Frequently Asked QUESTIONs
Below are a selection of frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered below, feel free to contact us to discuss any concerns in more detail.
Some massages such as Indian Head massage or seated accupressure can be given fully clothed. However, a full body treatment such as a therapeutic or holistic massage requires you to remove your clothes down to your pants. Sports and remedial massages depending on the areas being treated will also require the removal of some clothes.
You will be kept modest at all times and all areas not being treated will be covered with towels.
Do not eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol immediately before having a massage.
You should shower (particularly if you have been playing sports) and remove any jewellery such as bracelets or necklaces.
If you have long hair please tie it back during the treatment. It is also advisable not to wear make-up as it will get smudged.
This is dependent on what you would like to achieve from your treatment. It is advisable to discuss this with the therapist when the appointment is made.
In general:
All full body treatments require 90 minutes.
Massage for specific areas or injuries may take between 30 and 90 minutes dependent on the area(s) being treated and the severity of the condition.
Generally allow 60 minutes for a back, neck & shoulder treatment or a back and legs treatment.
For treament of a small area and conditions such as tennis elbow, a 30 minute treatment is usually sufficient.
I have heard that massages hurt, is it painful?
Generally, massages are relaxing and not at all painful. However, deep tissue manipulation during sports and remedial massages can be uncomfortable at times particularly if you have an acute injury.
During all massages you will regularly be asked if the pressure is alright for you. If you are injured or suffering specific pain extra care is always taken. If at any point you want to stop the massage you can tell the therapist who will do so immediately.
Usually, the most noticeable side effect is a feeling of deep relaxation and you may feel sleepy. Your limbs can feel "light".
It is absolutely normal to get a reddening of the skin immediately after the massage, this should dissappear very quickly.
You may feel cold after the massage, this is a combination of the cooling effect of the oil on your skin evapourating and also the the blood vessels at the surface of your skin being dilated following treatment. This feeling will soon pass, but you may wish to bring something warm to wear afterwards.
If you have had some deep tissue work, you may get a slight ache or a slightly bruised sensation the following day. This is normal and will pass within a day or so.
Yes. You can have a massage if you have a non contagious skin condition such as eczema. However, if your skin is broken or you have open sores, that area will have to be avoided.
If you have a contagious skin condition such as ringworm or athletes foot , you may still be able to have a treatment depending on the extent of the infection. Please discuss this when you make the appointment.
Treatments are always tailored to meet the individual's needs so a combination of techniques are usually used.
For example, a stressed out person with swollen ankles and aching shoulders might have a treatment consisting of deep tissue work to ease the shoulders, followed by lymphatic drainage to reduce the swelling in the ankles and then more gentle therapeutic work to relieve stress.
Always tell the therapist what you hope to achieve from the treatment when you make the appointment to allow them to make an effective treatment plan.
Can you cure my bad back?
We can not guarantee to cure any injury or ailment, no therapist can.
Massage relaxes muscles which often can help ease pain. Also, by increasing blood and lymph flow to the injured area, the body's own healing process is speeded up. Symptoms involving trapped or impinged nerves may be relieved immediately, but can return.
Best results are achieved over regular treatments. Please discuss any injuries with the therapist when you make the initial appointment.
The therapist works closely with physiotherapists and will advise you if it is appropriate to seek advice from a different practitioner.
Note that massage is not a substitute for a traditional health care, if you are ill or in pain, please consult your GP first.
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Yes. If you are more comfortable with a friend or relative in the treatment room you are very welcome to bring someone. However, in order for the client to gain most benefit from the treatment and allow the therapist to concentrate, we respectfully request that the person remains quiet during the treatment.
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There are varying types and degrees of arthritis, always check with your doctor or consultant if it is appropriate to be massaged first.
Massage may help ease the symtoms, but it can not cure or stop it getting worse. Please tell the therapist when you make an appointment if you have any conditions such as arthritis.
This is very much dependent on the individual, their condition and their level & type of activity. Best results are always achieved with regular treatments.
If you have a painful condition or an injury in acute / post-acute stages it is advisable to have treatments at least weekly.
Maintenance massages to prevent injuries and maintain flexibility are recommended monthly for most, or more frequently for particularly active people.