Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
If any questions you have are not listed please visit the 'Contact Me' page and submit any enquiries to my email or mobile. :)
How should I prepare for my first treatment?
Space: Ensure you have a quiet, relaxing space away from distractions, with privacy, e.g. blinds/curtains. This must be a room large enough for me to set up my portable massage couch (2m long x 1m wide) so treatment can begin.
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Mental Preparedness: Recall any symptoms you are experiencing or have previously experienced, along with when and how they started.
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Clothing: It is totally your choice; most clients of mine wear just underwear or shorts/t-shirt that is easy to remove when treatment begins. Under no circumstance does underwear need to be removed, unless you are wearing a bra and receive treatment on your neck/back.
If you would prefer more privacy I can use my towel as a shield, or step out of the room until you are positioned on the couch ready for assessment or treatment. Be aware you can say 'stop' if you are uncomfortable or in pain at ANY time.
How often shall I book a massage if I need more than 1 session?
I always recommend going with your gut! But if your gut has absolutely no idea, I will always advise you based on YOUR progress from your first session, injury/issue severity and convenience.
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For example, I treat a regular client, male in his 90's, who requires monthly sessions for arthritis. He has recently extended to every 6 weeks, but has been known to occasionally book fortnightly sessions in between when he's feeling more stiff and achy. Other clients may book in twice in a year when they have a 'flare up' and others sometimes twice within the same week!
Is there anything health wise that can stop me from having a massage?
These are called Contraindications.
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Massage can NOT be performed if you have:
An infectious disease, skin burns, open wounds, blood clots, 1st trimester of pregnancy (up to 13 weeks), cancer (may spread the disease through blood/lymphatic flow), had Radiotherapy within the last 6 months, a cognitive disorder and can not give informed or written consent.
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Areas that should be avoided are:
Abdomen during pregnancy (after 13 weeks), where deep vein thrombosis is most prominent, areas of inflammation, on an existing limb fracture.
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You can find out more specific information online by typing in 'Contraindications of Sports Massage.'
How far do you travel?
I depart from Trowbridge near PureGym, and work locally around Wiltshire, although I have travelled up to 20 miles with an additional fee applied. My travel fee costs £10 in additional to treatment cost, which pays for fuel, and applies to anyone located 11 miles and over. Anyone located over 20 miles will need to contact me for a quote (see contact page).
Does a Sports Massage hurt?
Deep tissue massage only hurts if the therapist does not communicate with their client. Luckily I am great with communication so always ask my clients if they are comfortable, if the pressure is bearable or even enough.
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There are certain areas where the body may feel more tender naturally, or whether it be due to tension or injury. Trigger pointing can be uncomfortable as it involves the therapist pressing onto a knotted area to release tension. If you communicate how you are feeling, I will adjust to your request, whilst meeting the needs of the treatment.
How will Dry Cupping benefit me?
Everyone is different so will react differently to Dry Cupping.
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The role of Dry Cupping is to create a vacuum on the skin (suction), drawing blood to the surface to remove stagnant blood containing toxins, improved blood circulation, reduced muscle tension, scar tissue repair, improved mobility and range of motion, pain relief, and stimulation of the nervous system.
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The side effects include: a circular cupping mark that remains for 5-20days, temporary discomfort (a small pinch feeling), swelling mark on skin, sweat extraction.
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Please note: not all of these side effects apply to everyone.