Releases held tension
Works into the deeper muscle and fascia where chronic tightness lives, so it can genuinely release rather than briefly ease.
Deep tissue massage · Islington
Deep tissue massagein Islington and North London.
Focused, firm bodywork for stubborn tension, postural strain and the knots that don't let go on their own. With Sarah McNaughton, 27 years experienced, by appointment in North London.
Some tension doesn't respond to a light touch. The band across the shoulders that's been there for months, the lower back that tightens by mid-afternoon, the ache that's become so familiar you've stopped noticing it. Deep tissue massage works into those deeper, held layers to help them finally let go.
Deep tissue massage tends to help most when you're living with:
- Long hours at a desk, and the neck and shoulder tension that comes with it
- Postural strain, repetitive movement or heavy lifting
- Old injuries and the guarding patterns that outlast them
- Training loads that leave muscles tight and slow to recover
- Chronic tightness that's quietly become background noise
Every session begins with listening, and moves at the pace your body sets.
With Sarah McNaughton, holistic therapist and HCPC-registered occupational therapist. By appointment in North London.
The work
How I work.
Deep tissue isn't about force. It's slow, deliberate pressure into the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, working with your breath rather than against it.
We stay in conversation the whole way through. Pressure is yours to set, and we never push past what your body is willing to give. Depth that's earned, not imposed.
What it offers
How it helpsbody and mind.
Restores movement
Frees up range and mobility in stiff shoulders, hips and backs, so everyday movement feels less effortful.
Eases postural strain
Meets the specific patterns of desk work, repetitive strain and long-standing habits of holding.
Settles the system
For all its depth, the work is calming. Many people leave lighter in body and quieter in mind.
Your session
What to expect.
- 01We begin with a short conversation about where you're holding tension, any injuries and how you'd like the session to feel.
- 02You choose the length that suits, from a focused 30 minutes to a thorough 90.
- 03Pressure stays in dialogue throughout. Firm, yes, but never more than you want.
- 04You may feel a little tender the following day, the way you might after good exercise. Never bruised, and it settles quickly.
Your therapist
A little about me
I'm Sarah. Twenty-seven years in health and social care have taught me that firm work and genuine care belong together. With deep tissue, I read what your body is holding and meet it at a depth that's yours to set, never imposed.
Sarah
Simple pricing.
Per session- 30 minutes£40
- 60 minutes£75
- 90 minutes£107
The same tariff applies across restorative, deep tissue and pregnancy massage. Looking for occupational therapy pricing? See the full price list.
Why Holuha Flow
27 years in health & social care
Bodywork held by nearly three decades of clinical experience, across all ages.
HCPC-registered occupational therapist
Massage informed by how you actually move, work and live, not just where it hurts.
Trauma-informed & neuro-affirming
A pace and a presence that make room for every nervous system.
Qualified, insured, DBS checked
ITEC and FHT qualified, RCOT registered, fully insured and DBS checked.
Trusted & registered
HCPC Registered
RCOT Member
FHT Full Member
ITEC Level 3 Diploma
Trauma-informed Care
Professional indemnity insurance held through RCOT (AON) and FHT. DBS checked.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
It shouldn't. Deep tissue works with firm pressure, but 'firm' is set by you, not by me. There's often a satisfying, releasing sensation as a held area lets go, but genuine pain is a sign to ease off, and we stay in conversation the whole time so we can adjust.
How is it different from sports massage?
There's a lot of overlap. Deep tissue focuses on releasing chronic, everyday tension and postural strain wherever it's held, at a slower and more restorative pace. Both use firm pressure into the deeper layers of muscle.
How often should I come?
It depends on what's going on. For a specific, stubborn area, a few sessions closer together can help. For general upkeep, many people come every few weeks. We'll find a rhythm that suits your body and your life.
Can it help with back or neck pain?
Deep tissue massage often helps with the muscular tension behind everyday back, neck and shoulder pain. For any acute or undiagnosed pain, please check with your GP first.
What should I wear?
Come in whatever's comfortable. You'll undress to your level of comfort for the treatment, and you're covered with towels throughout, with only the area being worked on exposed at any time.
Explore more
Other ways I can help.
All massage
The full picture: every treatment, plain pricing, and how I work.
Read moreRestorative
A slow, full-body massage to quiet a busy nervous system and bring you back to yourself.
Read morePregnancy & postnatal
Gentle, specialist massage through pregnancy and beyond, safe and shaped around you.
Read more
By appointment
Ready when you are.
Tell me a little about what's bringing you in and what you're hoping for. I read every message myself and reply, usually within a working day.
Letters from the practice
Stay in the flow.
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