Most of the massages we review on BND tend to be of the indulgent, pampering kind, the type where fluffy robes and aromatherapy oils are de rigeur, but this time we had a real problem to solve. After weeks of enduring serious pain and sleepless nights thanks to a trapped nerve in their neck, we sent our poor tester to experience the Extreme Sports Massage at the expert hands of the Bliss spa therapists. Given they had been off work for a week and on heavy duty painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory tablets, making a difference seemed an impossible task. Step forward genius therapist Joanna who spent an hour kneading and pummelling said trapped nerve and easing very sore, tight muscles. Although we’re told it was down right painful at times our tester did emerge with significantly looser shoulders and muscles that felt a lot less pinched. A few days later and the painkillers are gone and a good night’s sleep has been had. Kudos must go to Joanna for achieving the impossible.

Extreme Sports Massage, £100