Do we still need to wear masks for treatments?

As we learn to live with Covid, protocols have been relaxed slightly and it is no longer mandatory to wear a face mask during treatments.  I practise extremely high levels of sanitation before and after each client to mitigate the risks of transmission.  If you are feeling unwell on the day of your treatment, please could you kindly contact me to cancel your appointment. 

How do I make an appointment?

Please text, call, facebook message or email me using the links on the bottom of the website page.  Please note I am currently unable to take on any new clients due to being fully booked with my regular clients but might be able to fit you in if a client has cancelled.

What are the benefits of massage?

Swedish massage  promotes relaxation and stress relief, enhances your mood and feeling of well being as endorphins are realised by your endocrine (hormone) system.  Massage  can relieve muscle soreness and stiffness and relieve minor discomforts (such as constipation - abdominal massage).  Massage can also improve sleep patterns as well as boost the immune, respiratory and circulatory systems.

What should I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, we will have a brief consultation concerning your general health, exercise , injury and any medical conditions that I should know about, in order to determine if there are any physical concerns which might make massage unsafe. It is vitally important you are truthful with these answers to allow the therapist to make good judgement and plan your treatment. The consultation will not be included in your treatment time.

Assuming you are fit and well, I will leave the room while  you undress to your underwear /shorts or to your own comfort level, and to lie on the treatment table covered with a blanket or towels. During the session, only those parts of the body where the treatment is  being applied will be exposed. No body area will be massaged without your permission and no private areas will ever be touched.

What shall I wear?

You will be required to wear your underwear throughout the massage and only have to remove as much clothing as you feel comfortable with, you will never be forced to remove any more than you want to.  Bras can be left on or taken off, again this is entirely up to you.

For a back, neck and shoulder massage only your back needs to be uncovered; so trousers, skirts, shorts etc. can be left on. 

Can I talk or should I be quiet during the massage?

For a Swedish massage, the best approach is to try to relax. Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during the session; others prefer to talk. It's your massage, and whatever feels natural for you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions and you can ask for the treatment to end at any time. If I need to adjust your position, I will either move you (for instance lift your legs to place a bolster under them) or I will tell you what is needed. Feel free to change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.

Where will my massage session take place ? 

Your massage session will take place in a private, clean, quiet room with ambient lighting. Soft music may be played to help you relax but if you would prefer a different type of music or none at all please do say. You will lie on a padded massage table.  The treatment room is currently upstairs so please be aware that accessibility is a bit of an issue for anyone unable to climb stairs, I can of course bring the massage couch downstairs to a different private room if necessary.

How will the massage feel?

It depends on the techniques used. A variety of techniques will be used such as Effleurage (a sweeping, relaxing stroke with warming pressure); Kneading  (Pressure from the hands to break down tension); Friction (Focusing on problem areas, to release tension). The pressure will be adjusted depending on your needs; if you find it too firm or light just say and the pressure will be adjusted accordingly. 

Deep Tissue massage addresses problematic areas and can feel painful but I will only ever work safely and within your threshold.  It is very important to communicate any discomfort or equally, good feelings, to me.