FAQ

What is your cancellation policy?

Dear Client,

Your appointment is reserved especially for you, and while we understand that sometimes schedule adjustments are necessary, we respectfully request at least 12 hours' notice for cancellations.

Please understand that when you forget or cancel your appointment without giving enough notice, we miss the opportunity to fill that appointment time, and clients on our waiting list miss the opportunity to receive services.

We operate a 12 hours' cancellation policy. If you cancel your appointment with less than 12 hours' notice, you will be charged the full price of the appointment.

No shows will be charged the full price of your appointment. You will be considered a “no-show” if you fail to arrive at the designated property after 10 minutes of your booked appointment time.

If you request to change a confirmed appointment with more than 12 hours' notice you will not incur any charge. If you request to change a confirmed appointment within 12 hours of the start time, your booking will be treated as a cancellation and you will be charged the full price of the appointment.

If you book for an appointment with a start time within 12 hours, you can cancel it free of charge within 30 minutes of making a booking. If you cancel beyond these 30 minutes you will be charged the full price of the appointment.

What are the benefits of massage?

There are many physiological and chemical changes in the body that can result from massage, whether used to alleviate the stresses associated with a particular condition or injury, or when used as a relaxing therapy. Historically, regular massage has been used to:

  • Enhance sleep quality
  • Increase energy
  • Improve concentration
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Alleviate lower-back pain and improve range of motion
  • Ease dependence on over the counter medication
  • Lessen symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defence system;
  • Alleviate symptoms of RSI
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
  • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ – the skin
  • Increase joint flexibility
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles
  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
  • High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones

What to expect at a first appointment?

Your first appointment will begin with a consultation during which the therapist will ask you about your current health, medical history and emotional well-being. All details are held in the strictest of confidence. The therapist will then use the information collected to tailor a treatment to suit your specific health needs and preferences.

How often should I have a massage?

This will depend on individual preference and on the reason for seeking treatment. If you have an injury, one treatment per week may be necessary for a while so as to continue to promote healing and reduction in pain. If massage is part of your preventative care regime, or used to help manage stress, once or twice a month would be suitable, although you may like to increase the frequency at times of particular stress, or if you find that you get the most continuing benefit out of a weekly treatment.

What is a full body massage?

A full-body massage is just a way of saying that the therapist will massage your whole body during a therapeutic massage. This includes your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, hands and abdomen (and chests for men).

Where will my massage take place?

Your treatment room will be warm and quiet, with a specially designed and comfortable massage table. We can provide soft music to help you relax, or you’re welcome to bring your own.

Do I have to be naked? Where will I get undressed?

We prefer you to keep your underwear on, but it is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable with. Once you’re in the treatment room, the therapist will leave the room giving you plenty of time to undress, make yourself comfortable on the table, and cover yourself with the clean sheet or towel provided.

Will I be covered during my massage?

In order to keep you warm and comfortable, you will be covered at all times with a sheet or towel, which will only be moved to expose the part of the body that the therapist will be is working on. Some treatments may require you to be more mobile and in this case we may suggest you bring tight sports-type clothing to avoid any embarrassment and preserve your modesty.

What massage oils will be used during the treatment?

We use only the best quality massage carrier oils to aid a smooth movement over your muscles and nourish the skin. If you’re sensitive to skin products please let the therapist know at the start of your treatment. If you experience discomfort during the treatment, you should let the therapist know so that another massage medium can be used.

What parts of my body will be massaged?

This will depend on the discussion and consultation we have prior to treatment. Together we will discuss your desired outcome from treatment and this will inform the decision as to which areas of your body require particular work. In general, a typical full body treatment will mean work on your back, head, neck and shoulders, arms and legs, feet and hands. Genitals, breasts, and their surrounding areas are not touched. The particular techniques used will depend on the outcomes desired and will probably include broad, flowing strokes which release muscle tension and calm the nervous system, or rocking movements. Other techniques seek to re-educate movement and posture. Increased pressure can be used to relieve areas of particular muscle tension.

What if the pressure isn‘t right for me?

Communication is a key element to any good treatment as each client is different. The therapist will not be at all upset or offended if you ask for more, or less, pressure: It’s our aim to deliver an individually tailored treatment and feedback is always welcome.

How long will the massage last? What should I do during the massage?

A standard booking is 60 minutes, which includes time spent discussing the kind of treatment you require. At this time, ask as many questions about their techniques as you like. During the treatment, just close your eyes, relax and be comfortable. You need only speak so as to indicate that you would like more, or less, pressure, or that another blanket is required. The therapist will when necessary gently move parts of your body or ask you to, for instance, lift an arm or leg.

Contraindications

Which conditions would affect my massage? Are there any conditions which mean I shouldn’t have a massage? If you are currently under the supervision of a medical practitioner or any of the following apply to you please make contact before booking:

  • Cancer
  • Fainting/dizziness
  • First trimester of pregnancy
  • Heart conditions including pacemaker
  • Psychosis
  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Stroke or head injury
  • Lumps diagnosed or otherwise
  • History of Haemorrhage/bleeding
  • Recent surgery or hospitalisation
  • Fractures/dislocations/sprains/strains
  • Contagious diseases e.g. TB
  • Back or neck injury
  • Osteoporosis or brittle bones
  • Skin conditions
  • Deep vein thrombosis

Do you diagnose problems?

To comply with UK Law and the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines on complementary therapy, we do not make any claims to cure or diagnose any medical condition. We strongly recommend that anyone who suffers an illness or injury should consult their GP in the first instance.

How will I feel after the massage? Are there any side-effects?

Many clients feel very relaxed and positive after a treatment. After continuing treatment they can find they are free from aches and pains that have become long-term, and feel more energetic and productive. However following your massage treatment you may experience some of the following symptoms over the following few days:

  • Muscle soreness
  • Cold like symptoms
  • Increased sweating
  • Stuffy, blocked or runny nose
  • Heightened emotions – high or low
  • Feeling sleepy and fatigued or deeply relaxed
  • Feeling irritable
  • Feeling energised
  • Temporary worsening of symptoms
  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Vivid dreams

As everyone is different and may ‘react’ differently to a massage treatment these symptoms are quite normal and are a good sign that the treatment is working. This is known as a healing reaction.

You should do the following:

  • Drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours following treatment – This can assist your body to flush out toxins that massage helps to release from your body
  • If you feel tired, rest as much as possible
  • Avoid heat treatments (bath, sauna etc.) for at least 24 hours
  • Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after treatment
  • Avoid alcohol and other stimulants such as tea and coffee for the rest of the day after treatment

If you feel concerned about anything following your treatment do not hesitate to call us for advice. If however, you can’t reach us and you feel poorly in any way, or your symptoms worsen, always call your GP for advice.