FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are a number of questions that I am often asked. Of course the list is not exhaustive, so if you have further queries, please get in touch.
Why have a massage?
Why? Because massage is wonderful!
At its simplest, massage therapy uses ‘hands on’ touch, usually to relax or energise, to reduce pain or relieve tension. ‘Hands on’ is not really accurate, as massage therapists can use flat palms, thumbs, soft fists, forearms and elbows to deliver massage of different weight.
Several studies have found that treatments based on touch (massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, etc) have a huge variety of benefits including relaxation, invigoration, reduction of stress, reduction of pain, assisting recovery from injury, prevention of injury in preparation for an event - the list keeps going.
The basic fact is that touch is the first sense that we develop as humans. It is our most basic form of communication, and a very powerful way of transferring positive feelings - relaxation, reassurance, comfort, kindness, and so on.
Never underestimate the power of still hands resting gently on your arm/leg/back/shoulders! This simplest of gestures generates warmth and helps to unlock relaxation.
If you are in pain, suffering from stress, having problems with sleep, or frustrated by reduced mobility, a series of massage treatments can almost certainly help you.
What can I expect during a treatment?
Every treatment is tailored to you and your needs, so the answer to this question depends partly on what you want to get out of the treatment, your specific state of health / fitness / mobility, and general levels of comfort.
All treatments start with a full consultation. During that we work out how long we have; what part(s) of you we are going to work on; what you hope to achieve by the end of the treatment; and the general logistics - would you rather be seated or on the couch? would you like oil/wax, or prefer to stay clothed? I will keep asking questions until you are comfortable and we have a full treatment plan agreed.
During the treatment we can work in silence, or have gentle music in the background. And if you enjoy a relaxing scent, we will have the aroma diffuser going.
Once the treatment is complete, you will have a few moments to recover yourself with a glass of water.
Why book a series of treatments?
A good massage will leave you feeling wonderful. It may give you energy, a brief respite from stress, or help reduce the specific pain you were suffering at the beginning of the session. But these benefits are temporary. You don't expect to get fit by going out for one run or one swim, do you?
To make a real difference, I recommend starting with a series of six treatments (the 'Fix in Six') to work through and release trigger points (the ouchy knots in your muscles), encourage tight muscles to relax, and weaker muscles to start working harder and gain strength - all this helps to reduce pain, and increase mobility.
Of course this is even more effective if you do your homework! I'll work with you to find two or three simple things to do each day - maybe stretches, self massage, a mindfulness activity. Nothing onerous, only five minutes and designed to fit in to your day with ease. If you can manage these each day, you will find the benefits of the massage sessions increase, and last longer.
How should I dress for my treatment?
Wear loose fitting clothes that you feel comfortable in. A loose waistband is helpful. Shorts are useful if you specifically want your legs massaged.
If we are working with oil or wax, you will need to undress to your underwear (bra undone or off is most effective for working on your back), but you will be covered by towels or a cotton sheet at all times, apart from the specific area that I am working on.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
The short answer to this is: No. Not if you don’t want to.
If you have difficulties getting dressed and undressed, have medical issues, or simply don’t feel comfortable with ‘skin on skin’, please don’t worry.
I have had plenty of experience of clothed massage, and am confident that it is 100% as effective as what is often thought of as ‘traditional massage’ - particularly in terms of relaxation. It is simply a different technique.
What products do you use?
Increasingly I work with very little or no massage medium, and the initial part of my hands on treatment will be without any massage medium at all. When I use it, I prefer to use massage wax.
The wax ranges that I use are either Songbird (www.songbirdnaturals.co.uk), who use a combination of beeswax and natural ingredients, or the Vegan Wax Co (www.veganwax.co.uk), who combine shea butter, sunflower oil and plant wax. Both seem to work very well with sensitive skin, but if you have any concerns, I recommend a patch test (come and see me a few days before your massage and we can try some on the inside of your wrist to check for reactions).
Of course if you opt for a clothed massage, we won’t use any product at all.
Where will the treatment take place?
I have a home treatment room on the Wirral, in Heswall.
I also have a portable couch, and if you are within 30 minutes of Heswall I may be able to travel to you. Book a second person for me to see at your home at the same time and you will both get a discount on the price (see details on the Pricing page). If you live further than 30 minutes drive from Heswall, please contact me for a quote.
How long will the treatment take?
For your first treatment, allow up to 90 minutes (45-50 minutes hands on). Subsequent sessions will be 60 minutes (50-55 minutes hands on).
Why? A hands on treatment is in three important stages - consultation, treatment and aftercare. The first time you see me, the consultation will take up to 30 minutes, you will get about 45 minutes hands on, and then about 10 minutes of aftercare. If you are pressed for time on the day, we can schedule a follow up after-care session a day or two after your hands-on treatment (20-30 minutes), which keeps our in-person time to a minimum, but maximises the benefits of your treatment.
If you book for online self-care, the first session will include a full consultation, so allow up to 45 minutes. Each subsequent session will last 30-45 minutes.
I have been diagnosed with / am being treated for / have just finished treatment for cancer: Can I have a treatment?
Yes you can. If you have been to a spa and been refused treatment, please don’t worry. Not all massage therapists have had training in adapting their techniques for cancer care, and it is safer for you that they say no. But I have had training, and I am confident that we can work together.
Obviously I will have a number of questions to help work out what sort of treatment you can have, which will take a little time, but this will all be dealt with in our consulation before the day of treatment. Then once we have agreed your treatment plan, we can absolutely go ahead with a treatment.
It may be that you remain clothed. It may be that we work with oil on your back, legs, or feet. You may prefer to stay seated, or lie on your side, or find some other position that is comfortable for you.
Whatever we do, it will be gentle, and slow, and entirely guided by you and your level of comfort.
Of course alternatively, you could book in for a series of online self care sessions, remaining in the comfort of your own home and avoiding physical contact: we work together in a video meeting, where we might cover breathing exercises, acupressure points, self massage, easy stretches and more.
I am pregnant, can I have a treatment?
Yes you can, but I’m afraid at the moment, not from me. You can absolutely receive massage when you are pregnant, and I am told it can be very helpful. However I haven’t yet taken the specific training in massage for pregnancy, and so for now I have to decline.
Do please find an alternative therapist who is qualified to give you a pregnancy massage, though. If you would like a recommendation, I can certainly ask my Jing colleagues on your behalf and introduce you. Just send me an email and ask for a recommendation.