Some people have told me that they’ve waited longer than they should before booking a massage because they were a bit nervous about it. I know there are a good few vouchers floating round out there, and a good few achy shoulders, so if you’re thinking of booking with me here is a quick rundown of what you can expect.

Environment

I work at home so it’s an easy, relaxed environment.  I play music while I work and you are very welcome to bring your own play list if you feel you might object to mine (mainly David Grey and Nick Drake). I also have a candle lit so you can pretend you are in a spa. I use fleecy blankets rather than towels as they are warmers, softer, and a darned sight easier to wash and dry.

Clothing

You are not required to get naked or remove any underwear, or indeed any clothing at all if you’d rather not. It’s harder to work though clothes, but I can do it. Generally people are in their underwear, under the blankets. I am skilled in the art of blanket draping and your modesty will be preserved. Ladies – no need to wear matching underwear just for me. I mean, cause, nobody actually does that every day….do they??

Modesty generally

I’ve seen it all and I’m not squeamish. However, if you’d rather I didn’t touch your feet/ old scar tissue/ticklish knee then please just say and I will avoid that area. Don’t worry about stretch marks, hairiness (guys or gals), or anything like that. Like I said, I’ve seen it all.

Lotions and potions

I use Physique massage lotion, a gentle, hypoallergenic cream, designed for athletes for whom (in Physique’s words) “hairy skin can be a real challenge.” It won’t clog hair follicles. Phew. I use Liz Earle Foot Repair moisturiser , and Biofreeze if pain relief is required.

When to see me

If you have fresh trauma to the body, for example, a pulled muscle, wait a few days for the initial swelling and pain to subside before seeing me. Ice the injury, elevate it, and compress it gently in the meantime. If you have an injury caused by a fall or impact, such as falling from a horse or being in a car accident it is important to get medical attention before coming to see me so you can make sure there is no structural damage. In some cases massage can make things worse, so see a doctor and get an x-ray if needs be. Ask the doctor if they think massage would be a wise course of action and go with what they say.

If you have long term pain, such as restriction and stiffness when moving, or pain when sitting for too long, come and see me as soon as you can so we can get rid of that pain and free you up.

When not to see me

In certain situations massage should be avoided. For example, if you show up with all the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, I will just send you to A&E. On a less dramatic level, please don’t and see me if you have a bad cold. If it’s just the sniffles, or you are pretty much over it, then that’s fine, but I don’t want the lurgy in my clinic or my home, not just for me and my family but also for my other clients. Please just call and we can reschedule your appointment for when you’re feeling better Likewise, if I am ill I will let you know so we can rearrange things. Other potential contradindications to massage include recent operations, early pregnancy, ongoing illness, or skin infections. However, often we can work around things, or we just need the ok from your doctor, so if you are unsure whether you should come and see me, please just call and we’ll work it out.

Timing

I charge by duration of treatment, so if you book a 60 minute treatment then it will last 60 minutes, not 55. Because of this, please allow 75 minutes for your first appointment so we have time for the consultation and admin. Obviously if you arrive late, this could eat into your time.

Please don’t arrive early as I don’t have a waiting room!

Pain

It might be painful, depending on your problem. However, I won’t just mash away at you though; wringing out your muscles won’t help them. Having said that, tight or damaged muscles will be tender to the touch.  Let me know if it’s too much and you need me to back off. Please don’t try and be brave, there’s no shame in asking for a gentler touch! Conversely, if you feel I could do more and be a bit firmer, tell me.  Everyone is different and it’s YOUR massage, not mine.

Afterwards…

I will get you a glass of water. Please try and drink it all. Massage is a dehydrating process and you will need to drink way more water than usual for the rest of the day. You may also feel a bit groggy and tired. Breaking down adhesions in muscles releases waste matter (eg lactic acid, not “toxins”) so your body with feel a bit run down as it flushes it all out.

I hope this helps!

Any questions just give me a call. I’m told I have a very pleasant phone manner.

Cheeky plug…

Gift vouchers are now available to buy online! Check out my new shop or check out the vouchers below.

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