First, you can rest assured that I am completely professional and I provide treatments for purely therapeutic benefit only.

For the first treatment I go through a consultation with you covering medical history and a bit about your lifestyle, this will help me to understand what you need from your treatment and tailor it accordingly. This will take up to 10 minutes and is free.

I will also take payment for the session and book another appointment if required, and then you can completely relax as all the business has been taken care of.

Provided we can proceed with the treatment, I'll leave the room to let you disrobe to the degree you feel comfortable. Then you will get under the cover sheet on the massage table, usually face down. Then I'll come back in, put on some relaxing music if it suits you, and begin the treatment. When the treatment is finished, I'll let you know and leave the room again to let you get up. I'll then get some feedback from you about the treatment.

For Holistic massage you'll need to be at least partially undressed. You will be under sheets that cover all of your body except the part of your body being worked on.

Some styles of massage are able to be performed fully clothed such as head massage and seated chair massage.

Massage is obviously a therapy that necessitates close contact between client and therapist, and therefore personal hygiene is important for both parties. A shower or a bath before a massage can help in two ways. Firstly, heat will help to soften tissue and relax muscles. And secondly, clean skin is less likely to become irritated. By the same token, the Therapist must ensure that his or her hands are always clean.

Eating before a massage

Try to leave at least two hours between a large or heavy meal and your massage. Light snacks or fruit etc. is fine though. Try also to avoid any alcohol before a massage as its effects will become heightened by the treatment.

Your medical history

A responsible therapist asks about your medical history in the initial consultation. Although massage has many wonderful benefits, it is not appropriate for people with some medical conditions and sometimes must be used cautiously.

For example, massage is not recommended if you have a condition involving infection (including cold or flu) because massage might help the infection spread through your body. Massage is also generally not recommended for people with advanced heart, kidney, or liver problems. Other conditions that affect circulation, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, require caution, depending on your overall physical condition. Obviously, you should not receive massage if you have a contagious condition. If you have a skin rash, know what it is before your massage, because some skin conditions are contagious. Medications, particularly pain-killers and muscle relaxants (including aspirin), dull your perception of pain and pressure—your massage therapist needs to know your perception may not be accurate to avoid inadvertently using too much pressure.

Information about injuries, traumas, surgeries, and physical activities provide information about where or how you hold tension in your body. Also, specific massage techniques can help the body heal soft-tissue injuries. If you have back pain or certain digestive problems, abdominal massage can be helpful, but it is not appropriate for some medical conditions. Your massage therapist needs to know your complete and up-to-date medical picture to provide informed and safe massage.

Please note that all records are kept confidential and locked in a safe place, and under no circumstances will any personal information be disclosed to any other person. If there are any medical conditions present, the client may need to contact their physician to gain his/her approval before massage treatment can take place.

During the massage

If you have questions during the treatment just ask. If something is uncomfortable or painful, tell the therapist. But in general, most clients enter a state of deep relaxation during treatment, where too much verbal communication can interrupt the deeply relaxed state.

Holistic massage is a gentle form of massage, although if you do have areas of tension and knots in your muscles, these can be quite tender and you should always tell your practitioner if they are causing discomfort or pain when they are being worked on.

After the massage

After your treatment please follow the advice below in order to gain the most benefit.

Increase your water intake following a massage to assist the body's detoxification process. Massage greatly increases the flow of the lymphatic system, which is the system that filters out toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water ensures that these toxins can be expelled naturally.

Have a suitable rest period after the treatment

Cut down on consumption of stimulants (ie alcohol/coffee/tea)

You may experience the following reactions:

You may feel generally sleepy or tired

Weepy / emotional due to the release of tension

Warm due to your improved circulation

Aching and soreness in the muscles, this will be short-lived and followed by a relief from muscular tension

Less stressed and more relaxed

Improved sleep patterns

How often should you receive massage

The duration and frequency of treatments is very much the personal choice of each client.  For those presenting specific symptoms or conditions the preparation of a treatment plan in discussion with the therapist is often helpful.  I offer a discounted treatment plan if sessions are booked and paid for in advance. The duration of the effects of a massage vary greatly from person to person depending on your physical and mental condition, activities, ability to relax, and ability to heal. If you are receiving massage to help heal an injury or to get rid of chronic pain, you usually need to receive regular massages until you reach that goal. The effects of regular massage are cumulative and can make a big difference in your overall health and tension levels.

Situations when I cannot have a massage?

In general, any type of massage is non-invasive and considered very low risk. However, certain medical conditions may discourage particular massage treatments and these will be discussed during the consultation. If you have a medical condition and have any doubts whether or not a massage is right for you, consult your physician.

You will not be able to be treated if you:

have a fever

have a contagious disease

are under the influence of drugs or alcohol

are in the first 3 months of pregnancy

You will need to have written consent from your doctor if you are being treated for:

high or low blood pressure, heart problems

osteoporosis

psychotic conditions

epilepsy

had a recent operation

diabetes

bells palsy

trapped, pinched or inflamed nerves

a history of blood clots

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