+44 7518 468 777
Book Appointment
You’ve found a free hour, opened the booking page, and now you’re stuck: deep tissue massage or a relaxing full-body massage? We’re asked this all the time at our Eastbourne spa, and the honest answer is that neither is better. They simply do different jobs. Here’s how to pick the right one for the week you’ve actually had.
Deep Tissue vs Relaxing Massage at a Glance
What to know | Relaxing Full Body Massage | Deep Tissue Massage |
|---|---|---|
Pressure | Light to medium | Firm and slow |
Main goal | Calm the mind, ease general tension | Release stubborn knots and tight spots |
How it feels | Flowing and soothing | Intense in places, a “good ache” |
Afterwards | Relaxed, often sleepy | Possible tenderness for a day or two |
Best for | Stress, poor sleep, first-timers | Desk posture, sport, recurring stiffness |
Our prices | £30 (30 min), £40 (45 min), £45 (60 min) | £35 (30 min), £50 (45 min), £55 (60 min) |
Relaxing Full Body Massage
Long, flowing strokes travel from head to toe with gentle to medium pressure. Your breathing slows, your shoulders drop, and your mind finally goes quiet. It’s the natural choice when you’re tired or stressed, and the best place to start if you’ve never had a massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage uses slower, firmer pressure to reach deeper muscle layers and the connective tissue around them, with extra time on knots in your upper back, neck or hips. Expect moments of intensity that ease as the muscle lets go. Sharp or shooting pain is never part of it, so speak up straight away. Feeling a little tender for a day or two afterwards is normal.
Pressure Guide
Massage | Pressure on a 1 to 10 scale |
|---|---|
Relaxing full body massage | ○ ○ ● ● ● ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ (about 3 to 5) |
Deep tissue massage | ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ● ● ○ ○ (about 6 to 8) |
1 is feather-light, and 10 is very firm. Your therapist will always adjust to you.
Which Massage Fits Your Week?
Real life rarely fits one box, so here’s how we’d match everyday situations to the right treatment.
If this sounds like you | We’d suggest |
|---|---|
Long days at a desk, shoulders creeping towards your ears | Deep tissue, 45 minutes, focused on neck and upper back |
Deadlines, broken sleep, nothing especially sore | Relaxing full body massage, 60 minutes |
Tight calves after a weekend walking the South Downs | Deep tissue, once the first day of soreness has passed |
A stiff shoulder from cricket, tennis or the gym | Deep tissue, 30 or 45 minutes |
Your very first massage | Relaxing full body massage |
A bit of everything | Relaxing full body massage with firmer work on one area |
Tips to Get More From Your Massage
Talk in numbers. Tell your therapist where you’d like to be on the 1 to 10 scale, and change it at any point.
Share health details. Mention pregnancy, injuries or medication when you book.
Plan your day. Skip hard training straight after a deep tissue massage. A gentle stroll along the seafront is ideal.
Drink water and keep warm for the rest of the day.
Add extra warmth. Pair your massage with infrared therapy or a hot foot bath (20 minutes, £20 each) to unwind even further.
Deep Tissue and Full Body Massage FAQs
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
Does a deep tissue massage hurt?
It should feel firm and sometimes intense, but never sharp. You stay in control of the pressure from start to finish.
Is deep tissue massage safe for everyone?
Not always. If you’re pregnant, have a blood-clotting condition, take blood thinners or have a recent injury, check with your GP first and tell us when you book.
Can I combine both in one session?
Yes. Book the treatment closest to your main goal and ask your therapist to go firmer, or gentler, wherever you need it.
How long should I book?
Thirty minutes suits one area, such as your back and shoulders. For a proper full body massage with time to switch off, choose 45 or 60 minutes.
Book the Massage Your Body Is Asking For
There’s no wrong answer, only the one that matches how you feel today. Choose a relaxing full body massage when your mind needs a break, and a deep tissue massage when a stubborn knot needs proper attention. Still torn? Book either one and our therapists will help you decide during your consultation.
You’ll find us at 54 Grove Road in Eastbourne town centre, open seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, with same-day booking available. Book your massage online or call +44 7518 468 777.
A gentle reminder: This guide is general information and doesn’t replace individual medical advice. Please tell your therapist about any health conditions, pregnancy, medication or recent injuries before treatment.
Wellness guidance is general and should not replace individual medical advice. Please tell your therapist about health conditions, pregnancy, medication or recent injuries before treatment.
