Your first massage?

Here are some tips to help your massage session proceed more smoothly: Firsty, depending on the reason for your booking, i.e. whether you have a specific problem or condition or you are simply seeking a relaxing massage, it may be necessary to take a detailed health history from you. So think about any accidents or illnesses you’ve had which might be a factor in your problem. Any surgery you may have had even if it was long ago, and also what medication you may be taking can also be important.

It’s not advisable to have a massage if you are intending to participate in any strenuous sporting event within 24 hours. It is also inadvisable to eat a full meal less than one hour before a massage.

Female clients sometimes prefer to wear light tracksuit trousers to their first session to make it easier for me to carry out a postural assessment. (Many muscular and joint problems are caused by or related to structural imbalances in the hips and pelvis and these can often only be detected by a physical examination in the standing position.)

Like most massage therapists, I prefer to work directly on the skin and so you will be asked to undress while I leave the treatment room. Of course, you need only remove as much clothing as you feel comfortable with, and in any case only that part of your body that is being worked on needs to be exposed. Careful draping with a towel or sheet is done to ensure that your privacy is respected at all times. Treatments can be adapted to be done through clothing if required.

You will be asked to lie on a padded couch during your treatment. Clients who find it difficult to assume a prone position will be assisted or the treatment will be modified so that it can be carried out in a sitting or standing position if necessary.

Many clients find it more relaxing to have lighting dimmed and music playing during their session but you should not be shy about asking for these things to be adapted to your tastes.

During the treatment itself you should always let me know if you are uncomfortable for any reason. I will stop and make appropriate adjustments. It's your session and you are in control.