WHAT TO EXPECT AND FAQ’s

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Many people put off getting help for their aches, pains and injuries because they are unsure what to expect or a little embarrassed about receiving physical treatment and on your first appointment it is quite common to feel a little nervous.

We provide a warm and friendly environment, and our aim is to listen carefully to what you have to say about your aches, pains, injuries, and reasons for seeking treatment. you will find any nerves or awkwardness quickly disappear as soon as you step into our treatment room.

+ What to expect on your first visit

The first time you come for an appointment, you will fill a new client intake form, where we take details about you, your lifestyle, medical history and current health. Your therapist will carry out a full consultation, to get to know you and develop a treatment plan to suit you. They will explain this to you to ensure you agree and are happy with it.

If you have an injury, we will need to know as much as possible about how you got injured, what aggravates it, how long you have had it, and any details from other practitioners you may have seen. Sports and massage treatment can consist of massage, manual therapy, and a rehabilitation exercise plan personalised to you, that is manageable for your lifestyle to ensure the best results for you.

Massage treatments take place on a heated massage table to ensure your warmth, relaxation and comfort. Towels are used to keep you warm and dignified.

Remember this is your treatment and open communication between you and the therapist is vital to maximise the effect of your treatment, so please do not be afraid to say the pressure is too much, or not enough, or you dislike a particular technique that we use.

We advise not eating a big meal too soon before your treatment for your own comfort.

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+ What to wear?

For most massage treatments you will be asked to undress to underpants only. As the body works as a whole kinetic chain, your therapist may need to work on a broader area than just your pain or injury, and it helps to have access to all joints and muscle groups.

Maintaining your modesty is important to us, and with expert towel draping techniques your dignity is kept. You will be left in the treatment room alone to undress and dress, and position yourself under the towel/blanket on the massage table, before your therapist knocked to see if you are ready.

However, if you would rather not remove clothing, have skin issues, or particularly ticklish, you can absolutely opt to keep clothing on. We can still provide an effective treatment through clothing.

THAI YOGA MASSAGE & SHIATSU - wear comfortable clothing, like gym clothing, that allows free movement and stretching (without wardrobe malfunctions).

Please tie up long hair.

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+ How To Book

You can book online via or contact us and we can get you booked in via a phone call, text or email.

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+ How To Pay

We can accept card payments, bacs or cash. Unfortunately, we do not accept cheques. Some health insurances may cover the cost of your treatments.

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+ Where Can I Park?

We have our own car park right outside.

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+ Do you have disabled access?

Yes. You can park just outside the premises, and it is a flat entry all the way into the treatment room. Although please let us know in advance if you require assistance with the door as it is not automatic.

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+ Is Massage Therapy Painful?

No, (unless you feel you benefit from a painful massage). Our aim is to reduce your pain, not increase it.

A stigma has developed that massage must be painful to really work into your knots. Research shows this is not true. When we experience pain, it will illicit the flight or fight response which is a series of stressed reactions in your brain and body, that will work against the goals of your treatment.

Your massage will be firm but comfortable, ensuring your pain response is not triggered, and much better results are achieved. At the most you may feel slight discomfort with a firm pressure, or a strong stretch, however, this is done in a controlled way, listening to you and your body and feeling your limits.

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+ What oil do you use?

We use a hypoallergenic massage wax suitable for the most sensitive skin (even used for baby massage) made from bee’s wax and the oil from olive tree leaves, and nothing else. For the neck and shoulders, we use a menthol and eucalyptus muscle relaxant balm (unless you have sensitive skin or have requested otherwise).

We will check in your consultation if you require a vegan massage wax, and that the use of aromatherapy fragrances are ok.

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+ Do I need a massage?

YES! The answer is always yes, not just because I would like to fill my diary with lots of appointments, but everyone can benefit from a good massage, and often we don’t realise how much we needed one until you are on the massage table and you feel how tense your body is.

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+ Is there an age limit?

Really there is no upper or lower age limit, I have clients as young as 7 and as young as 92. Although under 18’s are advised to be accompanied by a chaperone at least for the first few appointments so they feel safe and comfortable, and under 16’s must always be chaperoned.

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+ How often should I have a massage?

Most massage therapists will say every 2 weeks. And yes, if time and money allow, I would agree everyone should have a massage every two weeks to ensure the health of your muscles.

Some clients like to have weekly massages as part of their health and fitness routine, just as they would go to weekly exercise classes.

But, realistically most of us can manage to make a massage appointment at least once a month to keep on top of the health of your body and muscles. If you can look after your body and thank your muscles for all their hard work with a regular massage, you will feel huge benefits for your physical and mental well being, with better sleep at night, and more energy during the day.

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+ How many sessions will I need for an injury or pain?

This will depend on your injury, but we generally advise 4-6 treatments with no more than a week gap between treatments to really facilitate your bodies recovery process and get you back on track. Then we can increase the gaps between treatments to fortnightly for a few of sessions, and then monthly treatments for maintenance and prevention.

However, we work with each individual and what they are able to manage. If you are unable to commit to treatments once a week until your injury is better, we will work on a plan with you to self-manage your injury and rehabilitate at home, and we will always be on hand via phone or email if you need advice, encouragement or support.

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+ After a treatment, how long should I wait before resuming exercise?

This depends on the type of treatment you have received, and how you feel afterwards. But for guidance, the next day should be fine to resume light training. If your treatment is before a sporting event, allow 3-4 days before your event, unless you are specifically having a pre-event massage which should be within 48 hours before the start of the event.

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+ I don’t know whether sports therapy or massage therapy will help me?

If you are not sure whether you will benefit from massage or sports therapy, we are always happy to have a chat with you about your aches, pains and injuries, just call or message us.

Chloe has many years of experience working with a huge variety of ailments, from the common ones to some very rare cases. If we feel that sports therapy or massage is not the right method of treatment for you, we will certainly advise you who can help.

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+ Can I receive treatment immediately following an injury?

Presuming you have not sustained damage where you require immediate medical attention such as a broken bone, or head injury, in the first 48 hours you can actually treat most injuries at home yourself using the P.R.I.C.E principal (protect, rest, ice, compression, elevation) .

Sports therapy can then be started 48 hours after the injury, however we are on hand to give advice before your treatment commences and will be more than happy to have a chat with you on the phone.

In the case of back problems, if you find your back had ‘gone’ make an appointment as soon as possible to reduce the pain of the muscle spasms in the back and get you moving towards recovery as soon as possible.

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+ When I shouldn’t I have massage therapy?

Massage therapy is suitable for everybody and can be adapted to suit every person no matter their age or health, and there are very few contraindications.

The only absolute NO’s being:-

  • Deep vein thrombosis

  • Aneurysm

However, if you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, please contact us before attending your first appointment to make us aware.

  • Fever or illness

  • Abdominal pain

  • Vomiting/Diarrhoea

  • Infectious diseases

  • Varicose Veins or DVT

  • Recent Surgery

  • Cancer

This list is not exhaustive, so if you are uncertain about suitability for treatment, please ask us, or consult with your GP.

If you have an open wound, burn, frostbite, irritated or contagious skin condition or recent surgery, you are still able to receive massage, however special precautions will be taken for your comfort and safety.

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+ Aftercare advice and how you may feel

After your appointment, it is important to drink plenty of water.

You may experience some of these symptoms in the days after your treatment:

  • Stiffness and tenderness

  • Cold like symptoms

  • Feeling hot and increased sweating

  • Stuffy, blocked or runny nose

  • Heightened emotions high or low

  • Sleepy, fatigued or deeply relaxed

  • Irritable

  • Energised

  • Temporary worsening of symptoms

  • Increased thirst

  • Increase urination

  • Sounder sleep

  • Temporary headaches and/or dizziness due to improved circulation

  • If you bruise easily, you may find some light bruising if you have had deep tissue work

Everyone is different and may react in different ways. These symptoms are quite normal and are all just a sign that the treatment is working. If you experience any severe pain, or your pain worsens, please contact us for advice.

After your massage you should do the following:

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Rest as much as possible 24 hours following treatment

  • Avoid heat treatment (hot bath, sauna) for 24 hours

  • Avoid sunbeds and sun if oils have been used

  • Avoid strenuous activity or exercise for the rest of the day after treatment

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot spicy food for at least 12 hours.

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+ How do I know my sports therapist / Massage therapist is suitably trained?

Chloe trained for 3 years at university to qualify as a Sports Therapist and is a member of The Society of Sports Therapists, the professional body for BSc and post-grad Sports Therapists. They ensure high standards of training and demands continual professional development of its members.

In addition, Chloe’s massage training is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists, and Chloe is a registered Massage Practitioner with the Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council who regulate non-medical healthcare professionals, an approved regulator of the Professional Standards Authority.

These memberships and registrations are to protect the public by ensuring professionals in the health and care sector have undergone adequate training and to show the public that your therapist upholds high standards of practice.

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