Is deep tissue supposed to hurt?

It should feel intense but never sharp. Tell your therapist immediately if the pressure crosses into pain — they can work just as effectively at a level you can breathe through.

How often should I book a massage?

Monthly is enough for general maintenance. For a specific problem area, most therapists suggest weekly or fortnightly for three or four sessions, then spacing them out.

Do mobile therapists bring a table?

Yes. FleckUP therapists bring a professional couch, fresh linens and oils, and only need a space roughly two metres by one metre.

Can I have a massage while pregnant?

From the second trimester, with a therapist qualified in prenatal work and side-lying positioning. Check with your midwife first if your pregnancy is high risk.

All guides

Swedish, deep tissue, sports or prenatal?

Four of the most-booked massage styles, what each one actually does, and how to pick the right one for your body.

Massage guide · 5 min read

Massage — Swedish, deep tissue, sports or prenatal?

The short answer

Choose Swedish to switch off and de-stress. Choose deep tissue for stubborn knots and long-standing tension. Choose sports massage around training, injury or repetitive strain. Choose prenatal massage from the second trimester with a therapist qualified in pregnancy work.

Massage options compared
Option	Pressure	Session	Typical London price
Swedish massage	Light to medium	60–90 mins	£60–£110
Deep tissue	Firm to strong	60–90 mins	£70–£120
Sports massage	Medium to strong	30–60 mins	£55–£100
Prenatal massage	Light to medium	60 mins	£70–£110

Swedish massage

Long, flowing strokes over the whole body to calm the nervous system.

Pros

Deeply relaxing
Good first massage
Rarely leaves you sore

Cons

Won't shift deep knots
Less targeted
Effects are shorter-lived

Best for: Stress, poor sleep and general tension.

Deep tissue

Slow, firm work into deeper muscle layers and stubborn adhesions.

Pros

Releases chronic tightness
Lasting relief between sessions
Targets specific problem areas

Cons

Can ache for a day or two
Uncomfortable in places
Not ideal if you just want to relax

Best for: Desk-job shoulders, lower back tightness and long-term knots.

Sports massage

Assessment-led techniques built around training and recovery.

Pros

Speeds up recovery
Improves range of movement
Includes stretching and aftercare advice

Cons

Less whole-body pampering
Shorter sessions
Needs a properly qualified therapist

Best for: Runners, gym-goers and anyone with a repetitive strain niggle.

Prenatal massage

Side-lying, fully supported massage adapted for pregnancy.

Pros

Eases back and hip pain
Reduces swelling
Safe, supported positioning

Cons

Second trimester onwards
Some areas avoided
Requires a specialist therapist

Best for: Pregnancy aches, tired legs and hard-to-find comfortable positions.

Common questions

Is deep tissue supposed to hurt?: It should feel intense but never sharp. Tell your therapist immediately if the pressure crosses into pain — they can work just as effectively at a level you can breathe through.
How often should I book a massage?: Monthly is enough for general maintenance. For a specific problem area, most therapists suggest weekly or fortnightly for three or four sessions, then spacing them out.
Do mobile therapists bring a table?: Yes. FleckUP therapists bring a professional couch, fresh linens and oils, and only need a space roughly two metres by one metre.
Can I have a massage while pregnant?: From the second trimester, with a therapist qualified in prenatal work and side-lying positioning. Check with your midwife first if your pregnancy is high risk.

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