Tell me...

• ...generally about your health and what you want from the experience
• ...about any allergies, health conditions, or infectious skin conditions well in advance of your visit so we can discuss these
• ...if you become unwell/infectious as it’s unwise to get massaged if you are poorly, and stops me getting ill too.
• ...that you are still coming by reconfirming your appointment the night before (Whatsapp or text me) as that is when I will start preparing for your visit. 
• ...if you need to be finished at a certain time (as I sometimes overrun to finish an area).
• ...if you need to reschedule or cancel, please give as much notice as you can - there is no charge. This gives me the chance to offer the booking to another. 

• Take a thorough shower before arriving - all your nooks and crannies and please don't forget your feet. Aim to arrive fresh and clean for the session and be free of any strongly fragranced scents e.g. aftershaves.
• However, if you are coming direct from work etc, you are welcome to shower at my place if it's more practical.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal for at least two hours beforehand (you'll usually be lying on your stomach for some time) or drink alcohol.
• Be on time but don't arrive early (no waiting area). Let me know if you are running late as noted.
• Put your phone on silent mode before we start to avoid any interruptions to your experience.

Please undress to your level of comfort and the massage will be adapted accordingly. The most important thing is that you feel able to relax. The room and table will be at a good temperature so you will stay nicely warm throughout and you will lie on a heated padded massage table.

Wear nothing - this is the ideal if you comfortable with this. Most people choose to be nude, under a top sheet/towel or not, for the optimal experience, allowing all major muscle groups to be worked directly without restrictions. 

Wear something -  if you prefer to wear something, loose fitting underwear/shorts are best - avoid anything tight, restrictive or bulky. as this can limit certain techniques and be uncomfortable to lie on. Some massage oil or lotion will get onto any clothing worn.

The amount of pressure varies and is informed by what you respond to best. In general, the holistic/therapeutic style I work in is designed to assist you to unwind and relax. I use some slower, deeper techiques when I encounter areas of tension and adapt these to a level that seems appropriate.

Although massage can sometimes be intense during deeper work, it should not unintentionally hurt you or cause you pain during or after your massage.  I'll be paying attention to how you are responding to different strokes and pressures and adjusting accordingly, but if you feel any pressure is too much, please let me know and I'll ease off.  

E.g. slow, controlled, deeper pressure applied to trigger points (i.e. muscle knots, which are small isolated muscle spasms) can feel briefly uncomfortable while the spasm is being released, giving relief. 

Certain techniques may result in some mild soreness which may last a day or two following a massage, similar to that of a workout.  

• Feel free to talk as you want to, but without any expectation to say anything. We will naturally fall into comfortable silences with occasional chat. There will be some quiet background music playing.
• Feedback is helpful, verbal or non-verbal, as this helps me refine as we go along, e.g. words, an ‘mmm’ or contented sigh, or body language responses tells me how it's going. I also might ask for feedback now and again.  I'll let you know when it's time to move position, or when the massage is ending.
• If there is anything you’d like adjusted (temperature, pressure, areas worked, position, music) or if something is uncomfortable, you have any concerns, or if you forgot to mention something important, please tell me. You will not hurt my feelings by asking for something that improves your comfort or enhances the massage.
• This is your massage experience – help me make it the best one. I want you to enjoy every minute and benefit from your time with me as much as possible.
• One thing that really helps - during the massage, try as much as you can to let go. Don’t try to help out by anticipating the next move, or moving your limbs for me. Your only job is to breathe, allow your body to sink into the table, allow the massage in and let go. Makes things feel even better.

I use unscented almond and grapeseed oils, as well as sports massage lotions. If you have any allergies, please let me know in advance so we can discuss alternatives.

What if I feel self conscious about my body?  You are most definitely not alone.  Many of us can initially feel quite self-conscious in a massage setting - the thought of undressing, showing our bodies, expressing our vulnerabilities to someone who is a relative stranger.  I’ve certainly been there.   It takes courage, but I invite you to think about this in another way – this gives you the opportunity in a safe space to reclaim your power. You are good, you are beautiful, you deserve to be seen and nurtured. Improved body image is a surprisingly underrated benefit of massage. I work with all kinds of bodies, of all ages, shapes and sizes. I’m here to apply techniques to your muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue as a means of enhancing your whole being – but I’m not here to judge you.  Before we start, we can work through what you need in the massage set up to relax.

What if I'm nervous about or have issues with being touched? It is common to be apprehensive due to the personal nature of massage therapy if you've not had one before, but it usually takes just a few minutes of treatment to relax, which might involve some more discussion or further adjustments . If you have experienced a trauma that is triggered by touch, let me know if you do not want to be touched in a specific area or in a certain way. You don’t have to give any details, and you can ask to take a break or end your massage all together at any time, for any reason.

What if I get an erection? A common worry, but it’s really no issue if/when it happens.  Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in a partial or complete erection.  Erections are a normal part of your body's physiological response to relaxation and nothing to be embarrassed about. It is just the body reacting to a safe and positive experience.

What if I am ticklish? Ticklishness tends not be an issue in my massage style - this is down to maintaining the right level of steady pressure. Too light pressure is usually what causes ticklishness whereas firm, slow pressure, a broader stroke or deeper pressure avoids this. We may also work on other areas first and return to areas which can also help.

Yes, always. A massage relationship is built on trust. Your identity, treatments given, session details, anything you share, and our conversations are 100% confidential. I expect the same in return.