Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that people have asked. If something isn't covered here, or you are still unsure, please don't hesitate to get in touch and I'll do my best to answer your query. You can email me at [email protected], use the contact page or ring/message me on 07515 907393.
When is the best time to get soft tissue/massage treatment?
This depends on your individual circumstances and needs, but if, for example, you have a dull ache/pain in muscles or joints that you can't shift, then think having some soft tissue therapy to help ease the pain and try and sort out the underlying issue. If you are regularly active, a sports massage is useful at any time to condition your muscles and joints.
If you are preparing for a sporting event, during the week before is an ideal time for a pre-event massage, to get your muscles toned, joints mobilised and in top peak condition, mentally and physically. As soon as possible after an event is best for a deeper massage to help eliminate toxins, correct and bring the muscles back to normal shape and limit any post-event fatigue, injury and improve recovery time.
What should I expect on the first session?
On your first visit, time is spent undertaking an initial assessment of your needs, the completion of necessary information gathering, gaining written consent for the treatment and short postural and range of movement testing as necessary. Once this is completed, which takes approximately 15 minutes on average, the first treatment will be undertaken, lasting up to an hour.
Undertaking an evaluation and consultation as part of your first visit, to assess your needs, is an important part of the process. Sometimes soft tissue therapy may not be the most suitable treatment for you to have, if that is the case, I will recommend that you visit a doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or more qualified therapist, as necessary.
How often should I have soft tissue therapy/massage?
Again this depends on your personal situation and what the underlying issues are. The more active you are the more beneficial regular massage work will be, to keep muscles and joints healthy, and hopefully avoid potential long-term injuries from muscle shortening and minor problems being left unattended. If you have a long-term chronic issue, several sessions may be needed to see meaningful benefits.
If you have a stressful, challenging lifestyle, job, homelife or perhaps want to treat yourself, therapeautic massages can be undertaken as often as you like.
Will the treatment be painful?
No, it should never be painful. However, but it's very nature, when treating areas of pain that might be caused by scar tissue, shortened muscle and ligaments, or 'knots', some temporary discomfort may be felt as particular techniques are applied, as they may require deeper, harder pressure. This can sometimes result in what some clients refer to as ‘good pain’ – a feeling that sore muscles are being worked in a way that will be beneficial.
Relaxing massages use lighter, gentler strokes and never hurt. It is not unusual for clients to doze during these sessions.
As always, remember it is your session. Let me know if you want any changes to the pressure of the strokes.
What do I wear for the treatment?
Wear what is comfortable in the end. Clothing needs to be loose enough for me to work around, so for men, shorts or underpants are fine. For women, again shorts, loose top or bra are good. Some people prefer to be unclothed for the therapeautic massages to allow a sense of freedom. At all times your comfort and dignity are paramount, so you feel relaxed when having treatment.
Do you have shower facilities?
Changing facilities are available, as is a shower, should you need to freshen up before, or after treatment.
Do you accept card payments?
At present I don't have the facility for accepting card payments, so payment is by cash at the end of each treatment or via PayPal.
How will I feel after the session?
Most clients feel extremely relaxed and ‘loose’ at the end of the session. Many report having an excellent night’s sleep afterwards.
There may be some initial soreness in the 24 hours after a treatment (similar to how you feel after a good gym session). This fades quickly and you will feel the full benefits of the session in the days after.
It is recommended that you increase your water intake in the hours after the session to ensure your body’s tissues remain hydrated and healthy, and that toxins are flushed out. Any other additional aftercare advice and guidance will be given based on the specific treatment you have received.
What are the business hours of operation?
The standard hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. Work outside of these times may be possible. Sometimes I'm away and unavailable, or busy with other commitments, but I will always try and fit your booking in as soon as possible. Short notice bookings can be taken.
Where do you work from?
I have a specific therapy room set up at home in East Birmingham, Yardley area, dedicated to the massage therapy work, that is warm, comfortable and private. There is safe, on-street parking outside the house. I also travel frequently to the South Coast Arundel/Brighton area and have a base there to work from, when in the area.
Do you undertake mobile home visits?
I do undertake mobile work across Birmingham and the wider West and East Midlands and surrounding areas. All you need is sufficient space for me to put the massage table up and work around comfortably. Mobile visits will incur an additional charge based on the distance travelled. Please discuss this with me at the time of booking. When travelling to the South Coast Arundel/Brighton areas in particular, I usually have my mobile equipment with me when there.
Is there any reason why I might not be able to have a treatment?
Whilst soft tissue therapy is a very safe form of physical therapy it is important to ensure there are no underlying conditions or issues that mean it should not be undertaken. Some of the reasons that mean you should not have a massage are where; you are feeling too unwell, have general symptoms that have not been diagnosed by your doctor or other medical professional, are dehydrated, have a contagious, transmittable skin disease, be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other than that, any possible local contraindications can be picked up and discussed at the first consultation. e.g. areas of acute injury, heavy bruising, open wounds etc.
This depends on your individual circumstances and needs, but if, for example, you have a dull ache/pain in muscles or joints that you can't shift, then think having some soft tissue therapy to help ease the pain and try and sort out the underlying issue. If you are regularly active, a sports massage is useful at any time to condition your muscles and joints.
If you are preparing for a sporting event, during the week before is an ideal time for a pre-event massage, to get your muscles toned, joints mobilised and in top peak condition, mentally and physically. As soon as possible after an event is best for a deeper massage to help eliminate toxins, correct and bring the muscles back to normal shape and limit any post-event fatigue, injury and improve recovery time.
What should I expect on the first session?
On your first visit, time is spent undertaking an initial assessment of your needs, the completion of necessary information gathering, gaining written consent for the treatment and short postural and range of movement testing as necessary. Once this is completed, which takes approximately 15 minutes on average, the first treatment will be undertaken, lasting up to an hour.
Undertaking an evaluation and consultation as part of your first visit, to assess your needs, is an important part of the process. Sometimes soft tissue therapy may not be the most suitable treatment for you to have, if that is the case, I will recommend that you visit a doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or more qualified therapist, as necessary.
How often should I have soft tissue therapy/massage?
Again this depends on your personal situation and what the underlying issues are. The more active you are the more beneficial regular massage work will be, to keep muscles and joints healthy, and hopefully avoid potential long-term injuries from muscle shortening and minor problems being left unattended. If you have a long-term chronic issue, several sessions may be needed to see meaningful benefits.
If you have a stressful, challenging lifestyle, job, homelife or perhaps want to treat yourself, therapeautic massages can be undertaken as often as you like.
Will the treatment be painful?
No, it should never be painful. However, but it's very nature, when treating areas of pain that might be caused by scar tissue, shortened muscle and ligaments, or 'knots', some temporary discomfort may be felt as particular techniques are applied, as they may require deeper, harder pressure. This can sometimes result in what some clients refer to as ‘good pain’ – a feeling that sore muscles are being worked in a way that will be beneficial.
Relaxing massages use lighter, gentler strokes and never hurt. It is not unusual for clients to doze during these sessions.
As always, remember it is your session. Let me know if you want any changes to the pressure of the strokes.
What do I wear for the treatment?
Wear what is comfortable in the end. Clothing needs to be loose enough for me to work around, so for men, shorts or underpants are fine. For women, again shorts, loose top or bra are good. Some people prefer to be unclothed for the therapeautic massages to allow a sense of freedom. At all times your comfort and dignity are paramount, so you feel relaxed when having treatment.
Do you have shower facilities?
Changing facilities are available, as is a shower, should you need to freshen up before, or after treatment.
Do you accept card payments?
At present I don't have the facility for accepting card payments, so payment is by cash at the end of each treatment or via PayPal.
How will I feel after the session?
Most clients feel extremely relaxed and ‘loose’ at the end of the session. Many report having an excellent night’s sleep afterwards.
There may be some initial soreness in the 24 hours after a treatment (similar to how you feel after a good gym session). This fades quickly and you will feel the full benefits of the session in the days after.
It is recommended that you increase your water intake in the hours after the session to ensure your body’s tissues remain hydrated and healthy, and that toxins are flushed out. Any other additional aftercare advice and guidance will be given based on the specific treatment you have received.
What are the business hours of operation?
The standard hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. Work outside of these times may be possible. Sometimes I'm away and unavailable, or busy with other commitments, but I will always try and fit your booking in as soon as possible. Short notice bookings can be taken.
Where do you work from?
I have a specific therapy room set up at home in East Birmingham, Yardley area, dedicated to the massage therapy work, that is warm, comfortable and private. There is safe, on-street parking outside the house. I also travel frequently to the South Coast Arundel/Brighton area and have a base there to work from, when in the area.
Do you undertake mobile home visits?
I do undertake mobile work across Birmingham and the wider West and East Midlands and surrounding areas. All you need is sufficient space for me to put the massage table up and work around comfortably. Mobile visits will incur an additional charge based on the distance travelled. Please discuss this with me at the time of booking. When travelling to the South Coast Arundel/Brighton areas in particular, I usually have my mobile equipment with me when there.
Is there any reason why I might not be able to have a treatment?
Whilst soft tissue therapy is a very safe form of physical therapy it is important to ensure there are no underlying conditions or issues that mean it should not be undertaken. Some of the reasons that mean you should not have a massage are where; you are feeling too unwell, have general symptoms that have not been diagnosed by your doctor or other medical professional, are dehydrated, have a contagious, transmittable skin disease, be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other than that, any possible local contraindications can be picked up and discussed at the first consultation. e.g. areas of acute injury, heavy bruising, open wounds etc.
For more information or to arrange an appointment please use the contact page, or ring/message me on 07515 907393
