Frequently Asked Questions

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Each appointment is one hour. I consider this to be the optimum length of time to make changes within your muscles while also allowing you to relax. 

The hour includes time for: 

- a short chat at the beginning to see how you are feeling/have been feeling since your last treatment
- time for you to undress and get comfortable on the massage couch

- time for you to get dressed at the end. 

For first-time clients, an initial assessment will be necessary to ensure I understand what you would like to achieve from massage therapy. As always, I will keep this as short as possible to ensure you have the most amount of time on the couch.

Of course! I am delighted to provide a free, no obligation phone consultation to discuss whether massage therapy is right for you. Either email me or give me a call and leave a message, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

For the most part, massage therapy should not cause you a lot of pain. However, as it requires intense pressure to reach the affected tissue layers, at times you can feel discomfort. This will be apparent around your muscles and fascia that are particularly tight or unhappy. My clients usually describe this feeling as “good pain” or “relief pain” as they feel the muscles relax. I will always work to keep discomfort to a minimum whilst also using different techniques to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. 

However, if a technique does not feel therapeutic to you, but simply feels like pain, please tell me. I can make adjustments and may be able to detect a problem area, but I cannot feel the intensity of your pain response.

Absolutely! This is your time and I want you to feel as comfortable as possible. During a massage treatment conversation can flow easily. But of course, if you would like peace and quiet, please do just let me know. I will not take offence!

There are a few small things you can do beforehand to ensure you get the most out of your treatment:

- Make sure you are hydrated.

- Wear comfortable clothes.

- Know your goals for the massage (eg would you like tension relief in a particular area or perhaps healing support for a specific injury).

I will email a form to first time clients to complete and return to me. This is to ensure I have your information to review before your appointment. (Please refer to “Privacy Policy” to understand how I protect the information I obtain from you).

After a treatment most clients experience a feeling of overall wellbeing, relaxation and calm. This is because massage is not just work on the body; it is work on the mind too. It helps to destress and relax you. You may also notice that:

- You feel tired, as if you want to lie down and take a nap. This is completely normal. If you can, make sure you have no plans after your massage.

- Your muscles feel a little sore. Do not be alarmed - this is a common side effect due to the deep techniques that I have used. This can last for up to 24-48 hours, so to help alleviate it I would recommend you engage in gentle stretching or apply heat to the area.

To help extend the benefits of your treatment I suggest that you:

- Stay hydrated to continue the healing process. Water or herbal tea is best.

- Relax. Now is not the right time to be doing a major physical workout! Please wait until the following day before undertaking any exercise.

- Have a bath and add magnesium salts to remove toxins and boost muscle recovery.

- Schedule your next appointment. A single deep tissue massage can definitely make a difference, but you will notice significantly more improvements with regular massage treatments.

I will always provide aftercare advice and give self-care “homework” when appropriate. After all, a massage is not an isolated experience - it is part of your body’s ongoing interaction with the world around it.

I do not deal directly with insurers on my client’s behalf. However, if you should be able to claim treatments through your medical insurance, I would be happy to provide you with a full invoice of service provided.

I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. This means that appointments cancelled or amended within 24 hours from the appointment time will be charged 50% of the hour cost. No-shows and appointments cancelled or amended late notice (within 2 hours of appointment) will be charged the full cost of £78. 

I will always attempt to fill a cancelled appointment and credit the cost back to your account whenever possible, so notice is appreciated.

If you arrive late for your appointment the full hour cost will still apply.