top of page

FAQs

I'm not a sports person - is it for me?

Yes. Massage is for everyone. Although I treat many professional and semi-professional sports men and women my most regular clients are people with back aches, sore necks and stiff shoulders mainly caused by office based jobs, driving long hours, sleep issues or stress.

This is my first massage treatment - what should I expect?

Before your appointment, you'll be asked to complete a short digital medical history questionnaire to identify any potential contraindications (see below). When you arrive you'll be warmly greeted and taken to the treatment room. After a short consultation, you'll be left in private to change (if required) before the treatment begins. At the end of the appointment, you'll again be left in private to change (if required). Before leaving, you'll be given aftercare advice which may include some stretches to be conducted at home.

What are contraindications?

Local contraindications are things like bruises, recent scar tissue, sprained ankle etc and wouldn't prevent treatment - caution will be taken to avoid the area. General contraindications are more severe and treatment can only take place with medical consent from your GP i.e. high blood pressure, pregnancy in the first trimester.

Do I need consent from my GP or other medical practitioner to get a massage?

As part of the 'client consultation' any contraindications will be identified and other medical issues will be addressed. In the event of anything preventing treatment, medical consent will then be advised before the massage.

What should I wear for the appointment?

Please arrive wearing your ordinary clothes. You'll be given an opportunity to change in private before your treatment begins. Underwear/shorts must be worn at all times. Only areas of the body that are being treated are exposed i.e. no upper garments need to be removed if it’s only the legs that are being worked on.

I have a cold and/or a sore throat, can I still be massaged?

No. This is what's called a general contraindication as it is a viral infection. Massage stimulates circulation and can lead to infection being spread around the body.

I'm taking painkillers - can I still get a massage?

Yes but do not take any painkillers in the 2 hours before the treatment to ensure a safe amount of pressure can be applied.

I've heard a massage can be painful - is this true?

Yes and no. You'll often hear people associating massage with 'pain' but a massage does not have to be sore to be beneficial. If you have a particularly problematic, overused or tight area of your body then working on it may be painful but that does not mean that it must be painful to be effective. I’m here to help, not to hurt.

My friend had a massage and said they felt even worse the next day - why?

Some clients will have one treatment and leave feeling great but sometimes, when pain is acute and built up over a long time, it takes longer to fix. Sometimes it may take two or three sessions to release all that tension. It's not uncommon to feel sore or stiff the very next day, it’s often the day after that that you will start to feel the benefits.

Is it ok to drink alcohol after my massage?

No. If you plan to consume alcohol post-massage then I would advise booking at a more convenient time. The reason for this is because a massage will raise core temperature by the stimulation of circulation, muscular systems and increased lymphatic function. Drinking alcohol also raises internal core temperature so the combination of the two is NOT recommended.

Is prenatal massage beneficial for the baby?

Absolutely! What's good for mum is good for baby. When you receive a relaxing massage, your body naturally releases endorphins. These are the body's natural feel-good chemicals.

bottom of page