Tidal Clinic — Massage, Recovery and Advanced Lymphatic Care in Portrush
Sports massage, deep tissue, manual lymphatic drainage, post-operative recovery and deep oscillation therapy in Portrush.
Treatments
Massage, recovery and advanced lymphatic care, under one roof.
Every appointment begins with a conversation. Treatments are shaped to what you're training for, recovering from, or working through. Select a treatment below to learn more.
Deep Tissue & Sports Massage
Hands-on soft tissue treatment for muscular tension, stiffness, recovery and performance — adapted to you rather than a fixed routine.
Learn moreManual Lymphatic Drainage
Gentle, rhythmic Dr Vodder MLD to support natural lymphatic function, reduce swelling and calm the nervous system. A core specialism of the clinic.
Learn morePost-Operative Recovery
Combined Dr Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Deep Oscillation® Therapy to support swelling management and recovery following cosmetic, lipedema and orthopaedic surgery.
Learn moreDeep Oscillation® Therapy
A specialist electrostatic treatment used alongside massage and lymphatic care to reduce swelling, ease discomfort and support tissue healing.
Learn moreReady when you are.
Read through the treatment details below, then book online when you're ready. If you've a specific question first, you're welcome to get in touch.
Treatment
Deep Tissue & Sports Massage
Deep tissue and sports massage are often spoken about as separate treatments, but in practice they sit on the same spectrum of hands-on soft tissue work. At Tidal Clinic, treatment is shaped around the individual rather than following a fixed sports massage routine.
Sessions may draw on deeper, sustained pressure to ease chronic tension, more dynamic techniques to support training and recovery, or a slower pace where the body needs it. The aim is to address what is actually presenting on the day — muscular tension, stiffness, reduced mobility, post-training soreness or simply the cumulative strain of everyday life.
You do not need to be sporty, injured or in pain to benefit. Many clients book regularly to manage stress held in the body, headaches linked to muscular tension, or the postural load of long hours at a desk.
Common reasons people attend
- Muscular tension and stiffness
- Reduced range of movement
- Recovery from training or events
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
- Postural strain from desk and office work
- Headaches linked to muscular tension
- Everyday aches and pains
Typical benefits
- Eased muscular tension and discomfort
- Improved mobility and movement quality
- Support for recovery between training sessions
- A calmer, more settled nervous system
- Better awareness of how you carry tension
Who it may suit
- Active individuals and athletes
- Office workers and desk-based clients
- Anyone with long-standing muscular discomfort
- Clients who simply want to move and feel better
Appointment duration
Sessions are usually 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes. Longer appointments allow time for more thorough assessment and treatment across multiple areas.
Specialism
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a core specialism of Tidal Clinic. Paul is trained in the internationally recognised Dr Vodder method and is a member of MLD UK, MLD Ireland and the British Lymphology Society.
Treatment is gentle, rhythmic and precise. It is designed to support the body's natural lymphatic function rather than to manipulate deeper tissues. Clients often describe MLD as profoundly relaxing, with many reporting a noticeably lighter feeling in the body afterwards.
Tidal Clinic regularly supports clients living with lipoedema (lipedema), at different stages of their journey. Lipoedema care may involve conservative management, including compression and appropriate lymphatic support, while some people may choose specialist surgical treatment. Tidal Clinic supports clients at different stages of that journey, from ongoing maintenance and symptom support through to appropriate pre- and post-operative care — tailored to the individual and, where relevant, their medical or surgical team's guidance.
Living with lipoedema can affect much more than physical comfort. For some people, changes in body shape, tenderness, bruising or swelling can also influence clothing choices, confidence and how comfortable they feel exposing the affected areas. At Tidal Clinic, care is always provided without judgement, with privacy and dignity at the centre of every appointment. You will be treated with respect, listened to and never made to feel self-conscious about your body.
MLD is used to support a wide range of clients — from those with medically diagnosed lymphatic conditions through to people simply looking for restorative care, help with heavy legs, post-flight swelling, lipedema and lipoedema support, or a calmer nervous system. Treatment may incorporate both Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Deep Oscillation® Therapy where appropriate.
Lipoedema support and information. For independent information, peer support and community resources, visit Lipoedema Support Network Ireland or Lipoedema UK.
Common reasons people attend
- Swelling and oedema
- Heavy, tired or aching legs
- Recovery and general wellbeing
- Stress, overwhelm and poor sleep
- Lipedema support
- Post-flight swelling and fluid retention
- Lymphatic wellbeing and maintenance
Typical benefits
- Reduced swelling and a lighter feeling in the body
- Support for natural lymphatic function
- A deeply calming, parasympathetic effect
- Improved comfort and ease of movement
- A sense of restoration after illness, travel or stress
Who it may suit
- Clients living with lymphatic conditions
- People managing lipedema or chronic swelling
- Anyone seeking gentle, restorative care
- Frequent travellers and those recovering from illness
Appointment duration
Typically 60 or 90 minutes. A longer session is often recommended for first appointments and for more complex lymphatic concerns.
Recovery
Post-Operative Recovery
Post-operative recovery at Tidal Clinic combines Dr Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Deep Oscillation® Therapy to support swelling management and recovery following cosmetic, lipedema and orthopaedic surgery.
MLD helps to encourage natural lymphatic flow and manage post-operative swelling, while Deep Oscillation® works through the tissues to support healing, reduce discomfort and ease bruising. Together they offer a considered, evidence-informed approach to the recovery period.
Treatment is always planned individually, taking into account your procedure, your surgeon's guidance and your stage of recovery. Realistic timelines and clear expectations are discussed from the outset, and Paul is happy to liaise with your surgical team where appropriate.
Common reasons people attend
- Post-operative swelling and fluid retention
- Bruising and tissue tenderness
- Cosmetic surgery recovery
- Orthopaedic surgery recovery
- Restricted movement following surgery
- Discomfort during the healing process
Typical benefits
- Support for the body's natural healing processes
- Reduced swelling and bruising over time
- Improved comfort during recovery
- Support for tissue healing and mobility
- A clear, structured treatment plan
Who it may suit
- Cosmetic surgery clients (e.g. liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast surgery)
- Orthopaedic surgery clients
- Anyone advised to seek post-operative lymphatic or recovery care
- Clients working alongside their surgeon's guidance
Appointment duration
Sessions are typically 60 or 90 minutes. Recovery is most effective when treatment is planned across multiple appointments rather than a single visit.
Specialist therapy
Deep Oscillation® Therapy
Deep Oscillation® Therapy is a specialist electrostatic treatment that uses gentle impulses to create gentle oscillations through the treated tissues. It is used alongside massage and lymphatic care where appropriate.
Unlike massage, it does not rely on mechanical pressure — which makes it especially well tolerated where tissues are sensitive, swollen or healing. It is frequently integrated into post-operative recovery, swelling management and specialist lymphatic care alongside Dr Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Because lipoedema tissue can be particularly tender or painful to pressure, deeper massage may not always be comfortable. Deep Oscillation® does not rely on deep mechanical pressure and can offer a gentle, well-tolerated treatment option where tissues are sensitive — either independently or alongside Manual Lymphatic Drainage where appropriate.
It can also be combined with soft tissue therapy where additional support for healing and comfort is needed. At Tidal Clinic, Deep Oscillation® is most often used alongside hands-on treatment as part of a wider plan rather than as a one-off intervention. Paul will discuss whether it is a suitable addition to your care.
Common reasons people attend
- Swelling management
- Post-operative recovery support
- Bruising and tissue tenderness
- Soft tissue injury recovery
- Lipoedema / lipedema support
- Discomfort that doesn't respond well to deeper pressure
- Adjunct to massage or lymphatic drainage
Typical benefits
- Comfortable, non-invasive treatment
- Support for tissue healing and recovery
- Reduced swelling and bruising over time
- Eased discomfort and improved mobility
- Well-tolerated even when tissues are sensitive
Who it may suit
- Post-operative and post-injury clients
- Clients managing swelling or lymphatic concerns
- People living with lipoedema or lipedema
- Those who find deeper pressure unsuitable
- Anyone wanting to combine it with massage or MLD
What to expect during treatment
DEEP OSCILLATION® is applied using a handheld applicator or through the therapist’s gloved hands. Treatment is usually gentle and should not be painful. You may feel a light pulsing or vibration through the tissues. Treatment settings and duration are adjusted according to the area being treated and your individual presentation.
DEEP OSCILLATION® is not suitable for everyone. Relevant medical conditions, recent surgery and other contraindications will be reviewed before treatment, and treatment may be modified, postponed or declined where appropriate.
Appointment duration
Deep Oscillation® may be offered as a standalone session or integrated into a massage or MLD appointment. Sessions are typically 60 or 90 minutes.
Who we treat
A clinic for a wide range of clients.
- Sports and active individuals
- Office workers and desk-based professionals
- Lipedema and lymphatic clients
- Post-operative recovery clients
- Recovery, wellbeing and maintenance care
Common concerns
Conditions and concerns clients commonly attend with
Every appointment begins with understanding what is affecting you. Clients attend for a wide range of reasons, from muscular tension and recovery through to swelling, post-operative support and lymphatic concerns.
About Paul
A practitioner who treats people, not parts.
Paul is a qualified Sports Massage Therapist and a Dr Vodder Level 3 Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy Practitioner.
Based in Portrush, welcoming clients from across the Causeway Coast, Coleraine and the wider North Coast.
The Dr Vodder method is recognised internationally as one of the leading approaches to Manual Lymphatic Drainage and specialist lymphatic care.
His training includes advanced lymphatic techniques used in post-operative recovery, oedema management, lymphatic dysfunction and specialist decongestive therapy, alongside extensive experience in hands-on soft tissue treatment.
Professional memberships and registrations include:
Tidal Clinic combines evidence-informed manual therapy with advanced lymphatic training, offering a level of specialist lymphatic expertise that is not commonly found within a traditional massage clinic setting.
If you get to know Paul, you'll quickly discover that he is rarely standing still professionally. More often than not, he is planning his next course, developing new skills or expanding his knowledge so that he can continue to enhance the care and treatment options available to the local community.
FAQ
Questions We Often Get Asked.
Most answers live here. If something specific isn't covered, send a quick message.
No. Most clients book directly without a referral. If you're attending for post-operative recovery, lymphatic concerns or a more complex condition, Paul may ask a few additional questions before your appointment to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe for your circumstances.
A short consultation, an unhurried treatment and clear guidance for between sessions. Most appointments run 60 to 90 minutes.
Comfortable clothing is usually best. Depending on the treatment you're attending for, you may be asked to remove clothing from the area being treated. Towels and draping are always used where appropriate, and your comfort, dignity and privacy are respected at all times.
Cash and card payments are both accepted.
Yes. Paul has advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy through the internationally recognised Dr Vodder method and works with a range of clients experiencing swelling, oedema, post-operative recovery needs and lymphatic concerns. If you're unsure whether treatment is appropriate, feel free to get in touch before booking.
Not at all. Despite the name, sports massage is suitable for anyone experiencing muscular tension, stiffness, aches and pains or reduced movement. Many clients have never played a sport and simply want help managing discomfort or improving how they move and feel.
Yes. Recovery plans are tailored to your procedure and surgeon's protocol. Please get in touch to discuss what you need.
Many people living with lipoedema (lipedema) attend as part of their ongoing, conservative management — including alongside compression — or for gentle support where tissues are tender or sensitive. Others attend for appropriate pre- and post-operative support around specialist lipoedema surgery, planned in line with their surgeon's or medical team's guidance. Depending on the person, their presentation and stage of care, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Deep Oscillation® may be used individually or together. Privacy, dignity and comfort are central to every appointment, and treatment is always adapted to you — it is a supportive part of your care, not a replacement for medical management.
While many clients experience significant benefit from treatment, no therapist can guarantee results. If progress isn't being made as expected, Paul will discuss this openly with you and, where appropriate, may recommend alternative approaches or referral to another healthcare professional. The goal is always to help you move forward, even if that means recognising when a different approach may be more suitable.
Book Online
Questions before booking?
Appointments can be booked online 24/7 using the Book Online button. If you're unsure which treatment is right for you, have a question about post-operative recovery, lymphatic care or any other aspect of treatment, please use the contact form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.