Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy



I have never had a massage treatment before, I don't know what to expect?

Having a massage treatment is one of the most comforting experiences any one can have.  Human touch is fundamental to growth, without it we can't function optimally.  A massage therapist should be sensitive, receptive and attentative to your needs.  Prior to starting the treatment if you have never had a massage before you will complete a short consultation before explaining why you feel like you need the treatment so the therapist can cater the massage to your needs.  The therapist will then leave the room, allowing you to get ready privately.  A large towel will be provided which you can use to cover yourself with before allowing the therapist to come back into the room.

To ensure you are warm throughout the room must remain heated at all times and therapist will ensure you are covered with towels. If you get too hot or cold please let your therapist know.

The massage therapist will start the treatment with a relaxation technique, before she applies warmed oil to your back, most massage treatments start with a back massage, however in some cases they can start wth the legs.  If you are having a full body massage the therapist will usually then progress onto your legs or back depending on where the starting point was, the therapist will then assit you with turning over before massaging the anterior appendages and abdomen.  The treatment will be brought to a close with a soothing face, neck, shoulder & scalp massage. 

Only the area that is being worked on will be exposed to ensure modesty and comfort at all times.  Once the treatment has been brought to a close the therapist will quietly leave the room, allowing you to relax and dress privately.  You may feel a little light headed and thirsty following treatment, take your time, rise slowly and drink a small glass of water, allow the blood flow to return slowly to your head before you get off the couch and get dressed. 

When you feel ready the therapist will make sure that you feel okay and check pressure and pace were to your satisfaction.  She may also recommend a treatment plan and offer personalised after care advice, depending on your reason for treatment. It is customary to pay for your treatment at this point in time.

What do I do during the massage treatment?

Nothing really, just lie there and relax.  The therapist may ask you every so often whether the pressure and pace is okay for you but she will not expect you to talk to her.  But please do let your therapist know if the pressure is too deep or not deep enough. If you do feel any discomfort at any point it is important that you let your therapist know.  Your comfort is precident at all times.  Remember the treatment is all about you, and the therapist should allow you to just drift away,if that is what you want to do.  Ofcourse if you wish to talk that is also up to you. And if you feel you need guidance please do ask. If you have had a particular stressful day or are going through a difficult time it is advisable to focus on doing some longer exhalations, especially when the therapist applies a deeper pressure, it will help you to release the knots in your muscle fibres.  If you want to divulge any information, please feel free to do so as that can also aid the healing process and become a part of your therapeutic treatment. If you want to scream, shout, cry, giggle or laugh please do go for it.  It's all part of the release process that comes with having a holistic massage treatment.

What exactly are the health benefits of having holistic massage treatment?

The rhythmical movements and the soothing touch of Massage will turn on your parasympathetic nervous system. This basically sends your body into a deep state of relaxation.  Which is really important when you've had a stressful day, week, month, year.  Allowing yourself that time to relax is so fundamental. It improves functionality and helps you get back to being you again.  

Are there any reasons why I can't have a massage ?

Yes, there are. Listed below are the Contra-Indications to massage treatment. 

Some mean you can still receive treatment but not on the affected area. And some are total meaning you can not receive treatment at all where as others may require permission from GP.

Here's a list of Total Contra-Indications (reasons why you can not have massage)

  • Intoxication
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Just had a heavy meal
  • 1st Trimester of pregnancy 

If you have any of the above you will not under any cicumstances be able to receive a massage treatment.

If you have any of the following you may be able to obtain GP's consent

  • Diabetes
  • Severe Asthma
  • Very High or Low Blood Pressure
  • Heart Conditions of ANY kind including Thrombus
  • Whiplash / Slipped Disc
  • Kidney Infection
  • Arthritis
  • Rheumatism
  • Osteoporosis
  • 2nd & Third Trimester
  • Oedema
  • Cancer whether in remission or not many studies are being done to confirm whether it is safe so please ask your GP.
  • Epilepsy
  • Bell's Palsey
  • Gynealogical Infections

If you have any of the above you will be required to obtain authorisation from your GP before treatment.

Lastly the local contra-indications are:

  • Varicose veins (massage can be performed above but not below the varicose vein)
  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
  • Bruising/Cuts/Abrasions
  • Sunburn (v.important, really hurts, please tell me!)
  • Undiagnosed Pain
  • Bacterial/Fungal Infections

Are there any side effects that usually follow massage treatment?

Yes, most commonly clients report being really thirsty and needing to pee a lot. 

Don't worry that is your bodys way of riding its self of the toxins that have been stored up in your muscles.

Some report discomfort that can persist for up to 48 hours if this is the case for you it is recommended that you take ibuprofen or use some sort of topical gel like deep heat or even better apply tiger balm. 

Most clients report that they slept more peacefully and woke up with more ease than usual.  They oftem find themselves feeling hungrier than usual and having a larger appetite whilst feeling jolly for a few days afterwards. 

Most of these side effects are useful to your body but others can be a little less useful like headaches - I often get a banging headache after my treatments and I feel really lethargic-which is why I thought it would be useful to offer people treatments in the comfort of their own home. if this is the case for you too please remember that these are signs that your body is undergoing a rebalancing process and its getting rid of the toxins that have been stored in your muscle fibres for along time so it's always a good idea to book your massage treatment at a time when you can rest for at least an hour or two afterwards.

Do I have to remove my clothes?

No, not if you feel uncomfortable, the massage therapist is able to give massage through clothing if you so choose. It really is up to you, remember this is your time that you are paying for and your comfort is of the utmost priority.  If you don't want to get undressed please remember to wear something that is comfortable, leggins and a tee-shirt are optimal for females, men are best off wearing flimsy loose trousers, like Thai Yoga pants or something similar, and a tee-shirt.

How often should I have a massage?

Well the thing is everybody is different, often it can be hard to say until you have had a few treatments however some cases are easier to judge than others. 

As a general rule I'd say once every 4-6 weeks for relaxation purposes and once or twice a week for pain relief. However it's really down to you. If you are in agony and are struggling with mobility maybe try extending your first session? or popping in once or twice a week until the pain has gone away.

If you have been traumatised it's best to start slow and see how you feel, it's good to keep a support network around you and your therapist can be a part of that if you need her to be, just let her know if you'd like to come more often.

When is the best time of day to have a massage?

I'd say whenever you have some time to relax afterward your massage, most people choose to have a their treatment after work, on their day off and when the kids aren't around.  All the above are ideal but we don't live in an ideal world, this is why I offer massage treatment at home, at least that way you can cut out the hassle of having to travel, saving yourself time to make dinner, feed the kids and get to bed at a reasonable hour.  Where ever and when ever you choose to have a massage treatment try to make sure that you can have at least 1 hours peace and quiet afterwards to allow your body to adjust to these new feelings.

Do you play music?

Yes, I have an extensive collection of relaxation music: classical, chill out, waterfalls, bird song, euphoric, ethereal, pentatonic & chanting.  If you prefer you listen something of your own that is okay, just let me know when I arrive.

What makes a massage holistic?

What makes a massage holistic is the fact that it treats you as a whole. Mind, body and soul.  Completing the consultation will allow your therapist to ascertain your physical, emotional and mental state, this enables her to tailor the treatment to your specific needs, in other words if you complain of neck pain she will spend more time focusing on this area.  The treatment itself calms your mind by putting you into a deep state of relaxation which in turn allows you to feel a true connection with yourself and the person you were born to be.

How will I feel after the massage treatment?

You may feel a little light headed or thirsty immediately after treatment.  Some clients report feeling sore or achy, others report feeling a reduction in pain and increased flexability.  In some cases clients report feelings of euphoria, joy, happiness, others may cry because they've been able to let go of something that they've been holding on to for a very long time.  Everybody is different and everyone reacts in different ways.  What you feel after your treatment if it makes you feel uncomfortable or you want to talk about your feelings please don't hesitate to talk to me before you leave.

How do I make an appointment?

You can contact me via text or email. If you have any queries prior to making a booking please do not hesitate to ask.

Should I see my GP if I have any health concerns?

Yes, please, even if you have had a massage before, especially if you have received a recent diagnosis that is a contra indication to having a massage.  I am not a doctor and can not step outside the realms of my knowledge if you suspect that you have a condition that is yet to be diagnosed please contact your GP to confirm that it is safe for you to receive treatment. 

Do I need to have a consultation?

Yes, the massage therapist needs to know why you have sought massage therapy, she also needs to know your medical history and will ask you a series of questions in relation to your lifestyle to help her to ascertain whether you need if there are any underlying causes which may have caused your symptoms.  Without knowing about you and who you are the therapist will not be able to give you a massage treatment that is tailored to your needs.  She will also use the form to keep a record of each massage treatment that you have along with a record of personalised aftercare advice in order to see whether progress being made.

If I am feeling unwell can I still have treatment?

If you feel under the weather it's best to wait until you feel better. You can always rebook for another time. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Where possible please provide at least 24 hours notice.  Thank you.

Obviously no one can predict life, things happen, stuff goes wrong and sometimes you may need to cancel last minute or even forget to tell me if something has come up but if you repeatedly cancel without good cause or warning I will charge you at your following treatment.

Is this a professional service?

Yes, I do not offer anything else, please do not ask. Thank you.

If you continue to do so I will report you to the police. 

You have been warned!