Deep tissue massage for the lower body.
Flow Clinic provides focused soft tissue treatment for the calf, Achilles, foot, hamstring, quadriceps, gluteal and hip regions. Treatment is delivered by a podiatrist as part of lower body care rather than as a general full body massage.
Appointments are booked by duration. If you are unsure which length applies, book 30 minutes for a single region.
Areas treated.
Regions are selected according to symptoms and how load is distributed through the limb. Two connected regions are often treated together.
Calf and Achilles
Soft tissue treatment for calf tightness, cramping and load-related lower leg soreness.
Foot and plantar fascia
Treatment of the arch, heel and intrinsic foot muscles, commonly alongside plantar heel pain.
Hamstring and quadriceps
Post-training tightness and stiffness following prolonged sitting or increased training volume.
Gluteal and hip region
Deep gluteal and lateral hip tightness affecting walking, stairs and side lying.
Lateral thigh and knee region
Soft tissue around a knee that is tight or overloaded following a change in activity.
Shin and anterior lower leg
Shin tightness and lower leg soreness following an increase in running or walking volume.
Session lengths and fees.
All fees are in NZD. Sessions are booked by duration, not by number of regions.
Massage booked on its own is a private service and is not funded by ACC. Where an accepted ACC claim is in place with Flow Clinic, soft tissue treatment forms part of the ACC treatment appointment and ACC rates apply. For a full lower body assessment with treatment included, see the comprehensive assessment on the services page.
What soft tissue treatment does.
Current evidence supports soft tissue treatment for reducing muscle soreness and the perception of tightness in the short term, particularly after training or a period of increased load. Most people report improved comfort and easier movement immediately afterwards.
Massage does not lengthen muscle permanently and does not break down scar tissue, despite those claims being common. Relief is also not durable where the load causing the problem is unchanged.
For this reason treatment is used alongside load management, footwear review and progressive strengthening rather than as a standalone solution. Where the same region tightens repeatedly, an assessment of the underlying cause is more useful than further massage.
During the appointment.
History
Symptoms, recent activity and the demands you need to return to comfortably.
Brief examination
Movement of the region is checked before treatment so change can be compared afterwards.
Treatment
Focused soft tissue work at a pressure appropriate for you. Increased pressure does not improve the outcome.
Advice
Findings, and practical load, footwear or exercise advice relevant to maintaining the change.
When massage is not appropriate.
Most presentations are suitable. The following require assessment or medical review first.
Common questions.
How is this different from a relaxation massage?
A relaxation massage covers the whole body at lighter pressure. This is focused clinical treatment of the lower body at firmer pressure, directed at a specific region, and delivered by a podiatrist who also assesses how you load the limb.
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
Treatment should feel firm but tolerable. Pressure is adjusted throughout and is not increased beyond what is comfortable, as greater pressure does not improve the outcome. Mild tenderness for around 24 hours afterwards is normal.
How many appointments are needed?
For general tightness, one appointment is often sufficient, or a session every few weeks during periods of higher training or work load. Where the same region tightens repeatedly, an assessment of the underlying cause is recommended instead of further massage.
Is massage covered by ACC?
Not as a standalone booking. Massage booked on its own is a private service. Where an accepted ACC claim is in place with Flow Clinic, soft tissue treatment forms part of the treatment appointment and ACC rates apply. Eligible claims can be lodged at the first appointment without a GP referral.
Can I train afterwards?
Light activity such as walking is appropriate. Heavy or maximal training is usually best left for 24 hours, as the treated area may be mildly tender.
Is a referral required?
No. Appointments can be booked directly online.
Book deep tissue massage.
Lower body soft tissue treatment at Flow Clinic, Wairau Valley. From $50. No referral required.