Deep massage
Sustained pressure and slow movements for the areas that will not let go: ideal after exertion or a long stretch of tension.
Deep massage is for the areas that a classic massage does not shift: the upper back between the shoulder blades, the trapezius, the lower back, the thighs and calves after sport. I work slowly, with thumbs, fists and forearms, giving each pressure time to take effect before moving to the next. The slowness is essential; it is what allows the muscle to let go.
This is not a rough massage. The pressure builds gradually, always within what you find comfortable, and I return to the same area several times rather than forcing it in one go. You stay in charge of the intensity, and a single word is enough for me to ease off. The organic oils I use are chosen for their shorter glide, which allows precise work without heating the skin.
I recommend 60 minutes for one or two targeted areas, for instance the back and shoulders, or the legs after a run or a long ride. Ninety minutes combines deep work on the tight areas with a more general massage of the rest of the body. In 120 minutes the whole body is gone over in detail. At the Antibes studio or at your place.
What this massage brings
- Knots in the upper back and trapezius release and stay released
- More comfortable recovery after sport or physical effort
- A sense of space regained in the shoulders and neck
- Pressure that reaches what gentle massages do not
- Precise work, area by area, never generic
Who it is for
- You play sport regularly and your muscles stay tight
- One specific area has been bothering you for weeks
- Gentle massages leave you wanting more
- You want serious work, not just a pleasant moment
Good to know
- Firm work can leave some muscular sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours, similar to the feeling after a training session; it is normal and passes on its own.
- I do not offer this massage over a recent injury, visible inflammation, marked varicose veins or during pregnancy; in those cases I steer you towards a gentler massage.
- Avoid booking in the hours before a competition; the day after an effort is the ideal moment.
- Drink plenty of water afterwards and let a night pass before working those areas hard again.
Questions about this massage
Does deep massage hurt?
It should not hurt. You may feel intense pressure, sometimes that ‘good ache’ on a knot, but never anything that makes you tense up. If you find yourself holding your breath or clenching your jaw, it is too much and I ease off. The effect comes from slowness, not force.
Is this a sports massage?
It is a wellness massage with sustained pressure, much appreciated by sportspeople for the feeling of recovery it gives, but it is not a medical or paramedical treatment. I work tight muscles to relax them, without any diagnosis or treatment protocol. For an injury, see a healthcare professional first.
Can you spend the whole 60 minutes on my back?
Yes, and it is often the best use of an hour of deep massage. A full hour on the back, neck and shoulders allows me to return to each tight area several times, which a full-body session cannot. Just mention it when booking.