I woke up one morning some number of months ago and could barely get out of bed because my lower…read moreback was in so much pain. I'm still unclear whether or not I caused some trauma to it, or just sleeping on a craptastic bed for so many months had finally caught up with me. At any rate, I went about my everyday daily life, expecting that after a week or two I'd recover. Sadly, that didn't happen. In fact, a few -months- went by and my back was still bothering me. Some days were better; others... well... weren't. Enter: Graham Stones. At a recommendation from Larissa, and after seeing his Yelp ads on the site for awhile, I finally booked a physio session with him at the Light Centre. Upon my first visit, he asked some diagnostic questions before having me stand up. He placed his hand atop my head like you see the special religious people do before declaring, "You be healed!" He didn't actually say that, but somehow he was able to determine what my back needed and set to work pulverizing the pain. One session in (and many inappropriate grunts and moans from me as Graham unknotted my back), I was feeling much better. Three sessions later and a lot of self-care with the yoga poses Graham suggested, I was completely back to normal. Lemme tell you, not being in constant discomfort is priceless! The long and short of it is this: Graham Stones is the back whisperer. If you need a physio, look no further.

Have you got muscular pain?…read more Have you spent £20 on a 'massage' at Walk-In Backrub and promptly regretted it? Do you want someone to target your pain and beat your muscles into submission? Then Graham is the massage therapist for you. 'Cause this ain't your grandma's back massage. I've spent many an hour lying on Graham's massage table, whimpering and crying like a baby, as he managed to find the exact spot on my body wherein hellfire and brimstone furtively resided, waiting to be uncovered and unleashed onto the world with one poke of Graham's capable and unyielding ninja fingers. No, seriously, this man is THE BUSINESS, and I highly recommend him. He managed to cure my chronic shoulder pain over a course of treatments, and he was totally honest about the fact that he didn't WANT me to be a habitual customer. Sure, it might be better for him monetarily if I came in every week, week-on-week, indefinitely, but once I got to feeling better, that was the end of our masochistic relationship. That is, until many months later when the hellfire returned elsewhere in my body, hiding this time somewhere in the nether regions of my hips. I knew what needed to be done... I have an appointment with Graham later in the week during which I have no doubt he will be as brutal and satisfying a massage professional as ever. I can't think of another person I'd rather pay to hurt me so good.

Osteopathy and physiotherapy at a reasonable price and excellent service…read more I went here because they share the same building as my work and a few of my work colleagues recommended them. I had hurt my shoulder . They gave me an appointment the same day. I met with Hazel, the resident Osteopath and she was fantastic. She was so thorough in her assessment of me and the work she did that day really helped my shoulder. She followed up with me a couple of days later and I luckily only needed one more appointment. The service I got was thorough. The value was good and they didn't push you into treatment you didn't need. I felt they were trustworthy and committed to giving their clients the best possible treatment. On top of this they were really friendly. I would highly recommend them.

Rebecca immediately diagnosed the cause of my recurring neck pain and treated it. Great improvement…read morefrom the first treatment! Also, she gave me great home exercise Super recommended!

I flew into London from LA on a red eye and went right to work. 3 days later I was cramped up, my…read moreshoulders felt like rocks and my feet were killing me. Then I found 4ForYou on YELP and decided to give them a call. Their site looked totally legit and I was a little sketchy about being able to book an appt at 9pm on a Friday, but hey- they were willing to take me at 9pm on a Friday- Score! Anna who booked the appointment with me was sincere, helpful and friendly and made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I had a bit of trouble finding the place, because I didnt realize they were in the basement of the salon "Hair+" next to the Domino's Pizza on Foley Street. "38" was not marked on the building. Luckily, Anna was right there on the phone to help guide me to the door and even though the salon was closed, my massage therapist, Evelina was there at the door to greet me. As other YELPers have mentioned, this is not a "spa-like" ambiance, with lots of white cottons, fluffy pillows, flowers or meditative statues looking at you ponderously. This is the basement of a hair salon. And a small basement at that. There was a toilet they let me use before I went into the room- which looked like it belonged in a tight studio flat. But it served its purpose. Then I went into the room. It was lit with candles, it smelled of eucalyptus oil and lavender and there was a full massage table. Evelina offered me a glass of water to begin and then stepped out so I could undress. When she came back in, she gave me one of the best deep tissue massages I have ever had. She was incredibly deft with her elbows and kept the pressure firm in all the spots that needed breaking up. I felt itchy as all the blood began coming back into my muscles. I was in total stretch out, deep breathing, 'let's-do-this-together" mode, as she broke down the tissue and left me in a heaping pile. The cost was 50 GBP for 60 mins. I personally felt so relieved that I tipped her 10 GBP. She deserved that and more. Overall- the reason I didnt give 5 stars were due to the minor negatives about this place- specifically the lack of Spa-like touches. Example- the table was not quite padded and there were no blankets to lay on, only the paper-type towels the doctor pulls over his examining table. I was provided a towel, after I got naked to cover up with. It covered me fine, but didn't make me feel total cozy, the way I would've under a blanket. I had to ask half way through for a washcloth or towel to go under my forehead, since the pressure was so strong, my head started to hurt against the table. Then when it was all over, I really looked around the room and noticed it was kind of dirty, with oil on the wall and a closet door off its rollers. Nothing that would cause me concern- but not buttoned up the way a day spa would be normally. But that's probably what helps keep the cost down. Honestly- I am still feeling the massage days later. Deep tissue is not the type of thing I go for on a weekly basis- but if I get tight like that again or am here for longer, I will definitely call Anna and ask for Evelina. These ladies are lovely.

Right, so I'll admit that the name of this venue sounds slightly dodgy. Especially since they're…read moreadvertising a "four hand" massage. So, I went into my experience with a little bit of trepidation and some faith in the stellar reviews that 4ForYou had received on tripadvisor. However, the experience itself was actually really great! First off, the service is great -- booking an appointment was a breeze, and the receptionist even remembered my name when I called back to change the time of my appointment (I suspect that this is because the number that you call is a mobile number). Secondly, they've got a great venue that's pretty zen in its atmosphere and fairly centrally located -- but they can also do massages for you at your home. And finally, the massage was awesome -- great pressure, great technique, and an all-around relaxing experience. She really took her time, which I appreciated, since a few of the other places I've been to in London shove me out the door 45 minutes in, despite my having paid for a full hour! And it's inexpensive, too. Only £50 for an hour of deep tissue/swedish massage!

Really good bunch of people here. Needed to get my back straytened out as I sit badly at work. I…read morethink it's fairly standard to have a course if about 6 appointments (my insurance paid) but it really worked. They seem to have quite good availability too. All in all I think they are really good

From the owner: We are one of London's largest and most respected physiotherapy companies…read more We also specialise in hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, women's physiotherapy, vestibular and respiratory physiotherapy, paediatric physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, neuro-rehabilitation and hypermobility. Other services include sports and deep tissue massage, Pilates, acupuncture, personal training, ergonomics assessments, manual handling training.

These guys are great. got a referral from a gp and went here as was having problems with my back…read more Basicly the prob was my work are too mean too buy us proper chairs lol so I had back and neck problems. I had 6 appointments and exercises had to do in between and it worked a treat. Could do with an app or something so you can remember the exercises you have to do outside the sessions.

Peace and solitude is the only way to describe this therapy center. The team here specialises in…read moreergonomic work station checks,podiatry,core fitness instructions and much more. They also do diagnosis treatments and rehabilitation of muscles joints and soft tissue.

I have been suffering from back pain for about 10 years. I could not sleep more than 5 hours…read morebecause of it. That was how severe it was. I have tried all the good clinics in London and nobody could fix me completely. Honestly, I almost gave up on my back. I have heard about how amazing Torben was from my husband's boss. I gave it one more try to see it will actually improve my back! I am so glad I did! I could feel the difference on my first visit. He really is amazing. Now I just had my 4th session and I can finally fly! (haha!) I am so free from the pain now. I definitely recommend him to everyone who is suffering from all different kind of pain. Thank you, Torben!

It literally took me years to figure out that the mirror fronted premises on Old Street with the…read moremodel spine above its awning was an osteopathy clinic. Stupid perhaps, slow, most definitely. Since discovering the Central London Osteopathy & Sports Injury Clinic however, I have not looked back. Now I'm no Olympiad but I did suffer a lot of back pain as a student huddled over my requisite Powerbook. And as such, the Central London Osteopathy & Sports Injury Clinic, and David Annett in particular who also gave me a lesson in 'the ergonomics of studying with a laptop' were nothing short of a Godsend. With a handful of impeccably trained osteopaths, an acupuncturist my mother swears by called Ann Bradford, naturopaths, kinesiologists, and yoga and pilates classes, the list of this clinic's merits and services could go on and on. At the risk of sounding overzealous, the Central London Osteopathy and Sports Injury Clinic is nothing less than a one stop shop for natural fixes to well worn problems and I, personally, cannot recommend it highly enough.

This is the gym that ate all the other gyms! Known as the jewel in the crown of the Cannons group…read more(now Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing) it is huge, so huge I've gotten a bit lost a few times. The facilities include several work-out areas, including one women only, a dedicated Pilates studio, spinning studio, squash courts, pool, lap pool, health spa area, café and Jacuzzi relaxation area. The changing rooms are massive, spread over two floors with steam room and GHDs. Folks, this place is bloody amazing, but unfortunately they still don't exercise for you. The only downside is they use a token system for some classes which can be pain if you get there late and are kicked out of class for not having one.

Please all present and future members be aware that Nuffield Health Centre cancellation policy is…read morean absolute fraud and they are great experts when it takes to steal money without offering any service: The day you join the gym they make you sign a paper where you agree with their terms and conditions, without specifying that, if you are willing to cancel you need to give 30 days notice otherwise you have to pay a full month membership fee even without using their facilities!!! The real scam is that clause 11*( the cancellation policy) is not even on that paper, but it is just hung on the wall, written with micro-characters and when I joined no one made me aware of that. Long story short, unless you bend to their fraudulent rules, they send you one or more intimidatory letters asking to pay what is due according to that clause (I learned about that policy when I first got the mail and I was incredulous) and then they pass your details to Creditlink Account Recovery Solutions Limited that starts harassing you itself. I was willing to meet them halfway so that I went to the Cousin Lane Centre myself 2 times, asking to send me an email in which they stated that I was willing to close the dispute and that this had to be communicated to C.A.R.S. but do you think I got any help/notification? The manager just kept on saying "you should have read the policy on the wall". These guys...what a great customer service they provide? I am not the only one who had the same issue with Nuffield (check the link below) so again be aware that there are a lot of gyms that survive just because they are in fact stealing money, but I have learned my lesson now, and you? http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=5653848

Tatami Health is absolutelly stunning Physio and Pilates studio, and the space is nothing i have…read moreseen before, especially for a physio place, which usually has this clinical unfriendly feel. The tatami room is like being in Japan, and makes the exercise even more enjoyable, the reception is very friendly and they also do this classes which is £10. It accross the road from Angel station which is very convenient, do call to book though, they tend to get busy especially evenings and mornings.

From the owner: We provide physiotherapy for all neck and back pain and stiffness. All sports injuries and…read morerehabilitation following surgery (eg. Knee surgery, back surgery, shoulder surgery). Our senior experienced physiotherapists have worked at the highest level in sports and dance as well as lectured around the world teaching the Pilates method to training physiotherapists. Along side our hands on and exercise based physiotherapy sessions we run Pilates classes for beginners and improvers and ante natal and post natal women. All of our classes are taught by qualified physiotherapists. Our massage therapists can do remedial, sports and deep tissue massage for any complaint including pregnancy massage. Feel free to contact us and speak with one of our physiotherapists if you would like to know more about what we can help you with.

I injured my knee badly whilst skiing and I was worried I might never ski again. London Physio…read more(http://www.londonphysio.co.uk) knew just what to do to sort me out and had me back on the slopes in 3 weeks. AMAZING!! - Kathryn Thomas, Goldman Sachs

Tucked away in a little corner of Covent Garden is Neal's Yard, a side street of the most colorful…read moreshops that lead into a beautiful courtyard. I guess it is one of my favorite spots in London now. Full of bright colors, it is a small alley just off Covent Gardens and has pretty and colorful buildings, with shops and cafes. picturesque and very hippy style, which is actually some kind of "reflection" of the person who created Neal's Yard. See, its the thing, when you don't expect it and that is surprisingly beautiful- it was the same case with Neal's Yard. and not everyone will say that - 'hey going to London, do visit this small courtyard' . Nope, it was all part of my research... , It's only about 5 minutes from Covent Garden market, and there are two alleyways that lead to it, but they're not particularly easy to spot: one is via Monmouth Street and the other is via Short's Gardens, which is just off Neal Street. A short wander through Seven Dials and you'll be greeted by all the quaint restaurants, famous shops, and vibrant ambiance that makes this London spot one for the books Indulge in one of the many stylish and yummy storefronts on offer, serving everything from organic goods to a fresh mani-pedi! What a colorful experience.

Instagram has a tricky way of turning nothing into something. While I would not describe Neal's…read moreYard as nothing, I would like to help manage expectations. Neal's Yard is a tiny area. With buildings creating a triangular courtyard, it's a small location for a few restaurants and shops. There are some great spots to try here particularly if you're in the mood for breakfast, a tasty donut or pizza, but this isn't necessarily a destination in and of itself. The buildings are beautiful and colorful, but I would not make this a destination to visit. Rather, if you find yourself in the area, you can take a few minutes to walk through!