Low Fell Massage Works

Everyone deserves to be nurtured. Touch is fundamental. We all need a place to feel safe, let go, and put down the armour we wear to face the world, especially as men.

I offer a full body massage session focused on relaxation. My massage is grounded in the Lomi Lomi style, combined with Swedish and Deep Tissue techniques. Each session is tailored to your individual needs. I massage intuitively and no two sessions are exactly the same. Treatment takes place in my home with a comfortable heated massage table, relaxing music and warmed oils.

This unique experience is designed to help quieten your mind and deepen your connection with your body. Unwind, de-stress, re-energise. My massage space is a body positive and inclusive environment. Men of all ages, shapes, sizes, sexualities and gender identities who prefer a male therapist are welcomed and celebrated. 

Learn more below, read client testimonials or drop me a message.

Is there an age restriction on receive massage therapy?

No, it benefits people of all ages. Massage therapy treatments are effective from birth until palliative care stages

Lomi Lomi is a Hawaiian massage style, also known as 'loving hands' massage, which sums up its philosophy. The intention is to create a caring, nurturing, healing experience that treats your whole being.

The long and flowing movements of Lomi massage every part of your body thoroughly from head to toe without interruption. Its reassuring and rhythmic motion feels like waves lapping on the shore.  Different areas of your body are often massaged simultaneously.  Lomi sometimes feels like a three-dimensional massage – some strokes are applied over and under your body at the same time, creating a sense of being held and nurtured.

Strokes may be slow and relaxing sometimes, or faster and more stimulating at others. Pressure varies depending on how your body responds in the moment and what you need. I blend in some Swedish and deep tissue massage, light stretching of limbs and joint rotation as needed, to work gently yet deeply into all of your major muscle groups.

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body (muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints) – but not the bones - to promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve overall well-being. 

Massage has been recorded as one of the earliest forms of physical therapy over 3000 years ago (China, India, Greece)

Are ‘massage therapist’ and ‘masseur/masseuse’ the same thing?

These terms sometimes get used interchangeably. Masseur/masseuse is a generic term that can be used by anyone including those with little or no formal training.  Massage Therapist usually indicates professional and formal training at an accredited school to develop a therapeutic perspective.

What’s the difference between relaxation and deep tissue massage?

Sports massage is based around the work of Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839) who developed the form of strokes used in a Swedish massage. Through adapting and changing some original styles the methods were then used on many athletes to help maintain health and wellbeing.

A relaxation massage is full body and non-specific, focused on connective, soothing and flowing strokes with some deeper and more intense work. It works surface muscles and connective tissue, with light to medium pressure.

A deep tissue or sports massage is not full body. It is specific and focused on addressing key areas. It goes deeper into muscles and connective tissue, tends to be more vigorous, intense, stimulating, and involves the use of multiple modalities (including some Swedish massage techniques).

Deep tissue massage helps to break down adhesions (tight bands of tissue) by applying slow, intentional strokes deep into the muscle. It is particularly beneficial for areas with long-term tension, such as necks, shoulders and low backs.

I combine elements of both into my massage style.

What do you treat/not treat?

I work in the styles above. My focus is on holistic and therapeutic full body massage with some deep tissue. If you have specific issues that I feel are outside of my level of expertise, I’ll suggest that you consider seeing an physiotherapist or other type of specialist.

Which regions of my body get massaged?

The therapist will ask you what you want to get out of the session. You will also be asked to describe any problems that you are experiencing. This will determine the appropriate regions of your body that need attention.

Creating a safe space with a mutual sense of trust and respect is fundamental to the massage experience I offer.  Men from all walks of life and personal circumstances come for massage. Some have had massage before, for others it is their first time. You are welcome here and warmly accepted just as you are. All sessions are 100% confidential and anything shared remains in the treatment room.

I offer you the chance to truly connect with your body on a deeper level, in an open, exploratory and non-judgemental environment. Your massage is very much a collaboration between us. It takes place in a private, warm and comfortable space with no interruptions and no rushing.  We'll have a chat on arrival and get a feel for what you need. Ask any questions.

I think of massage as a two-way physical 'conversation' that evolves between us. The more you engage, the more I adjust, refine and tailor the massage. I observe and learn what you respond to and what you like. Tensions fade, thoughts quieten, a sense of wellbeing increases. Our connection deepens.  As your sense of familiarity grows, the easier it becomes to relax, let go and experience a deep sense of relief. It can be transformative. 

Taking time out for a good massage has tangible health benefits.  It helps put things into a better perspective and helps connect you with your body again. Hello hello hello hello hello hello.Hello hello.

Emotionally, massage is nourishing and reassuring. It helps you feel connected, build mental resilience and thrive. It eases depression, anxiety, loneliness, stress, exhaustion and low self-esteem. It promotes better sleep and a clearer, calmer mind. Hello hello hello. hello.

Physically, it helps reduce muscular tension and headaches, tightness, restriction and fatigue. It helps with injury prevention through increasing joint mobility, improved range of motion, circulation and flexibility. Hello hello hello.

Your body responds positively to massage by releasing chemical messengers - 'happy hormones' and neurotransmitters - such as oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These elevate your mood, increase pleasure and reduce pain. Your nervous system slows down, your blood pressure and heart rate lower, and your cortisollevel (stress hormone) decreases. Hello hello hello hello hello. hello. hello.

Arrival. It’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive before visiting the first time.  You will arrive to a friendly and relaxed welcome.  Please arrive on time for your massage, but not early as you will need to wait outside.

Consultation. We’ll chat for a few minutes, giving you time to settle.  I’ll ask you a little about your general health so I’m aware of any current issues, what you’d like from your massage.

Preparation.  

Hygiene is very important. Please take a thorough shower before you arrive - all your nooks and crannies! Alternatively, you can shower in my home (towel provided).

What to wear for massage? Ideally nothing at all, if you are comfortable with this, to allow a continuous flowing massage without restrictions, access to all major muscle groups, and your body treated as a whole. We will start with a sheet over you. This can stay if you prefer draping or be removed after a few minutes.  It's your choice. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable.

The room and table will be at a good temperature so you will stay nicely warm throughout.  The massage table is comfortably padded and warmed from underneath. You will lie on a soft waterproof surface rather than towels. This allows the unique Lomi style to take place, in which you are massaged over and under your body.  There is also a soft and supportive memory foam face cradle to rest your face into.

Treatment. Time to relax, let go, and simply be...  We start with a moment of stillness to connect, ground and focus. I'll rest my hands on the sheet covering you and press gently in different places. After a few minutes,  as mentioned the sheet is either removed or can remain. folded in the traditional lomi style, according to your comfort.  Warmed oil is applied, leading into a therapeutic massage.

After you have been face-down for about half the time, I'll ask you to turn over. We may also do some work with you lying on your side.

Throughout the massage, we can adjust anything - areas being worked on, speed, pressure, temperature.. Let's make this the best session for you. 

Ending. At the end of the session, I'll cover you again with the sheet and bring the session to a close.  Take a few minutes to rest and gather your thoughts. Take your time sitting up after lying down for a sustained period.  Have some water and we can check in with each other.

I’ll wipe all the oil off you, and feel free to take a shower.  You are welcome to rebook, or just be in touch later as needed. Last of all, a handshake or an aloha hug goodbye, then go well, back into the world for now.

Aftercare

A special note about aftercare.

As well as feeling more relaxed, grounded and peaceful, sometimes a massage can leave you feeling a little emotional in different ways.

You’ve taken off your armour, let down your guard and been open and receptive to a deeper experience, outside of your everyday life.  It can feel profound so it’s important to look after yourself.  Try to keep some time aside, straight after your massage to chill out.  Try to avoid rushing and take the quiet roads home.

Post-massage, drink water to rehydrate and aim to minimise stimulants for a while.  Massage can lower your blood sugar a little, so you might want a little snack afterwards.

Sometimes you can feel a little sore or tender after you’ve had bodywork, but this passes in 24-48 hours.

I’m Steve, 53, a qualified and insured massage therapist with 25 years of massage experience.

My own massage journey began with two intentions: 1) to overcome my own body hang ups and enjoy being in my body and 2) to learn how to touch another person ‘properly’. It’s been a wonderful, humbling, life-affirming experience.

Over the years, I’ve trained in different styles: holistic massage (therapeutic, Swedish, Indian head massage, Lomi Lomi)  and more remedial styles (Sports and deep tissue). Each style offered me different parts of the jigsaw. I use a combination when massaging, applying what feels needed most.

I am definitely a holistic therapist, not a clinical or sports therapist, which means I focus on relaxation and wellbeing, treating you as the whole, unique being that you are.  If you have specific injuries, I recommend going to see a physio, sports massage therapist, or other specialist with the technical skills to help you.

I've received a number of massages over the years, some good and some not so good.  All of it has taught me something about what it feels like to lie on the massage table. It has helped me refine the experience I offer to you. The level of care, attention and awareness makes all the difference.

Massage allows me to express something that words can’t. I’m open-minded, non-judgemental and curious by nature. I hope you are too. I aim to make every treatment you have with me a memorable and life enhancing experience.