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Deep Tissue Massage Belfast | Willow Massage Centre

Willow Massage Centre
Deep Tissue Massage
Firm, focused work on tight and tired muscles
★★★★★4.9 from 96 Google reviews
Choose your time
  • ✓Highly qualified therapists
  • ✓Pay for the time, tailored to you
  • ✓Same day appointments
  • ✓Castlereagh Road, East Belfast
Relax and Rejuvenate with Pregnancy Massage (1)

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage at Willow Massage Centre in East Belfast uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. It is often chosen for stiff necks and upper backs, lower back tension, tight legs and sore shoulders.

It is not simply a harder Swedish massage. Your therapist works slowly and checks in with you so the pressure stays effective without being uncomfortable.

Tailored to You, Priced by Time

At Willow, you pay for the time, and we work on what you need. We take a holistic approach and listen, so your therapist will talk through how you are feeling at the start and can tailor the treatment within your booked time. The treatment you book is where we start, not a limit. Prices are shown in our online booking system.

TimePrice
60 minutes£55
75 minutes£65
C.C
As aways very pleased Enjoyed a long overdue treatment after lockdown. Kristina worked on the pain in my left shoulder. But I've never been disappointed here Al therapists do a brilliant job. Have been going here fir nearly four years now
K.C
Wonderful Massage First time visiting and have already booked my next session. Janine, was friendly and welcoming. She knew the pressure needed to cleared the stiffness and tension away.
G.B
As aways very pleased Enjoyed a long overdue treatment after lockdown. Kristina worked on the pain in my left shoulder. But I've never been disappointed here Al therapists do a brilliant job. Have been going here fir nearly four years now

Possible Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Many clients book deep tissue massage to help with:

  • Ongoing muscle tension and stiffness
  • Neck, shoulder and upper back tightness
  • Lower back and leg aches
  • Tension linked to posture or desk work
  • Feeling worn out after training or a busy week

Massage may help you feel more comfortable and relaxed, but it does not replace medical care. Please tell your therapist about any medical conditions, injuries or areas to avoid before your treatment begins.

Who Deep Tissue Massage Suits

Deep tissue massage suits adults who like a firmer pressure and want focused work on specific areas of tension. If you would prefer a lighter, more relaxing treatment, our Swedish massage may be a better fit.

When to Speak to Us First

Please check with us or your GP before booking if you are pregnant (we offer a dedicated pregnancy massage), have a fever or infection, blood clots or circulation problems, a recent injury, or take blood thinning medication. Your therapist will go through a short consultation and can adjust pressure and technique for you.

Not sure which treatment suits you? Call us on 02890 504695 and we will help you choose.

Deep Tissue Massage FAQs

Many clients choose 60 minutes. Choose 75 minutes if you want more time to work on several areas or to build up pressure gradually.

It should feel firm but not painful. Tell your therapist if the pressure is too much and they will adjust straight away.

At Willow Massage Centre, deep tissue massage is £55 for 60 minutes and £65 for 75 minutes.

Yes. You pay for the time, and your therapist will tailor the treatment within that time to what you need on the day.

While some of the strokes may feel the same as those used in Swedish massage therapy, deep tissue massage isn’t a stronger version of a Swedish massage.

Deep tissue massage techniques are used to work on scar tissue and muscle knots or adhesions (bands of tight, rigid tissue) that can contribute to pain and limited range of motion. Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during a deep tissue massage.
You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on tense areas.
After the massage, you may feel some stiffness or soreness, but it should subside within a day or so.

Be sure to contact your massage therapist if you have concerns or if you feel pain after having a massage.

Your therapist will use a combination of trigger point techniques, cross-fibre friction and myofascial release, alongside joint mobilisations and stretches.  

At the beginning of a deep tissue massage, lighter pressure is generally applied to warm up and prepare the muscles. Specific techniques are then applied. Common techniques include:

  • Stripping: Deep, gliding pressure along the length of the muscle fibres using the elbow, forearm, knuckles, and thumbs.

  • Friction: Pressure applied across the grain of a muscle to work on areas of tension and adhesion.

Following your massage, your muscles may feel sore for a day or two, though it may also help to alleviate existing soreness. 

After a deep tissue massage it is very important that you take time to rest.

We recommend not having any plans for the rest of the day allow your body to readjust. 

Take a warm bath, ensure you get adequate rest and drink plenty of water. Never put strain on muscles that are already feeling tender.

At certain times during the massage, you may feel some discomfort or even some pain as the massage therapist works on areas where there are adhesions or scar tissue.

Pain isn’t necessarily good, and it’s not a sign that the massage will be effective. In fact, your body may tense up in response to pain, making it harder for the therapist to reach deeper muscles.


You should always tell your massage therapist if you feel pain during the massage.

The therapist can adjust the technique or further prep the tissues if the superficial muscles are tense.

People with general massage contraindications, including open wounds, broken bones, bursitis, periostitis, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis ossificans, skin infections, thrombosis or bleeding disorders. Please tell your therapist about any health conditions before you begin. If you are pregnant, please book our Pregnancy Massage instead. If you want a light relaxing treatment, a Swedish massage may suit you better.

Our deep tissue full body massage is 60 minutes, and a longer 75 minute option is also available.

You pay for the time you book. A 60 minute deep tissue massage is £55 and a 75 minute deep tissue massage is £65. You can see all treatments and prices when you book online.

Yes. We listen and we work on what you need. If you tell us more at your consultation, we can suggest tailoring the treatment to suit you within the time you have booked. The exceptions are hot stone and aromatherapy massage, where we prepare the room in advance, so you receive the treatment you book.

Book online through our booking system or call 02890 504695 for same day appointments. We are at 90 Castlereagh Road, East Belfast.