Frequently Asked Questions
What does massage do and what does it not do
Massage is the passive manipulation of soft tissue (muscles and ligaments) and the joints. It improves the local blood flow, helps remove muscular tension, supports the lymphatic system to remove toxins and subsequently boosts the immune system. It further helps ease inflamed joints by relaxing connected muscle groups and warming the areas.
In addition to these physical benefits many patients experience a sense of deep mental and emotional relaxation as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which lowers the release of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin and raises the release of the "feel good" hormones serotonin and dopamine.
While patients benefit strongly from receiving massages and they are part of a healthy and active lifestyle, they are not meant to replace existing treatments. They do not cure cancer, protect you from catching infections (although they help boost your immune system) or help you to lose weight.
Is massage good for everyone
Everyone can benefit from a massage. You do not need to have a certain shape of body, reached a certain age, have a certain lifestyle or have a certain physical or mental condition to enjoy a treatment.
In the wake of COVID-19 you may however fall into a risk group where you need to assess if you wish to go ahead with receiving treatments. I have included the list of currently identified risk groups in the consultation form.
Should I stop taking existing treatments or prescribed medication if I receive massages
You should continue to go to your existing treatments and take any prescribed medication. Massage therapy is considered complementary, or in addition to whatever treatments you are already receiving. If you notice any improvements please discuss options to make changes to your treatment or medication plan with your medical consultant or GP.
Can I simply walk in for a treatment
All treatments are by appointment only. This makes sure that your treatment is not interrupted and that I can give my full attention to you. This also allows you to be in minimal contact with other people when you stay at the practice and allows me to prepare the room, and clean it including any areas and surfaces touched by others between treatments.
How can I prepare best for the treatment
I recommend to shower or bathe on the day of your treatment and before you arrive so that you can get the most benefits from the session. If you use any skin products such as body lotions, oils or butters, please feel free to use these after you showered as you would normally do, although I will be using natural vegetable massage oils. Do still apply any skin products that are for medical conditions.
While there are showering facilities these cannot be offered under the current Government regulations to help minimise the spread of COVID-19.
Is there a first consultation
If you are coming for your first treatment I will ask you to fill in a consultation form on your medical history, current conditions, allergies, and potential contraindications. I will also ask you to sign a client consent form. To minimise the potential spread of the pandemic I will send the forms out to you by email or post them through your letterbox (if you live close), otherwise please bring a pen to fill in the forms.
How long does the treatment last
60 minutes for a customised massage and 30 minutes for a seated massage. Please allow additional time for the consultation if you are coming for the first time as well as for aftercare.
Do I need to bring my own towels or pillows
Just bring yourself (and a pen to fill in any paperwork). Additional support for your shoulder, knee and ankle joints is available and will be washed or disinfected between treatments.
Do I need to fully undress
This depends on your preference and which massage you choose. You can enjoy the full benefits of a seated massage, where I work on the neck, back, shoulders and arms, in light clothing such as a T-shirt, top, blouse or shirt, and no oil will be applied (only very little oil will be used for exposed areas). I will only ask you to remove your coat and jumper.
For a customised massage where you will be laying on the couch you can undress to as little as you are comfortable with. Underwear must be kept on during the entire treatment, and ladies may remove their bra.
Can I bring my child to the appointment
Unfortunately as I work from home and following Government regulations to help minimise the spread of the pandemic I need to limit the traffic in the house, however I can give you details of a local childminder to look after your child while you enjoy your treatment.
What kind of contra-actions should I expect after a treatment
A lot of people hold onto a large amount of stress and toxins without being aware of it. During the treatment you allow your body to let go of these toxins, relax and regenerate. You may urgently need the bathroom, or feel thirsty, or feel dizzy or light-headed as your blood pressure drops. Clients with either high or low blood pressure are more likely to experience such contra-actions. You may feel tired and sleep longer the following night, and this will help your body to regenerate. Or you may develop a fever which is a sign that your immune system has kicked in to fight off an existing infection. Your skin may be also red for up to 24 hours – this is a sign that your blood flow has improved in those areas and your body is working on removing any stored toxins. If however you experience any undesired contra-actions, such as a headache that last for over 24 hours, an irritation of the skin, or if you feel sick, do let me know so we can adjust your treatment plan.
What aftercare will I get and what do I need to do for myself
No massage treatment is complete unless it is supported by a healthy lifestyle that keeps the body free of toxins and in balance. The key to any healthy balance is diet, exercise, self-nurture and moderation.
After the treatment I will offer you some refreshments, and advise you to keep on drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Sugary drinks – including sugar-reduced soda drinks - (non-herbal) tea, coffee as well as alcohol don’t go well with aftercare, while unsweetened herbal and fruit teas are perfect and certain herbal teas and infusions might even be beneficial for you.
One common contra-action that clients experience after receiving massage treatment is that their blood pressure drops. They feel light-headed, dizzy, and may even faint when they get up too soon or too quickly. I advise to plan in some extra time before you head to your next appointment. Take an extra minute on the couch before you get up, sit in your car for five minutes before driving, most importantly listen to your body.
Are you open for business during Tier 2 ?
Yes I am. As a licensed business I have completed a risk assessment to put all necessary measures in place to make my practice and shared areas COVID-19 safe. To read more please read the next FAQ or click on the menu item COVID-19.
What safety measures do you put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and make my stay safe
Hygiene and cleanliness are important in the beauty and spa sector, even more so during this pandemic.
To avoid traffic and potential spread of the virus, I operate on an appointment only basis. Please come on your own and on time for your appointment, unless you need the assistance of a carer. You and your carer need to wear face covering.
You can check in your visit with NHS Test and Trace using the NHS COVID-19 app available on Google Play and Apple Store. A NHS QR code is available for scanning in the treatment room. I will in addition keep a record of the time of your visit together with your contact name and number which will be shared with NHS Test and Trace if necessary.
When you arrive I will check your temperature with a forehead thermometer and ask you to sanitise your hands. Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance. The thermometer is sanitised between each use. In case you have a temperature above 37.3 C I will need to reschedule your appointment.
I will be wearing a face visor (and a face mask depending on the type of treatment) during the treatment. Current Government guidelines request that both the therapist and client (and any accompanying carer) wear face protection throughout the entire stay at the premises.
The room will be aired between treatments, however the window will be closed during treatment sessions to give you necessary privacy and to reduce distractions from outside noise so that you can enjoy your treatment.
The toilet / bathroom is available for use and for washing hands during your visit. Liquid hand wash, hand sanitiser, and disposable paper towels will be available.
What do I do if I start having COVID-19 related symptoms on the day of my appointment
If you are feeling unwell, have a fever, a new cough which has not been diagnosed, you notice a loss in smell or taste, or you have been in close contact (less than 2 metres distance and for more than 15 minutes) with somebody in the past 10 days who has tested positive for COVID-19, or you have been requested by the NHS to self-isolate, please follow the current Government guidelines for testing of COVID-19 and self-isolate.
Please also call me so we can arrange another time and date. Do not come for your treatment, even if you have been looking forward to it or if you think that it will make you feel better. A good treatment “works” for hours onwards where the body gets rid of toxins, so if you are not feeling well, a treatment may do you more harm than good for the first 24 to 48 hours.
How soon should I call to reschedule or cancel my appointment if I cannot make it
As soon as you can, however latest on the day before your appointment so that your booking slot can be offered to another client.
Do I still need to pay if I miss or cancel an appointment
If you don’t receive a treatment you do not need to pay anything. I may however take a deposit of £20 if appointments are regularly missed or cancelled on the same day. You will however not be penalised for late cancellations if these are related to COVID-19.
How can I pay for my treatments
I accept cash, card and contactless.
How is my data stored
All your data will be stored securely and will not be shared with other professionals without your given and written consent under valid GDPR regulations.
Your contact details (name and phone number) may be shared with NHS Test and Trace, if necessary, for a length of 21 days if you or another client tests positive for COVID-19.
Do you offer "extras"
Despite certain beliefs in subcultures that massage therapy and adult services are linked, licensed and qualified massage spas offer therapeutic massages that adhere to the Codes of Conduct set out by professional associations, and as such sexual services are prohibited.