Frequently-Asked Questions

Answering some common FAQs…

What should I expect on the introductory session?

In advance of attending (or at the first session) you will be given a copy of a short health questionnaire to complete. This will give me a sense of your current health and fitness details and any health issues that may affect your massage treatment. We will then discuss any areas of concern for you or any special focus you would like me to be aware of for your massage. The questionnaire and discussion should take no more than 15 minutes, which will be counted as part of your one hour’s introductory session. I will leave the room to give you privacy whilst you get ready, and knock on the door (to ensure that you are ready and under the blankets) before re-entering.

What should I wear?

Ideally, men and women should undress to their underwear - ladies are also asked to remove their bra so that I can massage the back. Fresh fleece blankets will be available for you to cover yourself with - only those parts of the body that I work on will be exposed at any time. It is possible, if preferred, to remain clothed as well though this will affect the nature and quality of the massage. If you prefer remaining clothed, please wear loose light clothing.

Do I need to do anything in preparation for the massage?

Not really, except for removing items of jewellery, earrings and hair accessories before the massage. Do not come wearing make-up as a facial massage is often given during the treatment.

Will the deep-tissue massage be painful?

Where there is tension there will be discomfort! This is deep-tissue massage and as pressure will be used, you can expect some manageable discomfort as I work to release tension from your muscles. However, I will discuss levels of discomfort with you before we begin and will always work within your given range. I will also check in with you regularly to ensure that you are OK with the amount of pressure being applied. After a couple of sessions, the amount of tension and therefore the amount of discomfort lessens considerably - ultimately to zero discomfort!

How will I feel after the treatment?

This is different for everyone! Some people will feel relaxed and sleepy while others will feel re-energised and alert. Massage will release toxins from your tissues so hydration is key to feeling good! Very rarely, some people may experience a ‘healing shock’ and feel headachy and nauseous for a little while as toxins leave your system. Drinking several glasses of water after the treatment will help to refresh you. Sometimes you might feel a little tender in an area of the body that has received a lot of attention, but this is nothing to worry about and will soon pass.

Will I always receive a full-body massage?

Raynor Massage is always a full body massage, but Remedial and Sports Massage can be adapted for specific areas that you would like me to focus on.

I’ve never heard of Raynor Massage - what is it?

Raynor Massage is a system of bodywork developed by Australian Naturopath, Brandon Raynor. It covers not just the muscles of the body but also the skeletal system and the subtle energy systems of the body. Raynor massage is generally recognised as one of the most powerful and effective forms of massage therapy today. It goes well beyond the realm of what most people consider to be the confines of a massage treatment - using chopsticks to work on finger and toe tips, for example, and paying attention to parts of the body (such as the belly and face) ignored by conventional Western massage. Another important concept of Raynor massage is that the source of some of the residual tension in the body can be from emotional or physical reasons, so there are sometimes emotional releases experienced with this form of massage.

I’m training for a marathon / fight / sports event… what are the benefits of including massage as part of my training?

Intelligent sportspeople are going to want to be loose as they’ll get fewer injuries and perform better.

For religious or cultural reasons I am not comfortable disrobing for the treatment - what would you suggest?

In this case I can adapt my approach and do a form of massage that is possible through loose, light clothing. In terms of technique, it will involve more acupressure than stroking.

Can I bring a friend along to sit with me during the treatment?

Yes! Of course! I shall set up a chair in the massage room for your friend to chaperone you, and only ask that they remain quiet while I work, so that I can concentrate 100% on your treatment.

How are you ensuring good hygiene?

I provide fresh fleeces and towels for each client. Surfaces, door handles and the massage table itself are wiped down with an antibacterial disinfectant. The room is well-ventilated between sessions. Clients are asked to report exposure to or symptoms of Covid 19 before and following an appointment and are instructed not to attend if symptomatic.

Is there a changing room?

There is a separate loo next to the massage room which can be used as a changing room, although most clients are comfortable using the massage room itself to change, as I always leave the room after the initial discussion and knock before entering again.

What if I’m late or miss a session?

Keeping to time is important so that clients who come after you are not kept waiting. Therefore all scheduled appointments will end at the scheduled ending time. You will also be charged for the full session and will not receive a time extension.

What if I have to cancel?

We need at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel an appointment. Clients who cancel with less than 24 hours notice will be billed for the full price of the scheduled massage. Clients who do not show up for a scheduled appointment or notify us in advance will be billed for the full price of the scheduled appointment. We understand that emergencies and illness can arise therefore last-minute cancellations due to things such as verifiable emergencies will generally not result in any missed session charges, although this is at the discretion of the massage practitioner.