Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect to happen during the first session?
During your first appointment we will take 10-15 mins to complete a client assessment before your massage starts. This is to gather essential medical information to check that you are suitable for massage, i.e. that there are no medical reasons why massage would not be safe for either you or your particular problem. This initial consultation will last for around 10 minutes, which will be included in the one hour introductory session.
What should I wear during the massage?
I leave the room to give you privacy whilst you get ready. Ladies should undress leaving your knickers on but ideally remove your bra to allow me to massage the back area freely. Gentlemen should just undress, leaving on your underwear. You will then position yourself face down on the massage table which has a face hole for your comfort. A fresh sheet will be available for you to cover yourself with. After a few minutes I will knock on the door to check that you are ready and properly covered before re-entering.
Which areas of my body will be massaged?
Massage is usually a full body treatment (excluding genital areas). You will be fully draped throughout the massage using a sheet. I uncover only the area that is going to be worked on, once finished with that area it will then be covered again. Women should note that the breast area will not be massaged and will remain fully draped throughout the treatment to ensure your comfort and privacy.
Do I need to do anything in preparation for the massage?
Yes, please ensure that all jewellery and hair accessories are removed prior to your treatment.
Will the massage be painful?
Therapeutic massage is not what you would call a 'fluffy', treatment. Where there are areas of deep-rooted tension, there may well be some discomfort as I work to remove the tension but it should be bearable. I will discuss the levels of pressure that can be used before the session begins and will continuously work within your personal comfort zone. During the session I will regularly check with you that you are comfortable with the pressure being used.
How will I feel after the treatment?
It is different for everyone. Some people will feel instantly energised and lighter directly after the treatment, while others will feel relaxed and rather sleepy. Drinking several glasses of fresh water after the treatment is useful; alcohol and caffeine should be avoided for the remainder of the day.
I'm feeling a bit tender the day after the massage, should I be concerned?
The day after your massage it is possible that you may feel a little tender in areas where you had tightly held tension which I had worked deeply into. This is a perfectly normal reaction and nothing at all to worry about. Any feeling of soreness will pass soon, usually over the 48 hours following your session. The overall result of releasing the residual tension and the relief that brings should make up for any mild discomfort. Feel free to contact me to discuss any concerns.
I’m training for an event. What are the benefits of including massage as part of my training?
Those training for events/marathons frequently suffer from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Studies have revealed that with good deep tissue massage, the effects and soreness from DOMS can be reduced by as much as 30%.
Staying in top shape must be a priority, whether you’re just beginning to compete or you’re an experienced competitor. Regular massage treatments are a must. It treats the entire body as it works in conjunction with the body’s own healing mechanisms, enhancing circulation and speeding recovery from activity, training or injury.
The key to getting the most out of massage therapy is not to put this off until you have an injury or you’ve had a difficult event. Massage offers the most benefit when done as a routine part of training. The reasons for this are that massage therapy can:
Aid in eliminating lactic acid, which builds up during exercise
Allow more blood and oxygen to circulate into your muscles
Break up any scar tissue that may be building up in your muscles
Improve muscle flexibility and range of motion, which results in increased power and improved performance
Increase the flow of lymphatic fluid, which aids the healing process
Loosen contracted muscles, which occurs with repeated use
Maximise the amount of nutrients throughout the body by increasing blood flow
Reduce the risk of injury, through deep tissue massage, stretching, and proper race preparation
Shorten the recovery time after training or workouts.
I would like to try this treatment. However, due to religious or cultural reasons I'm not comfortable with
disrobing for the massage. What do you suggest?
In this situation, I can perform massage that is still effective through loose clothing. Let me know in advance and I can give you more details on what to wear and how this can work.
I worry I might get aroused during the massage
Some men avoid massage therapy completely because they worry that this. Or they do go ahead and get the massage, but can't relax because they fear they might get an erection. This is not something you should worry about at all. Men may sometimes become aroused during a therapeutic massage (regardless of whether it's a male or female therapist). Any kind of touch to the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause this to happen. However, this area will be draped and covered throughout the massage so any 'developments' will be well hidden. There is no reason to feel embarrassed or stressed about this.
I would feel more comfortable if I could bring along a friend to sit in with me during my treatment. Would this be ok?
Yes, of course! I have a chair in the treatment room for your friend. I just ask though that your companion only observes and not chats with you so that I can concentrate 100% on your treatment.
What sort of contraindications would make someone unsuitable for massage?
Absolute Contraindications (massage cannot proceed):
- Trauma/acute inflammation; fractures, open wounds, new sprains and strains, head injuries, haematoma, recent surgery
- Young people under the age of 16 without an accompanying adult
- First trimester of pregnancy (or longer if there were complications in a previous pregnancy)
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or recreatiional drugs
- Infectious skin complaints, rashes, infections.
Potential contraindications (may or may not mean massage cannot proceed on that day)
- cardiovascular conditions eg high/low blood pressure, angina, arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, recent heart attack etc
- arthritic/respiratory/neurological/skeletal conditions
- infections (bacterial, viral or fungal) – including apparently trivial infections such as colds, coughs, athletes foot, ingrowing toenails
- cancer, tumours
How many sessions will I need?
There is a lot of evidence that regular massage can prevent injury and keep muscles, ligaments and tendons in good condition. Many elite athletes and coaches recommend two or more massages per week.
Everybody has different needs and will respond differently to massage. A single treatment can have a huge positive effect and you may benefit from a single session. However, if there is a lot of work to be done (i.e. if you have had a problem for a long time or if you have been training a lot without massage) it may take several sessions for your muscles to respond. We are all unique. I aim to maximise the effectiveness of each session by giving you techniques for self-treatment so that you can benefit the most between sessions.
Please do not come for a massage if you have a heavy cold or flu. Understandably these things can strike out of the blue and we will rearrange your appointment. If you are unwell, massage is not good for you, for me (if I catch your cold) or for other clients coming that day.
I shall contact you a few days after your treatment to see how you are getting on and answer any questions you have. This is a great opportunity for you to pass on any feedback. Alternatively, feel free to send an update via email after receiving your massage to [email protected]
