Massage in Sunderland

A massage can mean very different things depending on where you book it. Some people want an hour of relaxation, others want deep work on tight calves before a race or help with a shoulder that has been stiff for weeks. In Sunderland the choice falls into three broad groups: a dedicated massage centre in the city centre, sports massage at physiotherapy and sports injury clinics, and massage as one treatment among many at a hair and beauty salon. This guide covers places we have confirmed are taking bookings in 2026, so you can match the treatment to what you need.

Sunderland Massage Centre & Sports Injury Clinic

The city's dedicated massage business is Sunderland Massage Centre & Sports Injury Clinic on Blandford Street, a few minutes' walk from Sunderland station. It is family-run and has been trading since 2012, with published hours of 9.30am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday.

The treatment list is broad. It covers relaxing styles such as Swedish massage, foot massage and Indian head massage, along with deeper work including sports, deep tissue and Thai massage. Pregnancy massage is offered, and for minor aches and injuries the centre also lists spinal manipulation and kinesiology taping. There is a mobile service for people who would rather be treated at home, and nail and beauty treatments if you want to combine appointments. Bookings are taken by phone or through the centre's website.

Best for: Anyone who wants a choice of massage styles in the city centre, from a relaxing treatment to deep tissue or Thai massage.

Sports massage at physio clinics

If your main aim is recovery from training or easing a specific problem, a sports massage at a clinic that also employs physiotherapists has an advantage: if the therapist finds something that needs more than massage, they can pass you to a colleague. Four clinics in the city offer it.

Response Physio & Sports Therapy in Roker, just off Side Cliff Road, has sports therapists working alongside its physiotherapists and offers sports massage as a standalone appointment. Its seafront location suits people who run or cycle along the coast.

The Performance Clinic at City Space on Chester Road, the University of Sunderland's sports building, lists sports massage alongside physiotherapy, shockwave therapy and gait analysis. There is parking at the building.

Sano Physiotherapy at Regus House on Doxford International Business Park offers sports massage with weekday hours running until 8pm and Saturday appointments, which helps if you work during the day.

5th Element Sports Injury Clinic inside The Powerbar Gym in Farringdon offers clinical soft tissue and sports massage, using techniques such as instrument-assisted soft tissue work, cupping and taping where they help.

Best for: Runners, gym users and team-sport players who want targeted work on tight or overworked muscles from a clinic that can also treat injuries.

Thirty-Eight, Washington

In Washington, Thirty-Eight is a hair and beauty salon on Valley Forge that includes massage on its beauty menu. It is not a specialist massage clinic, but it is a convenient option if you live in the Washington villages and want a relaxing treatment, perhaps alongside a hair or nail appointment. Bookings are made online through its booking page.

Best for: Washington residents looking for a relaxing massage close to home, especially if they want to combine it with another salon treatment.

Choosing the right massage

Sports and deep tissue massage use firm pressure and can feel uncomfortable at times, with some soreness the next day. Swedish and Indian head massage are gentler and aimed more at relaxation. If you are unsure, describe what you want from the appointment when you book and the therapist can suggest a style.

Tell your therapist about any health conditions, recent injuries or medication before you start. If you are pregnant, book a treatment that is specifically offered as pregnancy massage. Massage is not a substitute for medical care, so if you have pain that is severe, getting worse or not explained by an obvious strain, see your GP or a physiotherapist. Our physiotherapists guide covers the clinics above in more detail, and for ways to keep moving between appointments see our guides to yoga and gyms.

Know a massage therapist we have missed? Get in touch.