare professionals.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement assessment. Treatment is carried out professionally, with appropriate draping to ensure privacy and comfort at all times.

Yes — we’re conveniently based in the centre of East Dulwich, located for clients in Dulwich, Dulwich Village, West Dulwich, Herne Hill, Peckham, Nunhead and across South London. Many of our clients travel from wider London for specialist sports and clinical massage treatment.

You can book online via our website or get in touch if you’d like advice on whether sports massage is the right treatment for you.

The best type of massage depends on your goals. If you’re looking to relax and reduce stress, a relaxation massage may be suitable. If you’re experiencing muscle pain, stiffness, or injury-related discomfort, a deep tissue, sports, or clinical massage may be more effective. If you’re unsure, what to book please contact us to discuss https://coredulwich.co.uk/contact/

Massage therapy offers both physical and mental benefits, including:

Reduced muscle tension and pain

Improved circulation and mobility

Stress and anxiety reduction

Enhanced recovery from exercise or injury

Better posture and movement

Improved sleep and overall wellbeing

Regular massage can support long-term musculoskeletal health and performance.

Yes. Massage therapy is commonly used to relieve back pain, neck tension, and shoulder discomfort, particularly when caused by stress, posture, desk work, or physical activity. Treatment targets tight muscles, restricted tissue, and movement imbalances.

Relaxation massage uses lighter to moderate pressure to promote calm and stress relief. Deep tissue massage uses firmer pressure and slower techniques to release deeper layers of muscle tension and connective tissue. Your therapist can adjust pressure depending on your comfort and goals.

Massage should never be intolerable. Some techniques, particularly deep tissue or sports massage, may feel intense in tight areas, but treatment is always adapted to your comfort level. Effective massage does not require excessive pain.

This varies depending on your needs. Some people benefit from weekly or fortnightly sessions during periods of pain or recovery, while others choose monthly maintenance massage to stay mobile and pain-free. Your therapist can recommend an appropriate schedule.

Your first session will begin with a consultation to discuss your health history, symptoms, and goals. This may include posture or movement assessment, followed by hands-on treatment tailored specifically to you.

Yes. Massage therapy is well known for reducing stress, calming the nervous system, and promoting relaxation. Many clients notice improvements in mood, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing after regular massage.

Massage is safe for most people when performed by a qualified therapist. A full consultation is carried out to ensure treatment is appropriate. Certain medical conditions may require modifications or referral, which will always be discussed with you.

Absolutely. Massage is highly effective for postural tension caused by prolonged sitting, screen use, or repetitive movements. Treatment focuses on releasing overworked muscles and restoring balance and mobility.

At CORE our typical massage sessions typically last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on your needs and the area being treated. Longer sessions allow for more comprehensive treatment and assessment. We also have add on's that can extend a session up to 120 mins. 

Some people experience mild soreness after deep or therapeutic massage, particularly if muscles are very tight. This usually settles within 24–48 hours and is a normal response. Staying hydrated and gentle movement can help.

If you’re experiencing muscle pain, stiffness, stress, or reduced mobility — or simply want to look after your body — massage can be highly beneficial. If you’re unsure, a consultation can help determine the most suitable approach.