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WHAT TO EXPECT & FREQUENTLY ASKED  QUESTIONS.

Your First Visit

A warm welcome, a little time to talk and treatment that's right for you.
Whether this is your first massage or you're already familiar with soft-tissue therapy, I want you to feel relaxed and at ease from the moment you arrive. Every appointment starts with a conversation. I'll take time to understand what has brought you to treatment, listen to your concerns and find out what you'd like to achieve. We'll discuss the best approach together, so you know what to expect and feel comfortable throughout.

Before Your Appointment

Before your first visit, you'll complete a confidential digital health screening form.

This helps me understand your health better and make sure the treatment we choose is suitable for you.

 

Please let me know about any changes to your:

  • General health or medical circumstances.

  • Prescribed medication.

  • Recent injuries, operations or medical procedures.

  • New, unexplained or worsening symptoms.

  • I need an up-to-date picture of your health so I can adapt your treatment as needed.

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Your first appointment includes time to talk, understand your needs and look at how your body moves.

We'll discuss:

  • What has brought you to treatment and what you'd like to achieve.

  • Your everyday activities, work and exercise habits.

  • Any relevant health history or areas of discomfort.

  • Any movements you find difficult or areas where you feel restricted.​

  • Depending on your needs, I'll carry out some simple movement checks and physical assessments. These may include looking at your posture, joint mobility and how comfortably you move.

Why does the first appointment take a little longer?

I believe it's important to understand what's going on before deciding on the best approach. This means your first appointment may include slightly less hands-on massage time than a follow-up session, but it gives us a much better starting point for your treatment. Before we begin, I'll explain what I'd like to do, answer any questions and make sure you're happy to go ahead.

During Your Treatment

Your comfort and privacy are important to me, and I'll always explain what to expect.
 
What Should I Wear?
Depending on the treatment and assessment, you may be asked to remove some outer clothing. You can wear suitable shorts, a vest top or comfortable activewear if you prefer.
For rehabilitation exercises, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal.
 
Your Privacy
During hands-on treatment, I'll cover you appropriately with towels or a sheet. Only the area being treated will be uncovered at any time.
 
Your Comfort
I'll explain the techniques I'm using and check that the pressure feels comfortable. If you'd like anything changed, just let me know. You can ask me to adjust your position, change the pressure or stop at any time.
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After Your Treatment

Everyone responds a little differently to massage and soft-tissue work.

You might leave feeling relaxed, more comfortable or freer in your movement. Occasionally, you may experience some temporary tenderness, tiredness or mild muscular soreness.

I'll talk through any aftercare that's appropriate for you. This might include:

  • Gentle movements or stretches.

  • Exercises to support your progress, sent directly to your phone through Rehab My Patient.

  • Advice on adjusting exercise or training for a short time.

  • Simple suggestions to help you manage your symptoms between appointments.

Mild redness, tenderness or occasional bruising can sometimes occur, particularly following certain remedial techniques or cupping.I'll explain any possible effects before treatment, so you know what to expect. If you're ever concerned about a reaction afterwards, please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'd divide these into three groups. This makes it easier for visitors to find the information they're looking for without reading everything.

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Treatment & Appointments

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Does massage have to hurt to work?

No. Massage doesn't need to be painful to be beneficial. Some remedial techniques involve deeper pressure, but treatment should always stay within your comfortable range. I'll check in regularly and adjust the pressure as needed.

 

Do I need to undress?

This depends on the treatment and assessment. You may be asked to remove some outer clothing, but you can wear suitable shorts or a vest top if you prefer. You'll always be appropriately covered, and we'll respect your privacy throughout.

 

Is sports massage only for athletes?

Not at all. Sports and remedial massage can help anyone experiencing muscular tension or physical discomfort. This might include people who sit at desks, drive for long periods, work physically demanding jobs or spend a lot of time caring for others.

 

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on your individual needs, what you'd like to achieve and how your body responds. Some people find one or two sessions helpful, while longer-standing problems may benefit from a more gradual approach. We'll review your progress together and discuss what feels appropriate.

 

Recovery & Results

 

Will I feel sore afterwards?

Some people experience mild, temporary tenderness or tiredness following treatment, particularly after deeper remedial techniques. Others feel relaxed and more comfortable. I'll explain what you might expect based on the treatment you've received.

 

Can massage cause bruising?

Occasionally, certain techniques can cause temporary redness, tenderness or minor bruising. Cupping can also leave circular marks that usually fade within a few days. Bruising isn't a sign that treatment has been more effective, and I'll always discuss the possible effects before using these techniques.

 

Can massage help with sports performance?

Massage can form a useful part of a wider training and recovery routine by helping manage muscular tension and supporting comfortable movement. It works best alongside appropriate training-strength work and rest. It cannot guarantee injury prevention or improved performance on its own.

 

Health, Safety & Professional Care

 

Health screening and suitability

Your safety is important to me. All new clients must complete a paper health consultation form before their first appointment. Please keep me informed of any relevant changes to your health or medication. If your health screening or circumstances indicate that treatment may not be suitable, or further medical advice or clearance is needed, we may need to postpone or cancel your appointment.

 

What if massage isn't suitable for me?

Your safety always comes first. If your health screening or assessment suggests that massage isn't appropriate, I'll explain why and may recommend speaking with your GP, consultant, or another suitable healthcare professional before proceeding.

If you're running late, please let me know as soon as possible. Your treatment may need to be shortened to avoid delaying the next appointment, but the full session fee will still apply.

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Are you insured?

Yes. I hold professional insurance to cover medical malpractice and public liability for my practice and I am a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and constantly maintain and improve my professional skills, knowledge and performance.

 

Important Information Before Booking

A few things I'd like you to know before arranging your appointment.

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Medical Conditions & Treatment Suitability

 

​Massage and hands-on treatments aren't suitable in every situation.

Please let me know about any medical conditions, recent injuries, operations, medication or changes in your health before your appointment.

Treatment may need to be adapted, postponed or avoided in certain circumstances, including:

  • Fever or contagious illness.

  • Suspected blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.

  • Recent injuries that haven't been assessed.

  • Open wounds, burns or significant skin conditions in the treatment area.

  • Unstable or serious medical conditions.

  • Certain bone, circulation or cardiovascular conditions.

This isn't a complete list. If you're unsure whether treatment is suitable, please contact me before booking. I may recommend seeking advice from your GP or treating medical team.

Please don't attend if you have a fever or contagious illness. Treatment will also not go ahead if you're under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

 

Children & Young People

Clients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will be involved in the consent process. 

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​Payment - Payments can be made by:

Card, bank transfer or by cash.

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