FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Are there different kinds of massage?
2. Will massage or reflexology hurt?
3. Where will the treatment take place?
4. Do I have to disrobe?
5. Does my whole body need to be massaged?
6. How long does a treatment last?
7. What will I feel during and after my treatment?
8. What are the benefits of massage and reflexology?
9. Are there any contra-indications to massage or reflexology?
10.  How often should I have massage or reflexology?
11. Are home visits available?
12. Are you insured?

1. Are there different kinds of massage?

Yes. There are types of massage to relax and unwind using gentler, rhythmic strokes and there are also those, which techniques involve much deeper work to treat beyond the superficial muscular layer. These include stretches, application of pressure and friction, joint manipulation and more. I will discuss with you what treatment would be most appropriate for you.

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2. Will massage or reflexology hurt?

It is important to stretch whole groups of muscles first in order to calm the nervous system and relax superficial muscular tension. As they relax, gradual deeper pressure can be exerted to affect specific areas of tension. When performed in such manner, the experienced pain is never uncomfortable. Many people feel it as a ‘good pain’. An experienced practitioner should always be able to recognise the threshold point when deep pressure has been applied too quickly or too deep. With deep tissue massage very effective work can be achieved to great effect over  a micro area that has been well stretched first to avoid unnecessary pain. In the case of reflexology, you may experience different types of sensation: from numbness to chronic or acute pain. Whenever such area is identified, it is very helpful to work gently into that area and gradually increase the pressure until it calms down or disappear altogether.

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3. Where will the treatment take place?

Your treatment will take place in a peaceful, relaxing treatment room from either at Healing Waters in Glastonbury, or Enso Treatment Rooms on Cheltenham Rd in Bristol. It can take place in the familiar surroundings of your own home. All the necessary equipment for the delivery of your treatment is provided. I also offer corporate massage services in partnership with two other colleagues. Please click here for further details.

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4. Do I have to disrobe?

This will depend on the treatment requested. Indian Head massage and Seated Acupressure do not require any undressing at all. Reflexology only requires the removal of footwear and socks. However, any oil massage requires the client to be unclothed in private. You will be properly draped during the entire treatment and only the area that is being worked on will be exposed. In any case, your comfort and warmth are absolutely essential.

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5. Does my whole body need to be massaged?

That will very much depend on your particular needs. Both you and I will discuss the desired outcome of your treatment. Please allow an extra 15 minutes to write down your case history. With a sports complaint, a small area can take as long as an hour to be worked on.  However, if your goal is to achieve pure physical and mental relaxation, then a head-to-toe massage would be most appropriate.

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6. How long does a treatment last?

A head-to-toe massage typically lasts up to 2 hours. A reflexology treatment lasts a good hour whilst sports/deep tissue massage may vary between 30 minutes and 70 minutes.

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7. What will I feel during and after my treatment?

That may well vary from client to client or from one treatment to another. Some people may want to talk during the session. It is preferable to completely relax and close your eyes. Occasionally, a client may feel tearful and sensitive. As the body and mind are given the opportunity to fully relax, pent-up emotions may rise to the surface to be released. This is a perfectly normal process. Feel free to speak to me after your treatment if you have any concern. It is important for you to drink plenty of water after your treatment, as toxins have been released in your bloodstream. You will be given after-care advice to enhance and prolong the benefits of your treatment if and when appropriate. Most people feel very relaxed and free of chronic pain after their treatment. Often, the client reports an increase in energy, flexibility or a heightened mood state.

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8. What are the benefits of massage and reflexology?

Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing and is effective for many ailments. It benefits muscles, joints, nerves, glands and circulation. As massage increases fluid between muscle fibers and eases tension areas and adhesions, it allows the muscles to soften and regain their flexibility. A better circulation means that cells are nourished with more oxygen and toxins are removed more efficiently.

Massage helps also to reduce physical and mental fatigue, increase concentration and clarity of thought, lower blood pressure and improve the quality of your sleep. As the body and the mind totally relax, the body can then be allowed to do what it knows best – to heal itself.

Reflexology can address a variety of ailments from sinusitis, constipation, headaches to hormonal imbalances and insomnia. Above all, it is  the relaxation treatment par excellence and can have a profound positive effect on your state of well-being.

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9. Are there any contra-indications to massage or reflexology?

Yes. A case history is taken before your treatment in order to ascertain that it is completely safe to proceed. Please inform me of any health conditions or medication you may be taking. If you are under medical supervision it may be necessary for me to contact your doctor for approval. Some health conditions are total contra-indications such as thrombosis whilst others may be localised, for example, a skin complaint. It is rare though that a treatment cannot proceed as planned or modified to accommodate the current condition.

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10. How often should I have massage or reflexology?

If you have a particular complaint you wish to address, you may need a set of treatments to restore full functionality to tight shoulders and neck for instance. Even if you do not feel any acute discomfort, the body still needs regular attention as’ maintenance’, to keep potential problems at bay and so it is a good idea to have a treatment monthly or bi-monthly. Please ask me for a loyalty card  available at a discounted price when you need to book a whole set of treatments to make your treatments more affordable.

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11. Are home visits available?

Yes. In Bristol and the surroundings areas but there will an additional charge of £5.

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12. Are you insured?

Yes. I hold a full public liability insurance through The Federation of Holistic Therapists. As a member I am expected to continue my professional development and complete more courses on an ongoing basis to ensure that I keep building on my existing skills.

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