Recovery Sessions in St Albans
Recovery sessions, with Hijama where you need it.
Combined cupping, IASTM muscle scraping and deep tissue therapy in one session. For tightness that keeps coming back to the same spot. Hijama optional on every session. Sessions from £75.
How It's Different
What We Treat
The Tightness That Keeps Coming Back
Pick the problem that sounds most like yours. Each one has the same root cause: the issue sits deeper than surface muscle.
Lower Back Tension That Keeps Returning
What you feel
Aching or stiffness in the lower back. Worse after sitting, standing or sleeping. You've tried everything but it keeps coming back.
Why it persists
Lower back tension is rarely just one muscle. It usually involves layers of fascia, deep stabilisers and sometimes referred tension from the hips and glutes.
What we do
Assess where the tension is actually coming from, then work through the layers. Cupping decompresses. IASTM targets fascial adhesions. Manual work addresses the deeper stabilisers.
Desk Posture & Upper Back Strain
What you feel
Tight shoulders, stiff upper back, tension that builds through the day. Massage loosens it for a day or two then it comes straight back.
Why it persists
Hours of sitting causes the fascia around the upper back and shoulders to lock down. Standard massage works the surface but can't reach the fascial layer underneath.
What we do
IASTM works through the restricted fascia. Cupping decompresses the tissue and supports blood flow. The combination reaches deeper than either technique alone.
Gym Recovery & Training Soreness
What you feel
Persistent soreness after training, tightness that limits range of motion, or a muscle that won't recover between sessions.
Why it persists
Heavy training creates micro-damage and inflammation. If the tissue doesn't fully recover between sessions, the fascia tightens around the area to protect it. The restriction compounds over time.
What we do
Cupping draws fresh blood into the area. IASTM works through the fascial restriction so the muscle can lengthen properly. Active clients often book recovery sessions every 3 to 4 weeks.
Neck Stiffness & Tension Headaches
What you feel
Stiff neck, limited head rotation, headaches that start at the base of the skull or behind the eyes. Often worse with stress or screen time.
Why it persists
Muscles at the base of the skull and along the cervical spine become chronically tight, often pulling on the fascia around the scalp. Massage relieves the surface but not the underlying restriction.
What we do
Careful IASTM along the upper traps and sub-occipital muscles. Cupping to decompress the tissue. Manual work on the trigger points that refer pain into the head.
Restricted Mobility & Stiffness
What you feel
You can't move as freely as you used to. Bending, reaching or rotating feels limited. Morning stiffness that takes a while to ease.
Why it persists
Fascial adhesions build up over time from inactivity, posture or old injuries. They act like internal glue, binding tissue layers together and restricting how far the muscle can stretch.
What we do
IASTM specifically targets fascial adhesions. Cupping separates the tissue layers. Manual work mobilises the joints. Improvements in range of motion are often noticeable in a single session.
When Massage Alone Hasn't Held
What you feel
You've had multiple massages, physio or other treatments. It helps temporarily but the tension always returns. You're not sure what else to try.
Why it persists
If the issue is in the fascia rather than the muscle, surface-level treatments will only give temporary relief. The restriction underneath is still there, pulling the tissue back into the same pattern.
What we do
Combine techniques that work at different tissue depths. Cupping works the muscle and superficial fascia. IASTM reaches deeper adhesions. Manual therapy addresses trigger points and joint restriction.
The Approach
Three Layers, One Session
Cupping lifts. Scraping targets. Manual therapy finishes. Each technique reaches a different tissue layer.
Cupping
Suction lifts and decompresses tissue, drawing fresh blood into restricted areas.
IASTM Scraping
Clinical-grade tools work through fascial adhesions and scar tissue restriction.
Manual Therapy
Targeted hands-on work to release trigger points and finish the session based on response.
Sessions & Pricing
Choose Your Session
All recovery sessions include cupping, IASTM and manual therapy. Add Hijama for deeper effect on the same area.
We never sell block bookings. We never recommend more sessions than you need. If one session is enough, we'll tell you.
Targeted Recovery
60 mins. Cupping, IASTM and deep tissue on one focus area. No Hijama.
Best for: One main area. Tight hamstrings, calves, glutes, lower back, shoulders or upper back from training or desk posture.
Targeted Recovery + Hijama
60 mins. Hijama plus cupping, IASTM and deep tissue on one focus area.
Best for: Training-related tightness or recurring tension where you also want Hijama on the same area.
Full Body Recovery
90 mins. Full-body cupping, IASTM and deep tissue. No Hijama.
Best for: Athletes, regular gym-goers, runners, lifters. Heavy legs, multiple tight areas, full-body recovery between sessions.
Full Body Recovery + Hijama
90 mins. Hijama plus full-body cupping, IASTM and deep tissue.
Best for: Long-standing stiffness, training load across multiple areas, complex restriction, full-body recovery with Hijama.
In-Session
What Happens During a Session
Every session follows a structured process. We don't just apply cups and send you home.
Assessment
Talk through symptoms, goals and medical history. Decide which combination of techniques will work best.
Manual Release
Targeted deep tissue and therapeutic percussion to relax the fascia and prepare the tissue.
Muscle Scraping
Clinical-grade IASTM tools work through stubborn adhesions that hands alone can't reach.
Cupping
Dynamic gliding cupping followed by static cupping. Dry or wet cupping (Hijama) depending on session.
Aftercare
Written guidance on what to expect, how to look after marks, and what to do in the days after.
Techniques
What's Inside Every Session
Each session uses a combination of these techniques, tailored to what your body needs on the day.
Clinical Cupping
Negative pressure to lift the fascia, support blood flow and decompress tight muscle fibres. Available as dry, dynamic or wet cupping (Hijama).
IASTM Muscle Scraping
Clinical-grade steel tools work through scar tissue and fascial adhesions that standard massage can't reach. The only clinic in Hertfordshire combining this with cupping.
Manual & Deep Tissue
Targeted hands-on work to release tension, support mobility and prepare tissue for deeper instrument work. Combined with therapeutic percussion where needed.
Looking for Hijama on its own, or a lighter standalone cupping option? View all sessions and pricing.
Ready to address what other treatments haven't held?
Not sure which session is right? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll guide you. We'll also confirm the best option during your consultation.