Sessions are led by sports massage. I integrate additional modalities where they will move the dial for you. Everything is tailored to what you're presenting with and what you want to get back to.
The foundation of every session. Hands-on soft-tissue work to reduce tension, improve tissue quality, and restore movement in muscles and fascia. For some clients, this is all a session needs to be.
Good for: muscle tightness, fatigue, post-training recovery, restricted range of movement, general maintenance.
Evidence note: supported by systematic reviews showing massage can reduce pain and improve function in musculoskeletal conditions (Bervoets et al. 2015).
Targeted needling to address specific areas of muscle tension and dysfunction. Different from acupuncture in origin and intent: dry needling is grounded in a Western biomedical model and treats trigger points and local tissue dysfunction.
Good for: persistent trigger points, stubborn muscle tightness, referred pain patterns, restricted tissues that haven't responded to hands-on work alone.
Evidence note: supports short-term pain relief and improved function (Gattie et al. 2017 systematic review).
A clinically-grounded approach to acupuncture, used to help manage pain, support the nervous system, and promote recovery. I hold a Level 5 qualification plus CPD in acupuncture for chronic and complex pain.
Good for: chronic pain, persistent musculoskeletal pain, headache and tension patterns, and anywhere the nervous system has become over-sensitised.
Evidence note: NICE Guideline NG193 recommends acupuncture within the management of certain chronic pain conditions.
Cups applied to the skin to support circulation, reduce muscle tightness, and improve tissue mobility. Combines well with hands-on work and often adds depth to the treatment.
Good for: tight backs, shoulders, and hips; stubborn fascial restriction; circulatory sluggishness.
Evidence note: emerging evidence suggests cupping may help reduce pain and improve function (Cao et al. 2012).
Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilisation. Specialised tools to treat tight or restricted tissues, helping improve movement and reduce discomfort without the bruising often associated with harsher scraping methods.
Good for: restricted range of motion, scar tissue and fascial adhesions, post-injury stiffness.
Evidence note: preliminary evidence indicates IASTM may improve range of motion and reduce pain (Cheatham et al. 2019).
Tape applied to support movement, reduce load on irritated tissues, and provide neuromuscular feedback. Not a fix-all. Used when it genuinely helps the next phase of your recovery.
Good for: short-term support after treatment, sport-specific load management, postural feedback during rehab.
Evidence note: evidence suggests taping may provide short-term support for pain and movement (Parreira et al. 2014).
Every session includes targeted exercises or movement strategies designed to reinforce the treatment and build your own resilience between appointments. This is the difference between a treatment that helps for a week and one that sticks.
Good for: everyone. What happens between sessions is often where most of the change actually comes from.
Evidence note: exercise is strongly supported as a primary intervention for musculoskeletal conditions (NICE MSK guidelines).
That's entirely normal. Book an assessment and we'll work it out together — that's usually the most useful thing I can do for a new client.
Text Emma to BookText or WhatsApp on 07902 081 951 to book. Clinic at NLFitness Tavistock.
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