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Your Body Deserves Expert Care
Our therapeutic massage treatments can help reduce chronic tension, improve mobility, support athletic performance and promote better overall sleep. Every session is tailored to how your body feels that day, so you leave feeling lighter and more at ease. Surrounded by living plants, natural light and original art, you will find the studio to be an environment designed to restore both our physical and mental wellbeing.
1140 Sam Newell Road, Suite B1
Matthews, NC 28104
Text or Call: (704) 901-4298
Trusted by Our Community
From first-time visitors to longtime regulars, every shared story helps our wellness community grow stronger.
We're truly grateful for the thoughtful feedback and kind words from clients who've experienced lasting relief through our massage treatments. Your trust motivate us to keep delivering exceptional care, personalized sessions and a welcoming space for everybody that walks through our doors.
Thank you for making Island City Massage part of your wellness journey.
Swedish Massage
If you're new to massage, this is the perfect place to begin. A Swedish massage offers a gentle yet deeply effective approach to relax by using smooth, flowing strokes to calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension and quiet the mind.
This treatment helps reduce stress, improve circulation and encourage a healthy sleep cycle. Many clients find they drift into deeper, more restorative rest after each session. Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone seeking to improve sleep quality, manage stress and reconnect with a sense of inner peace.
Deep Tissue Massage
Designed for active adults who need to stay flexible, cheerful and performing at their best. Our deep tissue massage uses slow, targeted techniques to work through layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tension, improve range of motion and support joint health.
Whether you're recovering from a recent injury, managing persistent stiffness or simply want to maintain peak mobility, this result-oriented session helps restore balance to the body. Each session is customized to your specific needs so you leave feeling better, stronger and ready for whatever's next.
Sports Massage
Preventing injuries is hard for athletes who put their bodies to the test. Over the years, we've worked with marathon runners, bodybuilders, professional dancers and more. Each with unique performance demands that can lead to overworked muscles and repetitive strain.
This focused treatment targets the specific muscle groups most affected by your training or sport. Through deep, targeted work and assisted stretching, we help reduce recovery time, improve flexibility and prevent future injuries. Whether you're preparing for an event, recovering from one or maintaining your peak condition, sports massage keeps your body performing at its best.
Hot Stones Massage
Smooth, heated basalt stones are strategically placed and used in combination with gentle massage techniques to warm the muscles, allowing deeper work without added pressure. The application of heat dilates blood vessels, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body while supporting lymphatic flow and reducing muscle stiffness.
A Hot Stones Massage uses the therapeutic power of heat. The result is a state of deep relaxation that helps calm the nervous system and promote overall wellbeing.
On-Site Complimentary Massages
Imagine stepping away from a busy day to find a peaceful corner filled with soft music, calming aromas and a welcoming massage therapist ready to ease your tension. That's the atmosphere we bring to on-site complimentary massage events.
Wether it's part of a month "Wellness Wednesday", a resident appreciation day or a company wellness initiative, each mini-session is designed to melt away stress and leave participants feeling refreshed.
For organizers, it's effortless. We handle all the setup - massage table, cleaning supplies, soothing ambiance and professionalism from start to finish. We create a moment of calm your community will never forget.
The result? A warm, memorable experience that fosters community connection, improves morale, and reflects a genuine investment in people's health and happiness. Few gestures say "we care" more than creating a space for relaxation right where people live or work.
Feeling Sore After Your
Deep Tissue Massage?
That's actually a good thing. It means your body is doing the work. After a deep tissue massage, your muscles have been stretched, compressed and stimulated at a cellular level. This process increases circulation and triggers your body's natural repair response. It's a short-term inflammation that helps rebuild stronger and healthier tissue. However, that same healing process can leave you feeling tender or achy for a day or two. That is perfectly normal, especially when we focus on areas with chronic tension or injuries.
A simple way to support recovery and reduce discomfort is with cold therapy. Applying an ice pack helps constrict blood vessels, calm inflammation and reduce soreness. Creating a habit of using an ice pack after a deep tissue massage helps your body to heal effectively and comfortably.
My favorite reusable ice pack stays flexible even when frozen and molds perfectly to our shoulders. Neck pain and tight shoulders is the main reason many people to book a deep tissue massage and I often encourage having this ice pack at home.
Use it for 10-15 minutes after your session to ease inflammation and enhance recovery and help your muscles settle info their new, relaxed state. Your body will thank you.
Are massages supposed to hurt or is the massage going to be painful?
Massage therapy experiences can vary from person to person, and whether a massage is painful or not depends on several factors. Deep tissue massages, often recommended for athletes and individuals with muscle tension, may involve a higher level of discomfort due to the firm pressure applied to reach deeper muscle layers. However, it's important to clarify the difference between pain and discomfort. Discomfort during a massage, especially a deep tissue one, is normal and can be part of the therapeutic process. It should not be overwhelming or distressing.
It's essential to communicate openly with your massage therapist. They should be aware of your pain tolerance and any specific areas of concern before and during the session. Effective communication ensures that the therapist can tailor the experience to your needs.
The discomfort experienced during a deep tissue massage is often a trade-off for the long-term benefits. It can help relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and address specific issues like limited range of motion. Therapists should always work within your comfort zone, and you are welcomed to request adjustments to the pressure if needed. After your massage, remember to drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and consider continuing the conversation with your therapist about any lingering discomfort or issues. Ultimately, the goal of massage therapy is relaxation and improved well-being, and your comfort is a top priority throughout the session.
How should I prepare for a massage therapy session?
Before your massage therapy session, avoid eating a large meal and take a moment to get into a calm mindset by means of a nice shower or by just jumping into your favorite relaxing clothes. When you arrive for your massage, communicate any specific concerns, areas of tension, or medical conditions you may have. Leave all the fancy jewelry at home. You'll typically be asked to undress to your comfort level, so wear clothing that's easy to remove and put back on. A private space to change is provided and draping techniques are used to maintain your modesty during the session.
It’s highly encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to allow for relaxation in the waiting area before your session. Rushing in at the last minute can increase stress and diminish the benefits of the massage. After your massage, allocate time for relaxation, whether through reading, a leisurely walk, or simply unwinding at home, to extend the soothing effects of the experience. Stay away from any strenuous activities and make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out toxins released during the massage.
How often should I receive massage therapy?
The frequency of massage therapy sessions can vary widely depending on your unique needs and goals. While athletes often incorporate regular massages into their training routines, seeking treatment on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, massage therapy isn't limited to athletes. Many people turn to massage for stress reduction and overall wellness, and the frequency can be highly individualized.
For some, monthly sessions may be sufficient to maintain physical and mental well-being. Others might find that they benefit from more frequent treatments, such as bi-weekly or even weekly massages, especially if they have specific issues or high-stress lifestyles. Additionally, if you're healing from an injury or post-surgery, it's essential to follow the guidance of your physician or physical therapist regarding the frequency of massage sessions. They can offer valuable insights into your rehabilitation process and determine the most suitable schedule to aid in your recovery. Ultimately, the ideal frequency of massage therapy sessions is a personal choice, guided by your specific circumstances and goals.
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