Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some questions people often have about their massage. If there is anything you would like to know, which isn't covered here, please contact me and I'll be happy to answer your questions.
Are there any reasons I shouldn't get massage?
Yes. Certain conditions are contraindicated either because of risk to you or to me. These include:
Yes. Certain conditions are contraindicated either because of risk to you or to me. These include:
- infectious skin diseases
- when taking blood-thinning drugs (e.g. warfarin)
- if you have a cold, flu, fever or other infectious condition
- if you are drunk or under the influence of recreational drugs
- deep-vein thrombosis
- haemophilia and other bleeding disorders
- lymphangitis
- during pregnancy (seek a therapist with a specialist pregnancy massage qualification)
- acute trauma in the initial healing stage (e.g. broken bones, ruptured tendon, dislocations)
- varicous vains
- localised skin conditions
- myositis ossificans
- haematoma
- boils
What should I wear?
During the assessment stage, I will need to look at your posture and may need to check range of motion in certain joints and some parts of the treatment may involve you moving about. Therefore, loose and comfortable clothing is ideal. If you have a pair of shorts it would be useful if you bring/wear them and for women, it is helpful if you can wear a t-shirt or vest top.
During the assessment stage, I will need to look at your posture and may need to check range of motion in certain joints and some parts of the treatment may involve you moving about. Therefore, loose and comfortable clothing is ideal. If you have a pair of shorts it would be useful if you bring/wear them and for women, it is helpful if you can wear a t-shirt or vest top.
Do I have to take all my clothes off?
You will be wearing your shorts during the treatment, and if you don't have shorts, your underwear will remain covered with the towels. For full access to your back, it is useful if women's bra straps can be undone during the treatment, but your front will always remain fully covered with the towels.
You will be wearing your shorts during the treatment, and if you don't have shorts, your underwear will remain covered with the towels. For full access to your back, it is useful if women's bra straps can be undone during the treatment, but your front will always remain fully covered with the towels.
Can I come after a meal?
It's best not to eat for an hour or two before your treatment because the massage will send blood to the muscles when it's needed for digestion. Part of the treatment may also involve you moving around. If you do need to eat, try to make it something light.
It's best not to eat for an hour or two before your treatment because the massage will send blood to the muscles when it's needed for digestion. Part of the treatment may also involve you moving around. If you do need to eat, try to make it something light.
Will it hurt?
The treatment may at times be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. Even light massage may be uncomfortable, depending on the condition of the muscles/tissues being treated. I will discuss the treatment with you during the massage, and you should let me know immediately if any aspect of your treatment is outside of your pain tolerance threshold.
The treatment may at times be uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. Even light massage may be uncomfortable, depending on the condition of the muscles/tissues being treated. I will discuss the treatment with you during the massage, and you should let me know immediately if any aspect of your treatment is outside of your pain tolerance threshold.
What if I don't feel comfortable with something?
If anything is not comfortable for you, please let me know immediately. A different approach can always be taken.
If anything is not comfortable for you, please let me know immediately. A different approach can always be taken.
How will I feel after my massage?
Of course, the aim of your massage therapy is that the specific condition treated will improve. However, there may be some residual soreness, but this should subside over a day or two.
On occasion, responses to massage may include:
Of course, the aim of your massage therapy is that the specific condition treated will improve. However, there may be some residual soreness, but this should subside over a day or two.
On occasion, responses to massage may include:
- increased energy
- feeling tired
- increased bowl/bladder activity
- temperature changes
- light-headedness
Is there anything I should/shouldn't do afterwards?
Following massage it is a good idea to drink plenty of water and eat and rest well to allow the body to get maximum benefit from the healing process initiated by the massage. For the same reason, it is better to avoid strenuous work or exercise for the rest of the day if at all possible, so the body can recover fully.
Following massage it is a good idea to drink plenty of water and eat and rest well to allow the body to get maximum benefit from the healing process initiated by the massage. For the same reason, it is better to avoid strenuous work or exercise for the rest of the day if at all possible, so the body can recover fully.
Do you use oil?
I usually use a lotion described by the manufacturer as "Chemodol is quite suitable for every kind of skin and easily removable with water. Chemodol has a neutral fragance." which enables me to use the fullest range of techniques. In my experience, this lotion is very light and will not leave you feeling oily for the rest of the day. However, it is possible to administer massage without oil through clothing although some techniques will not be possible.
I also sometimes use a massage wax which contains almond oil, so if you are allergic to nuts, it is very important to declare it when prompted on the initial consultation.
If you have specific needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
I usually use a lotion described by the manufacturer as "Chemodol is quite suitable for every kind of skin and easily removable with water. Chemodol has a neutral fragance." which enables me to use the fullest range of techniques. In my experience, this lotion is very light and will not leave you feeling oily for the rest of the day. However, it is possible to administer massage without oil through clothing although some techniques will not be possible.
I also sometimes use a massage wax which contains almond oil, so if you are allergic to nuts, it is very important to declare it when prompted on the initial consultation.
If you have specific needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Is your clinic silent?
My clinic is in an enterprise park and next to a railway, so it is not always silent. Noises are not usually too intrusive and pass quickly, and I find this is not a problem with clinical style massage (sports/therapeutic) as the client is usually actively involved in the treatment. However, if you are looking for somewhere for a super-peaceful, blissed-out relaxation massage, my clinic may not be ideal for you.
My clinic is in an enterprise park and next to a railway, so it is not always silent. Noises are not usually too intrusive and pass quickly, and I find this is not a problem with clinical style massage (sports/therapeutic) as the client is usually actively involved in the treatment. However, if you are looking for somewhere for a super-peaceful, blissed-out relaxation massage, my clinic may not be ideal for you.
How should I pay?
You can book and pay online through my online booking system which is processed securely by Stripe payment processing. Alternatively, click Pay Later and pay at the treatment. At the treatment, I am able to accept cash or cards.
You can book and pay online through my online booking system which is processed securely by Stripe payment processing. Alternatively, click Pay Later and pay at the treatment. At the treatment, I am able to accept cash or cards.
Can you attend our sporting event?
I am available to provide Sports Massage for the athletes at your event. Please contact me with your requirements.
I am available to provide Sports Massage for the athletes at your event. Please contact me with your requirements.