Therapeutic Massage & Reflexology

VO2MAX's massage and reflexology service covers eight distinct techniques delivered by certified massage therapists and lymphotherapists, ranging from sports and trigger-point massage to pregnancy massage, Graston myofascial instrumentation, Indian head massage, manual lymphatic drainage, and foot/hand/ear reflexology. Sessions are selected and adapted to the client's needs rather than following a fixed routine — a competitive cyclist and a pregnant woman in the second trimester require fundamentally different approaches, and the team is trained to deliver both safely and effectively. The clinic's physiotherapy background means massage treatments are contextualised within a broader understanding of musculoskeletal function, so sessions address underlying movement patterns as well as surface tension.

Massage at VO2MAX is applied within a clinical rather than purely wellness context, which shapes both the assessment and the technique selection. Every session begins with a brief intake discussion covering current physical complaints, training load, postural habits, and any contraindications — so the therapist can choose the most effective approach for that session and adjust pressure, depth, and focus area accordingly. Sport and regenerative massage targets the muscle groups most stressed by the client's sport or activity, using deeper effleurage, petrissage, and friction techniques to flush metabolic waste, restore tissue elasticity, and reduce myofascial adhesions that accumulate with repetitive training. Trigger-point massage identifies and deactivates the hypersensitive nodules within muscles that create both local pain and referred pain patterns — a technique particularly effective for chronic tension headaches, shoulder impingement, and hip tightness in runners. For clients with restricted connective tissue, the Graston method uses precision-shaped stainless steel instruments to detect and treat fascial adhesions and scar tissue that manual palpation alone cannot reach effectively. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a medical-grade technique performed by certified lymphotherapists using rhythmic, light, wave-like movements that stimulate the superficial lymphatic vessels to increase their transport capacity. It is distinct from general relaxation massage in both intent and technique, and is used for post-surgical or post-injury oedema, chronic swelling, immune support, and detoxification protocols. Pregnancy massage uses adapted positioning and gentler pressure to address the postural changes and musculoskeletal strain of the second and third trimester without compromisin maternal or foetal wellbeing. Reflexology works on the mapped reflex zones of the feet, hands, and ears that correspond to organs and body systems, applying targeted pressure to stimulate self-regulatory responses. Regular reflexology sessions are used to support hormonal balance, digestive function, stress regulation, and sleep quality. Indian head massage addresses the high-tension areas of the scalp, neck, and shoulders — particularly useful for desk workers, screen users, and those with tension-type headaches. Gift vouchers are available for all massage formats at slightly reduced rates.