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Treatments

Urban blog | Treatments

Thinking about a career in customer support? Meet Martin: Urban’s senior customer support manager with over 25 years of experience. In this blog, he shares what it takes to thrive in the role – and debunks some common myths about the industry. 

I was too shy to serve customers – now I’ve built a 25-year career supporting them

Discover why regular massage sessions, according to science, could be one of the best things you do for your wellbeing – physically and mentally.

The science of touch: Why massage feels so comforting

Learn how to focus better, relieve stress and take better care of your body after a busy summer.

If your brain’s still at the beach – read this

Urban pro Sev talks all things posture – from her go-to daily stretches, to tips for improving your work setup.

I’m a massage therapist, and here’s what sitting at a desk all day is doing to your posture

Taking time out isn’t indulgent – it’s essential. This blog explores the power of rest, and how it helps you keep going before your body forces you to stop. 

From a 60-minute massage to a walk without your phone, it’s about finding what fills your cup – and making space to do more of it.

The productivity of rest: How one hour can change your whole day

"For me, choosing not to go to university was absolutely the right call."

Urban’s head of marketing, Stacie Price, shares how she built her career – from the retail shop floor to leading nationwide campaigns. 

Climbing the ladder differently: My path to head of marketing

TikTok health advice can be a bit of a Wild West. We asked our in-house massage expert to take us for a scroll to debunk the most common myths.

3 spine health myths, debunked

Discover the top 10 benefits of sports massage in this detailed guide from Urban. We discuss blood flow, sleep, stress levels and much more.

The top 10 benefits of sports massage

Can massage really make you less stressed? In this detailed guide we look at the science behind it.

The benefits of a stress relief massage

Climbing is a highly-demanding sport that calls for your whole body to be used, so it’s likely to take its toll. How can a massage help? Let's find out.

Four of the best massages for climbing enthusiasts

Let's chat all things back pain. Because a whopping 80% of us will feel it at some point in our lives – here's the best massages to tackle it.

The four best massages for back pain

If you dread that time of the month, one of these massages might be able to help ease your symptoms

Can massage ease period pain?

Focused support to help reduce swelling and aid recovery after cosmetic surgery.

Brazilian lymphatic drainage

A blood-flow boosting treatment to help minimise the appearance of cellulite.

Sculpting massage

The massage equivalent of a strong espresso.

Energising massage

Our signature all-rounder, where relaxation and relief meet.

Urban classic

The massage equivalent of noise cancelling headphones.

Relaxing massage

Ease aches, whether you run marathons or for the bus.

Sports massage

Advanced massage techniques designed to ease pain and support recovery – at your pace, in your space.

Injury/pain management

An ancient healing practice blending movement, pressure and breath – performed on a traditional Thai floor mattress.

Thai yoga massage

Urban physiotherapist Samir talks all things training – from his go-to recovery meal to the one thing he'd avoid.

I’m a qualified physio – here’s everything I would (and wouldn’t) do when training for the Euros

Whether you're pumping iron at the gym or mastering your yoga flow, this gift guide is full of smart, stylish finds to help power your fitness journey. 

Feel-good health and fitness upgrades to power your 2025 routine

Find out how this swimmer is using massage to boost performance and aid recovery.

From training to the table: Why sports massage has become a non-negotiable in my routine 

Get your step count up with our pick of Manchester’s most relaxing walks – from pretty parks to 4-hour hikes, there’s something for every level of walker.

Where to go for a relaxing walk in Manchester

Craving a pretty walk or bored of the same route? If you're in Edinburgh, you're pretty lucky...

The best places to walk in Edinburgh

From struggling with personal loss to finally finding peace, Ben’s on a mission to bring the same comfort to others in pain. For World Mental Health Day, we caught up with him to chat about the creation of his charity, The New Normal, and discovered how cycling became his saviour during his darkest time.

Finding sanctuary in cycling – charity founder Ben’s journey through grief

Alongside helping hands glide over skin, some massage oils offer plenty of health benefits you might find surprising. Try these five oils to get some extra goodness out of your treatment. 

The five best massage oils to try

From Thai to deep tissue, different kinds of massages impact the body in unique ways. The right type for you will depend on your health, needs and preferences.

15 different kinds of massage

Discover how often you should get a massage in this guide where we discuss a range of massage treatments, including deep tissue and sports massage.

How often should you get a massage? The ultimate guide

Often confused, but really very different. Let's compare lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massages

Lymphatic drainage and anti-cellulite massage – what’s the difference? 

Same, same. But different. Here’s the low-down on the subtle differences between osteopathy and physiotherapy. 

Physiotherapy and osteopathy – what’s the difference?

Skincare advice flooding your feed? Us too. To get to the bottom of it all, we’ve called for help from facialist expert Latticia Morapedi. 

Three skincare myths, debunked

No matter what TikTok tells you, steaming, cold-water bathing and pore-stripping isn’t the answer for opening or closing your pores. In fact, nothing is.  Let's find out more.

Do pores open and close? Let’s put this beauty myth to bed

We caught up with some of the guys from the Urban team to find out about their beauty regimes, what types of products they like to use and if there’s any Urban treatments they love or really want to try, but haven’t yet…

Skincare the Urban team is loving

Whether your skin’s looking a tad dull and needs a bit of rejuvenation, or you have a skin concern that’s been bothering you for years, a targeted facial can help. London is home to lots of professionals who are passionate about skincare and skin health. Here's our top picks.

The best facials in London

A relaxing massage can be a great way to set the tone for a better night's sleep, but which is best? From classic Swedish to new-age CBD, we explore the pros and cons.

The best massage for a good night's sleep

Learn more about the ancient healing practice of hand reflexology with this handy guide. 

Give yourself a hand massage

From self-care tips to their take on the most beneficial massages, here’s how Urban pros plan to keep themselves shining in the darkness this winter.

Burn bright, not out – Urban pros on how to avoid burnout

Urban’s in-house graphic designer, Jessie Cohen, reveals how the structure of a 9-to-5 role actually supports - rather than stifles - her creativity.

I thought working a 9-5 would hinder my creativity – turns out, it actually helps

Can massage benefit your mental health? Yep, in many ways. From better sleep to an overall sense of wellbeing, let’s explore how massage can help your mind unwind.

Mental benefits of massage: How it can boost your wellbeing

Burnout can creep up silently. Our team reflects on the warning signs and the things that help ward it off.

How our team keeps burnout at bay

Are creativity and wellbeing connected? Jessie Cohen, Urban's graphic designer, certainly thinks so. Queen of prints, pottery and painting miniatures, Jessie shares how her creative hobbies help her reset after a busy day. 

I started painting miniatures after work, and my mental health has never felt better

Discover how menstrual health coach Destiny uses Urban massages and creative self-care to live intentionally, blending wellness and joy into her everyday.

When monthly massage is a non-negotiable: the menstrual coach doing city life her way

Massage has been a central part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, with records stretching back as far as the 2nd century BCE. Unlike deep tissue or sports massage, which focus on releasing tight muscular knots by targeting blood flow to the area, Chinese massage techniques also aim to promote overall health by easing the flow of energy, or “qi”, around the body.

What is Chinese massage?

Discover what a Thai massage is in this detailed guide where we discuss everything from the history of this ancient practice, to the various benefits of this type of massage.

What is a Thai massage?

Let's de-bunk the benefits of lymphatic drainage to see if it's right for you.

What is a lymphatic drainage massage or detox massage?

Foot massage combines techniques from different traditions to help relax and improve health by pressing on foot nerves. It can make you feel better, boost blood flow, and lower stress

What is foot massage?

A traditional Thai-style massage that blends Thai acupressure, oil-based strokes and gentle stretching.

Thai massage (with oil)

Strong pressure, deep relief – ease aches without leaving home.

Deep tissue massage

A tailored facial using pregnancy-safe products.

Pregnancy glow facial

A gentle, full-body massage designed to support your recovery, physically and emotionally, after birth.

Postnatal massage

If prioritising better mental health has been on your list for a while but something’s always got in the way (whether it’s money, time or lengthy waiting lists), our sponsor is on hand to make things that little bit easier. Use code URBAN20 to get 20% off your first month.

 Make better mental health a priority with online counselling

Grief can feel all-consuming - physically and emotionally. Learn how a simple massage can provide a moment of solace during difficult times.

Massage for grief – finding comfort in difficult times

Our most popular massage for easing tension, delivered to your home or hotel in London.

Deep tissue massage London

The dream-maker. A deeply soothing full-body massage with sleep-enhancing oils to help you drift off with ease.

Sleep massage

Can getting a massage before or after the marathon really make a difference to your marathon performance? Our go-to massage expert has the answers.

Why massage should be part of your London marathon training plan

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A runner's guide to massage

Whether you think you’d give Michael Phelps a run for his money, or just pace up the pool for some damn good exercise, it’s still super important to take care of your muscles if you’re a swimmer.

Up your swimming game outside the pool

So you've hit the gym hard, conquered those weights, and now? Ah, the dreaded aches – also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The badge of honour worn by many fitness enthusiasts. But should it be?

How to reduce DOMS

Take a breather with us and enjoy a relaxing weekend in Manchester – from creative classes to canal strolls, we've got 11 activities to choose from. End the day with an Urban home massage, of course.

Our guide to a relaxing weekend in Manchester

Discover unique things to do in Manchester, from secret bars to canal cruises and pottery classes, finished with a relaxing at-home massage to unwind.

Unique things to do in Manchester for a trip with a twist

Find something new to do in Manchester with our pick of the best hidden gems. From Britain’s oldest library to at-home massage, discover your next favourite secret.

Our favourite hidden gems in Manchester

A calming, full-body massage with relaxing oils to help you unwind – wherever your stress shows up.

De-stress massage

A gentle treatment designed to help you feel lighter, de-puffed and deeply relaxed.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Discover your deepest stretch ever as an expert does the hard work for you.

Assisted stretching

My name's Dr Ella Woods, I consider myself an expert in perimenopause for two reasons: I’m a clinical psychologist who specialises in the topic; and I’m going through it myself. I’m working with Urban to answer some of the most common questions I get, and how you can best manage your symptoms.

Perimenopause: Everything you need to know and how massage can help

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The effects of massage therapy tend to be cumulative, but you may also feel relief from your very first appointment.

How can massage help to relieve back pain?

When working from home, it can be easy to forget to take regular breaks. In a world of increased time spent on digital devices, screen fatigue is very real. 

Five great stretches to do at your desk

Quick, targeted and surprisingly effective – all in just 45 minutes.

Express massage

Uncover Edinburgh's hidden hotspots for a trip you won't forget – here's our favourites...

Hidden gems in Edinburgh: A wellness-seeker's guide

Discover how to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh, from calming walks to an at-home spa experience. Here’s our team’s favourite way to relax in the capital.

How to spend a relaxing weekend in Edinburgh

Make your trip to Edinburgh even more memorable with our unique activity suggestions...

Unique things to do in Edinburgh – our 14 top picks

From face yoga to gua sha tools, you’ve probably seen the benefits of facial massage touted all over Tiktok and Instagram. But what’s it actually all about?


To dive deeper, we spoke to Urban facial pro Alice Croeser. She told us all about different facial massage techniques and their benefits and strangest facial massage trends she’s heard of.

How to give yourself a face massage

Reflexology is more than a glorified foot rub – it can help release tensions that can have an effect on the whole of your body. Here’s how…

Five things a reflexology massage therapist can tell

We spoke with Joanna Brown about the pivotal moments in her career journey, the lessons she's learned and her advice for others forging their own path.

I wanted to be a bus driver - now I'm COO

We sat down with Yousra, a commercial director and mum living in Clapham, to talk about how she carves out time for herself in the midst of work and motherhood.

How this new Mum finds balance with Urban

We sat down with Urban pro Rozalia to talk about life as a mobile massage therapist, from her journey with Urban and the highlights of her career, to how she spends her time after work.

Meet Rozalia: Longtime Urban pro, music lover and crochet queen

We chat to massage pro Paul and his long-term client Jayne as he shares his most memorable stories since being on the app.

Crick in the neck? Better call Paul

We sat down with ceramist Charlotte and her Urban pro Fabio in Charlotte's East London studio to talk about life with EDS, advocating for disability acceptance and how Urban truly made a difference.

How weekly osteopathy gave me my life back – in the studio with disabled artist Charlotte

A calming, holistic foot massage that’ll leave you feeling lighter from head to toe.

Reflexology foot massage

A gentle, soothing prenatal massage for tired mums-to-be. 

Pregnancy massage

Tired of the same old itinerary? This guide's for you. Explore the most unique things to do in Glasgow, from at-home treatments to vintage arcades, discover the city’s most quirky and unusual experiences.

10 unique things to do in Glasgow

Uncover 11 of the best hidden gems in Glasgow, from secret gardens to historic treasures.

The best hidden gems in Glasgow – our 11 favourites

In honour of Random Acts of Kindness Day, we’re putting the spotlight on just one of the many inspiring client stories we’re privileged to play a part of each day. Meet Penny, and hear why Rozalia decided to make her day in December…

Customer story: Penny & Rozalia

We caught up with adventure cyclist and cycling club HospoFixed Founder Ollie Jones about his 10-year love for cycling, go-to recovery methods and top training tips.

Ollie Jones chats about life behind the handlebars

While we're known for massages, did you know we also partner with some of London's best beauty pros? We got to know 10 of our top rated pros over brunch.

Meet the Urban beauty pros

Urban beauty pro Olga shares her tried-and-tested dos and don’ts when it comes to waxing – from what to do if you're nervous, to avoiding ingrown hairs.

Urban blog | Treatments

The science of touch: Why massage feels so comforting

Waxing 101: A pro's guide to smooth results

I’m a qualified physio – here’s everything I would (and wouldn’t) do when training for the Euros

The best massage for each phase of your menstrual cycle

Safe at home: A guide to booking mobile services safely

How a TMJ massage can help you smile again

From Amna to Shiatsu: What is Japanese massage?

Six surprising ways your body changes during pregnancy