Massage Therapy in Hackney E8
Looking for a massage in Hackney? Space To Be You is a therapy centre on Mare Street, E8. Alongside counselling and psychotherapy, we offer massage and bodywork from a small team of independent practitioners.
You can choose from sports, full body, holistic, Thai and biodynamic massage, as well as reflexology and manual lymphatic drainage.
For aches, pains and injuries that need a clinical assessment, we also have osteopaths and physiotherapists.
Every practitioner is vetted before joining us and holds recognised qualifications and membership of a professional body.
Our treatment rooms are quiet and private, and we’re seven minutes’ walk from both London Fields and Cambridge Heath Overground stations.
Not sure which treatment suits you? Use the guide below, or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll recommend someone.
Our treatments
Massage
Sports massage
Firm, focused work on the muscles you use hardest, whether you run, lift or sit at a desk all day. Popular around training and events.
Full body massage
A head-to-toe treatment with the pressure adjusted to suit you. A good place to start if you simply want to switch off.
Holistic massage
A slower, whole-person approach that takes in how you’re feeling as well as where you hold tension. Tailored to you each session.
Thai massage
A traditional style done fully clothed on a mat, using stretches, rhythmic pressure and assisted movement. Active rather than sleepy.
Biodynamic massage
A gentle, body-centred approach rooted in body psychotherapy. It pays attention to how stress is held in the body as well as the mind.
Specialist bodywork
Lymphatic drainage
Very light, rhythmic strokes that follow the direction of the lymphatic system. A gentle treatment; if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Reflexology
Pressure applied to points on the feet, and sometimes the hands, in a calm and quiet session. Many people book it simply to unwind.
Clinical treatments
Osteopathy
Assessment and hands-on treatment from a GOsC-registered osteopath for back, neck, joint and other musculoskeletal pain.
Physiotherapy
Assessment, treatment and an exercise plan from an HCPC-registered physiotherapist, including rehabilitation after injury or surgery.
Not sure which treatment?
Start with what you’re looking for. If something hurts or you’re recovering from an injury, begin with a clinical assessment.
| What you’re looking for | Where to start | Also worth a look |
|---|---|---|
| Back pain | Osteopathy or physiotherapy, for an assessment | Sports or full body massage, for everyday muscle tension |
| Stress and switching off | Full body or holistic massage | Reflexology; biodynamic massage if you’d like emotional stress to be part of it |
| Sports and training | Sports massage | Physiotherapy if a niggle won’t settle |
| Tight shoulders from desk work | Sports or full body massage | Thai massage, for stretching and mobility |
| Recovering from an injury | Physiotherapy or osteopathy | Massage later on, once you’ve been assessed |
Need help? Click the button below and we’ll match you with a therapist.
Meet our practitioners
Each practitioner works independently at Space To Be You and manages their own diary. Open a profile to see their training and approach, and to book with them directly.
- All
How booking works
You can contact any practitioner directly from their profile. If you’d rather not choose yourself, send us a short enquiry with what you’re looking for and when you’re free, and we’ll suggest someone suitable.
Getting here
Space To Be You
1st Floor, Mare Street Wing
St Joseph’s Hospice
Mare Street, London E8 4SA
We’re on Mare Street in Hackney, between London Fields and Cambridge Heath, and two stops from Liverpool Street by Overground. That makes us easy to reach from across East London and the City.
- Overground: London Fields and Cambridge Heath are both about 7 minutes’ walk. Hackney Central is 10 to 15 minutes.
- Underground: Bethnal Green (Central line) is 10 to 15 minutes’ walk north up Mare Street.
- Bus: routes 26, 106, 254 and D6 stop at King Edward’s Road (southbound) and Victoria Park Road (northbound).
- Car: there is no on-site parking. The hospice car park is reserved for relatives and visitors of hospice patients. On-street parking is paid Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm, and free in the evenings and at weekends.
- Access: treatment rooms are on the first floors. Please note that our centre is not step free and does not have a lift.
- Opening hours: We are open from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.
When you arrive: come in through the St Joseph’s Hospice entrance on Mare Street, but don’t go to the main hospice reception. The Mare Street Wing is the three-storey brick building immediately on your right. Use the intercom, entering the room number your practitioner gave you. Full arrival instructions can be found here.
Frequently asked questions
Which massage is best for back pain?
If your back pain is persistent or severe, or started after an injury, see an osteopath or physiotherapist first. They can assess what’s going on and treat it. If your back simply feels stiff and tense from desk work or training, many people choose a sports or full body massage to ease muscle tension.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book any of our treatments directly, including osteopathy and physiotherapy. If you’re claiming through health insurance, check your policy first, as some insurers require a referral.
How do I book?
Open a practitioner’s profile and contact them directly, or send us an enquiry and we’ll recommend someone. Each practitioner sets their own availability and fees.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your practitioner will ask a few questions about your health, lifestyle and what you’d like from the session. For most massage you undress to your comfort level and stay covered with towels. Thai massage is typically done fully clothed, so wear something loose.
How do I know your therapists are qualified?
We check every practitioner’s qualifications, insurance and professional membership before they join. Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council and physiotherapists with the Health and Care Professions Council. You can check both on the GOsC register and the HCPC register.
Can I have a massage if I’m pregnant or have a health condition?
Often, yes, but mention it when you get in touch and tell your practitioner at the start of the session. They may adapt the treatment or suggest a different one. If you’re unsure, check with your GP or midwife first.
Are you near London Fields?
Yes. We’re on Mare Street, about seven minutes’ walk from London Fields and Cambridge Heath stations, with buses stopping nearby.
Is there parking?
No. There’s no on-site parking for clients, as the hospice car park is reserved for patients’ families. Paid on-street parking is available nearby on weekdays, and it’s free in the evenings and at weekends.
Can I book an evening or weekend appointment?
Availability varies by practitioner. Please check individual profiles, or contact us and we’ll help you find a time that works.