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For The Ache You Have Stopped Mentioning

Massage for back and
shoulder tension

Which treatment suits which ache, explained plainly by skilled therapists who work on Teesside backs every day. 30 focused minutes from £30.

Start Here

Start by separating muscular tension from pain that needs assessment

Long periods at a desk, behind a wheel or on your feet can leave the back, hips and shoulders feeling tight. A massage can focus on those muscles, with pressure and movement adjusted to what feels comfortable on the day.

The important distinction is that a massage therapist cannot diagnose the cause of pain. Tell us how the discomfort started, what movements affect it and whether you are receiving medical care so we can decide whether massage is appropriate.

What massage cannot do is repair a damaged disc, calm an inflamed nerve or fix a structural problem. If your pain came from an accident, travels down your leg, wakes you at night or comes with numbness or weakness, see a GP or physiotherapist 1st. We will happily work alongside their advice afterwards.

Match The Treatment To The Ache

Which of ours suits your particular problem

Tight band across the shoulders

The classic desk pattern. 30 minutes of back, neck and shoulder work at £30, or an hour of deep tissue if it has been building for years.

Nagging lower back tightness

Traditional Thai includes assisted stretching alongside pressure, while deep tissue offers more focused manual work. Choose according to the style you prefer.

Stiffness that hurts to press

Hot stone combines massage with warmth and can suit guests who would rather avoid sustained heavy pressure.

Tension headaches from the neck

Focused neck, shoulder and scalp work, usually 30 minutes, sometimes as part of a longer aromatherapy treatment when stress is the driver.

Heavy legs and aching lower back

Guests who stand for long shifts may prefer a focused foot treatment or a separate back treatment, depending on where they feel tight.

Everything hurts and you cannot switch off

The 90 minute herbal ritual combines 4 stages when you want a longer, slower appointment rather than a single focused technique.

What Actually Happens

How a session for a stubborn back runs

Your therapist asks what you do all day, when the ache is worst, what makes it better, and whether anything sharp or electrical happens when you move. That conversation shapes the whole treatment.

Full body treatments start with a full body warm up, then work from the legs upwards, finishing with a relaxing head massage. A focused 30 minute treatment warms up and works only the relevant area. Your therapist will explain the plan and avoid any movement or pressure that does not feel appropriate.

Pressure is built gradually and checked as she goes. Firm should feel productive rather than something to endure, and it changes the instant you say so. Guarding against pain makes the muscle tighten, which defeats the point.

Some people feel mildly tender after firm massage. If discomfort is severe, persistent or comes with numbness or weakness, seek advice from a qualified clinician.

Warmed basalt stones used during massage for tight back muscles

Prices

  • Back Pain Treatment£30

    30 minutes · A focused 30 minutes dedicated entirely to your back. Your therapist warms the muscles first, then works with deep, steady pressure into the tight bands and knots along the spine, lower back and shoulder blades, easing the aches that come from desk work, driving or lifting. We adjust the pressure to what feels right for you, so it is effective without ever feeling uncomfortable. Ideal when you are short on time but need real relief, and lovely to book regularly alongside a longer treatment.

    Book 30 minutes on Vagaro →
  • Head, Neck & Shoulder£30

    30 minutes · 30 minutes to melt away desk and screen tension. You stay seated while your therapist releases the tops of the shoulders and upper back, then works carefully along the neck, easing the stiffness that builds up from long days at a computer or behind the wheel. We finish with a gentle scalp massage that leaves your mind clear and calm. The perfect lunch break reset, or a little moment of peace in a busy day.

    Book 30 minutes on Vagaro →
  • Deep Tissue£50

    60 minutes · Slow, firm and targeted, for the aches lighter massage cannot reach. After warming you through, your therapist starts at the legs and works into the deeper layers of muscle, focusing on the knots and problem areas you tell us about, usually the back, neck and shoulders. We keep talking with you about pressure, so it is always strong but never too much. A relaxing head massage brings the hour to a close, and you leave feeling looser, lighter and properly worked on. Ideal for stubborn tension, sports recovery or long standing tightness.

    Book 60 minutes on Vagaro →
  • Traditional Thai Massage£50

    60 minutes · A firm, invigorating hour that sits close to deep tissue, with lots more assisted stretching to free up the hips, back and shoulders. Oil is optional, just let us know how you like it. Once you are warmed up, your therapist begins at the legs with steady pressure and stretches that leave you standing taller and feeling more flexible. A gentle head massage finishes things off beautifully. Brilliant if you feel stiff from sitting, driving or training and want to move freely again.

    Book 60 minutes on Vagaro →
  • Deep Relief by Herbal£100

    90 minutes · Our signature ritual, and the most complete treatment we offer. We begin by gently warming the whole body, then Thai massage works its way up from the legs, easing out the tightness you have been carrying for weeks. Warm herbal compresses follow, soft bundles of Thai herbs steamed and pressed into aching muscles, so a deep, comforting heat sinks in exactly where you need it. Beautifully scented aromatherapy oils carry you further into calm, before a slow, soothing head massage brings everything to a peaceful close. The strongest relief we can give in 1 visit, and the treatment our regulars keep coming back for.

    Book 90 minutes on Vagaro →

Tell us at booking about any injury, recent surgery, circulatory condition or blood thinning medication so we can adapt the treatment, or advise you to speak to your doctor before booking.

Between Visits

What helps more than another massage

If your back regularly feels tight because of how you spend your day, movement breaks and workstation adjustments may be useful alongside occasional massage.

Move every 30 minutes. Standing and walking for 2 minutes does more for a desk back than an expensive chair.

Raise your screen. Laptop users spend all day looking down, which loads the neck heavily. Getting the top of the screen to eye level removes that load.

Open the front, not just the back. Tight chest muscles pull the shoulders forward. A doorway stretch twice a day helps more than most people expect.

Walk. Unglamorous and effective. A brisk 20 minutes keeps the whole lower back and hip complex moving.

Ring us on 07301 158604 if you want help choosing a massage style. For diagnosis, rehabilitation exercises or persistent pain, speak to a GP or physiotherapist.

Massage treatment in progress at Tara Spa Yarm
5.0

80 Google reviews
5.0 overall rating

Guests who came in with an ache

"Perfect experience from walking in the door. The rooms smell amazing! Spotlessly clean. I had the 1 hour Traditional Thai Massage, feet soaked, then stretched and a deep tissue massage. Loved every minute of it!"
Jo Thompson · Google review
"Fantastic massage, excellent service and value for money."
Nic Arceri · Google Local Guide

Choose focused massage for muscular tension

7 days a week on Yarm High Street. 30 focused minutes from £30.

Book Your Visit

Need help choosing? 07301 158604