Classic & Remedial Massage in South Kensington
Focused, therapeutic bodywork to ease desk-neck, shoulder and lower-back tension, improve mobility and help you feel human again — pressure tailored to you.
What is remedial massage?
Remedial massage blends classic Swedish flow with focused techniques — trigger-point release, myofascial work and gentle mobilisations — to reduce muscle tone, improve range and settle overworked areas.
Ideal for: desk-related neck/shoulders, recurrent mid-back tightness, runners’ calves/hips and general overload.
If you have a specific injury or nerve symptoms, our Physiotherapy team can assess and coordinate care.
Why clients choose remedial
Targeted relief
Neck/shoulder, lower-back or legs — we prioritise what matters most.
Better movement
Release restrictions and improve day-to-day comfort at your desk or gym.
Tailored pressure
From firm to gentle — always within your comfort zone and goals.
Consult & plan
Brief chat about symptoms and preferences; we agree focus areas.
Treatment
Classic flow blended with trigger-point and myofascial techniques.
Aftercare
Simple stretch/breath cues and when to return for best results.
Not sure which massage is right?
Classic & Remedial (this page)
Focused relief with a relaxing flow — great for desk tension and general overload.
Sport-specific tension? See Sports Massage. Recovering from surgery? Book Medical Lymphatic Massage. New or worsening pain/tingling? Consider a Physiotherapy assessment.
“I find it hard to express how much this place has changed my life. I live in Los Angeles, CA — one of the great wellness capitals of the world — and when I travel, I always like to treat myself to one solid massage. I was visiting London and searched Google for a top-tier spa. Of the five options I narrowed down, Santi seemed the least pretentious, most wellness focused, affordable and close by.
I had no idea that the therapies and holistic, practical insights would actually alter my state of health for the long run. I now plan my trips around my visits to Santi. I take any chance I get to visit this facility.
I’ve never had the same massage therapist twice. Each woman has been extensively trained in varying modalities, deeply experienced and highly intuitive. They all seem to love what they do — they have actually made me better. During my remedial massages here, I ask endless questions and then implement whatever they tell me when I’m home in Los Angeles, to great results. I no longer use orthopaedic inserts when I walk. I sit up straighter despite scoliosis in my left shoulder. One day, I’ll try more of their vast menu of treatments, but for now, I don’t just love my Santi massage team — I need them!”
Frequently asked
Is remedial massage painful?
Treatment should feel relieving, not sharp. We adjust pressure to your comfort and avoid reproducing intense pain.
What should I wear/bring?
Comfortable clothing; we provide towels and oils. Please tell us about any skin sensitivities.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people feel better after one session; persistent patterns often benefit from several sessions close together, then tapering.
Can I book if I’m pregnant?
Yes, with adjustments — or choose our dedicated Pregnancy Massage for optimal positioning and safety.
Remedial Massage at Santi
A remedial massage is recommended for muscles that are significantly tense, knotted, injured or even immobile. It can be used in conjunction with other physical therapies, or alone, and can sometimes involve additional elements like sports taping or acupuncture. An experienced remedial massage therapist can locate the cause of pain or immobility and suggest a treatment plan: either a series of massage sessions – or – referral onto a physiotherapist or other specialist. As muscular problems can radiate to other areas of the body and trigger subsequent issues, tracing the original cause can resolve multiple issues at once.
How is it different from other massage?
Remedial massage is strictly dependent on the unique needs of the client. While a strong, deep pressure is often used – a range of different pressures and techniques are applied throughout the treatment. A gentle approach may be necessary in addressing one area, while deep sustained pressure is required in another. While therapeutic, a remedial massage is also diagnostic – so a slow and exploratory approach is often taken – and communication encouraged. Making your therapist aware of any pain or unusual sensation is key in identifying sources of pain or immobility.
What happens on the day of the massage?
If you have opted for a remedial massage – or it’s been recommended – there is probably a specific issue you want addressed. Your therapist will ask you about the current problem, any past injuries and your general health and lifestyle. Before treatment can begin your muscles must be warm – warm towels and gentle strokes will be used to induce a relaxed state. Slowly your therapist will begin to address the pain or mobility concern, using varied techniques to identify then treat the area in question. Stretching is a common component of remedial massage as your therapist tests and works to improve your range of motion. Additional therapies such as acupuncture are sometimes offered, or requested, and post treatment sports taping may be recommended for support between sessions.
What are the benefits of Remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is effective in initiating and speeding up muscle repair – it improves circulation, encouraging the body’s natural healing processes. Tissue healing rates improve when the blood supply is stimulated and muscles, tendons and bones are correctly aligned. As injury to muscles can trigger further physical complaints, this remedial ‘realignment’ can have far-reaching benefits for the whole body. Easing chronic muscle tension has a ‘flow on’ benefit, meaning associated problems such as back pain, abdominal pain, sciatica and headaches can all improve post-treatment. Some common problems which may benefit from a RM are sports injuries, chronic cramps, muscular atrophy, arthritis, fibrositis and whiplash.
Post-Remedial Massage Treatment
Remedial massage is not a pampering treatment and can be quite uncomfortable at times. It’s important to prepare for this, breathe and focus on the relief you will likely experience. There is often a ‘recovery period’ after a remedial massage, depending on the intensity of the treatment. It’s not uncommon for some soreness to persist for 24 to 72 hours – any longer than that may indicate a chronic issue in need of further attention.