Massage
Remedial Massage, or Soft Tissue Therap physically pushes and stretches the skin and muscles of the body. We know that massage has a huge impact on our sensory nervous system by helping to turn the volume down on messages of pain. Massage reduces stress, tension, and, feels really good.
Everyone should be having massages.
I have a qualification of BTEC Level 5 Sports and Remedial Massage/Soft Tissue Therapist, and I'm also trained in relaxing Holistic Massage ITEC 3. I want to remedy issues, and I also I want you to unwind and enjoy the experience.
Our understanding of how massage works has changed during the last few years. Pain science tells us about the important aspect of the feel-good factor playing a hugely significant role in pain reduction, therefore, massage needs to feel great. It is never a case of no pain no gain. Feedback to get the right pressure for you specifically is imperative.
Information about booking for prospective new clients click here
FAQ's
What happens when I first come for a treatment?
Firstly, please complete a new patient registration form and return it to me. We'll then arrange a tele-consultation (15 minutes). I will ask why you are coming and what you hope to achieve from your treatments.
When you come in face to face I may have a look at your posture and areas of concern. I'll discuss your treatment with you and check you're happy to proceed.
What should I wear?
You'll generally be undressed for your massage, but keep your underwear on. Bras can be kept on or off, whatever is most comfortable for you. In circumstances where you don't want to undress, I can work with this and adapt. I want you to feel comfortable.
I’ll leave the room to give you some privacy whilst you undress, keeping your underwear on, and then snuggle up under the sheet on the couch. I now ask everyone to bring a large fresh towel or washed fleece blanket as a top warm layer to go over the sheet that I provide.
I've never had a massage, what happens?
A typical standard massage format starts with you lying on your back looking at the ceiling so I can do some work on your neck and shoulders first. I’ll sit behind your head, putting my hands under your neck to gently release tension here. I might open up the front of your shoulders/ your chest if you have tension here.
I will then ask you to roll over so that you are face down, and use different massage techniques over your back and shoulders to the areas which need targeting. Only the body areas being massage are exposed, the rest of you is covered up.
After your treatment I’ll leave the room whilst you get up and dressed.
If relevant we will discuss stretches or strengthening exercises or clarify lifestyle advice given.
How long does it last?
Your massage appointment time slot is 60 minutes. This includes time for reassessment, for you to clarify what you need, time for a lot of hands on massage work, and time for recommended stretches or strengthening exercises if relevant.
Does massage hurt?
Massage should feel great; deep enough to beneficial, yet not so deep that it causes pain.
At areas of tension it is likely to feel a little painful, but this is often described as ‘good hurt’. I will ask you to feed back to me how it feels so that I get it right specifically for you. We all have different tolerance levels and different anatomy, so it’s important for me to change my technique according to each specific client.
With a properly trained massage therapist, they know that it is not a case of the deeper the better, not a case of no pain no gain, and massage should never cause bruising.
How many massages will I need?
If you’re coming to help a specific complaint and you want to get better sooner, you are likely to want to come weekly to begin with before spacing it out to a frequency best for you.
If you are coming for general tension and stress relief, you may choose to continue to have massage once a week, fortnightly or monthly on an ongoing basis- it’s your choice. Even one annual massage will be beneficial for you.
Is massage just for backs, necks, and shoulders?
Not at all. If you’re a runner, come and have massage on your legs. If you work with your arms, or spend a lot of time on a PC you may want your arms and hands looked at. I also offer abdominal massage, beneficial for the whole abdominal area, and facial massage which brightens your complexion and reduces face tension.