ANGEL & HIGHBURY · OPEN DAILY
Deep Tissue Massage in Islington: Angel & Highbury
Firm, focused bodywork for areas that feel knotted, tight or heavily used after long hours at a desk, regular training or everyday activity. Pressure is built gradually and adapted throughout at our two Upper Street studios.
Guided by Ben Pianese’s bodywork experience since 2001.
UPPER STREET
Since 2009
PRESSURE ADAPTED
Firm, Controlled & Comfortable
QUALIFIED CARE
VTCT, insured, CThA
DAILY 10AM-9PM
Live availability
CHOOSE YOUR SESSION
Give the areas that need attention enough time.
£82
60 minutes
Focused work for one or two priority areas.
£112
90 minutes
More time for several areas or broader full-body work.
£147
120 minutes
An unhurried full-body session with time to work gradually and adapt throughout.
CHOOSE YOUR STUDIO
Book Deep Tissue Massage in Angel or Highbury.
Asiatic Angel
Asiatic Highbury
262 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 2UQ
Near Highbury & Islington station
Open daily · 10 am–9 pm
Clients also visit from Canonbury, Barnsbury, Clerkenwell, King’s Cross and
nearby parts of North and Central London.
CHOOSE BY HOW YOU FEEL
When Deep Tissue Massage may be a good fit
Desk-heavy neck and shoulders
You spend long periods sitting, commuting or working at a screen and want firm attention around your neck, shoulders or upper back.
Areas that feel tight or knotted
You can identify particular areas that feel heavy, tense or difficult to settle with lighter massage.
Training-heavy muscles
Your legs, glutes, back or shoulders feel heavily used after running, gym work or other regular physical activity.
A preference for firmer pressure
You prefer slower, more deliberate work rather than the lighter, flowing strokes associated with relaxation massage.
THE TREATMENT
Firm pressure should still feel controlled.
Deep Tissue Massage uses slower, more focused pressure than a relaxation massage. Depending on the area and your preferences, your practitioner may use their hands, forearms, kneading, controlled compression and sustained pressure.
Depth is not one fixed setting. Your therapist begins at a manageable level, gives the area time to settle and adjusts the pressure according to your feedback.
At Asiatic, deeper does not mean pressing harder at all costs. The treatment is fitted to the person in the room—not imposed through a fixed or punishing routine.
Pressure
Medium-firm to firm, adapted throughout.
Oil
Deep Tissue Massage is generally performed with oil.
Clothing and privacy
Undress only as far as you feel comfortable. Towels are used throughout,
and only the area being worked on is uncovered.
Treatment focus
One or two priority areas, several areas or broader full-body work, depending on the time booked.
WHERE WE CAN FOCUS
Tell us where your body feels most worked.
Neck, shoulders and upper back
Often chosen by clients who spend long periods working at a desk, commuting or carrying bags.
Lower back, hips and glutes
These areas may be prioritised when they feel heavily used after prolonged sitting, standing or regular activity.
Hamstrings, calves and legs
A common focus for runners, gym-goers and people who spend much of the day walking or standing.
Arms, forearms and shoulders
Useful when work, training or repetitive activity has left the wider upper body feeling tired or tight.
YOUR SESSION
Listen first. Build gradually. Adapt throughout.
1
We listen
Tell your practitioner where you feel tight, which areas matter most, your preferred pressure and anything you would like avoided.
2
We build pressure gradually
The treatment begins at a manageable level. Depth, pace and technique are increased only as your body and feedback allow.
3
We adapt throughout
More time can be given to particular areas, pressure can be changed and the treatment plan can be adjusted as the session progresses.
You will remain covered throughout, apart from the area being worked on. You can ask for the pressure or focus to change at any point.
PRACTITIONER INSIGHT
Deep tissue is not a test of how much pressure you can tolerate.
“The best pressure is the pressure that allows a person to settle rather than brace. We build gradually, listen and give more time to the areas that need it.”
Ben Pianese
Co-Founder · Bodywork Practitioner since 2001
Ben’s hands-on experience helps shape the founder-led standards used at Asiatic Angel and Highbury: listen first, work with precision and adapt throughout.
Discover the Asiatic Standard
Sooya was very attentive and able to easily identify where my body held tension —an excellent deep tissue massage.
BEFORE AND AFTER
A little preparation helps.
Before your treatment
Arrive a few minutes early.
Tell us which areas need attention.
Share your preferred pressure.
Mention relevant injuries or areas to avoid.
During your treatment
Tell us if pressure feels too strong.
Ask us to adjust the pressure or pace.
Let us know if anything feels uncomfortable.
Stay covered except where we are working.
Afterwards
Give yourself a little time afterwards.
Mild tenderness can follow firmer work.
Return to intense activity when you feel ready.
Pay attention to how your body responds.
If you experience severe, unexplained, persistent or worsening symptoms, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
STILL NOT SURE?
Deep Tissue Massage or another treatment?
Choose Deep Tissue Massage if:
You want slow, firm and focused oil-based work across one or more areas.
Choose Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage if:
You want a shorter treatment concentrated on the upper body.
Choose Sports Massage if:
You want training-related focus delivered by a suitably experienced practitioner. Availability varies.
Choose Traditional Thai Massage if:
You prefer a fully clothed treatment combining rhythmic pressure, supported movement and assisted stretching without oil.
Choose Aromatherapy Massage if:
Your priority is lighter pressure, flowing movements and time to slow down.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before you book Deep Tissue Massage
What is Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage uses firmer pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. At Asiatic, we adjust the massage to your comfort and may use slow pressure, kneading, forearm work, trigger point techniques, stretching when helpful, and myofascial release.
What is the main benefit of a deep tissue massage?
The main benefit is targeted work on areas that feel tight, heavy, or restricted. Many people choose Deep Tissue Massage to reduce discomfort around muscle knots, trigger points, tension from sitting at a desk, sports-related tightness, or general muscle discomfort.At Asiatic, we don’t just press hard. Your therapist uses steady pressure, checks in with you, and adapts techniques to your comfort so the massage feels firm, focused, and respectful of your body.
Will I feel sore the next day?
No, you don’t have to. Your comfort and privacy are our priority. You can undress as much as you feel comfortable, and you’ll be covered with towels throughout your session. Your massage therapist will only uncover the area they are working on. If you want to keep your underwear on or stay partly dressed, that’s absolutely fine. We’ll adapt the treatment so you always feel secure, respected, and comfortable.
Can deep tissue massage help with muscle knots and trigger points?
Many people book Deep Tissue Massage to help with muscle knots, trigger points, or tight spots. Focused deep tissue work may support comfort in these areas and help you feel better by using careful pressure, clear communication, and techniques tailored to you.
Your therapist can adjust the pressure around sensitive areas to make sure you stay comfortable throughout your session.
What is the difference between deep tissue massage and relaxation massage?
Relaxation massage is meant to calm the body using softer, flowing strokes. Deep Tissue Massage uses firmer, slower, and more focused pressure on areas with muscle tension.
At Asiatic, deep tissue sessions can focus on your shoulders, upper or lower back, glutes, hamstrings, calves, or hips, depending on what you need. Your therapist will always adjust the pressure to suit you.
Can I get deep tissue massage for lower back discomfort?
Many people book Deep Tissue Massage for tightness or discomfort in the lower back, hips, glutes, or nearby muscles. Your therapist can focus on these areas using careful pressure and clear communication.
Deep Tissue Massage is not a replacement for medical care, physiotherapy or diagnosis. If you have severe, persistent or unexplained lower back pain, please speak with your GP, physiotherapist or healthcare provider before booking.
Is deep tissue massage painful?
Deep tissue massage can feel strong in some spots, especially around muscle knots, trigger points, or areas with long-held tension. It should never feel sharp, unbearable, or outside your comfort zone.
At Asiatic, we use firm but steady pressure. Your therapist will check in with you during your massage and adjust the pressure as needed, so the treatment stays focused, comfortable, and well-managed.
Do I need to be fully undressed for deep tissue massage?
No, you don’t have to. Your comfort and privacy are our priority. You can undress as much as you feel comfortable, and you’ll be covered with towels throughout your session. Your therapist will only uncover the area they are working on. If you want to keep your underwear on or stay partly dressed, that’s absolutely fine. We’ll adapt the treatment so you always feel secure, respected, and comfortable.
Who will perform my Deep Tissue Massage?
A qualified, insured therapist at Asiatic will give you a Deep Tissue Massage. Our team includes practitioners trained in deep tissue therapy, remedial massage, and traditional Thai massage.
Asiatic has been serving Islington since 2009. Our approach is shaped by our therapists’ experience, careful listening, and the master-led somatic bodywork principles Ben Pianese has developed since 2001.
Is deep tissue massage suitable for sports-related tightness?
Yes, many active people, gym-goers, and runners choose Deep Tissue Massage for sports-related tightness, especially in the back, shoulders, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and legs.
At Asiatic, this isn’t sports injury rehab, but it’s a good option for people who want firm, focused bodywork after training, running, or regular exercise. Your therapist will adjust the pressure and focus areas to suit your body and comfort.
How is Deep Tissue Massage at Asiatic different from other Islington studios?
At Asiatic, our Deep Tissue Massage blends advanced muscle technique, Thai bodywork, deep tissue techniques, myofascial release, rhythmic pressure, and stretching when it’s helpful.What sets us apart is our focus on steady intensity and good communication. Deep tissue massage shouldn’t hurt just for the sake of it. Your therapist will adapt the session to your comfort, pressure preference, and your reason for coming in.
How do I book Deep Tissue Massage in Angel or Islington, and what is the price?
You can book online for Asiatic Angel at 93 Upper Street, London N1 0NP, or Asiatic Highbury at 262 Upper Street, London N1 2UQ. Deep Tissue Massage sessions start at £82. We also offer massage plans and packages if you’d like regular treatments.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Firm pressure, fitted to you.
Choose Asiatic Angel near Angel station or Asiatic Highbury near Highbury & Islington station. Both studios follow the same founder-led standard of careful listening, controlled pressure and treatment adapted throughout.
Not sure which treatment to choose? Compare Treatments