Please take a moment to read through my business policies and some frequently asked client questions.
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please email me.
Policies
Massage therapy inherently involves physical touch between the therapist and the client, so I prioritise health and hygiene in my treatment room.
If I am unwell or have a cold, virus, or infection, I will need to cancel or reschedule your appointment to prevent transmitting anything to you. I will notify you of any changes via email and text message, providing as much notice as possible.
Similarly, if you have a cold, virus, or infection, please cancel your appointment to protect me and my other clients from exposure. Receiving a massage while your body is already fighting an illness is unlikely to help you feel better and may, in fact, make you feel worse.
I require 24 hours’ notice to cancel your appointment, which allows me to offer the slot to another client.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please contact me directly.
If you don’t show up for your appointment, I will need to charge you the full price for the session. Similarly, if you cancel or reschedule within 24 hours of the start time, I will have to charge you the full price for the session.
If you cancel more than 24 hours before the start time, I will carry your payment forward to a future appointment. Alternatively you may request a refund, in which case I charge a 5% admin fee to cover my transaction costs.
Please get in touch as soon as possible if you can’t make your appointment so I can offer it to someone else.
Arriving on time for your appointment is crucial.
I understand that life, family, traffic, or public transport can sometimes interfere with your plans. However, if you arrive late, I cannot extend your appointment.
On the other hand, if I am running late, I will always extend your appointment to ensure you receive the full time you booked.
FAQ’s
Pay £60 for a 60-minute session, £90 for a 90-minute session, or £114 for a 120-minute session.
Please note the actual length of your session will be approximately 5 minutes shorter to account for a brief chat and time for undressing and dressing.
You can pay online when you book your appointment or in-person at your appointment.
New clients must pay for their first appointment at the time of booking.
When paying at the appointment, I prefer cash, but you can also use Bank Transfer, Card, or Mobile payment options.
Sorry, I don’t sell gift vouchers!
Please don’t book appointments as gifts or presents instead.
The booking process is personal and forms part of the clients profile.
All appointments needs to be booked by the person who is coming for the appointment.
If you have a Health Cash Back Plan such as Medicash or HealthShield, you may be able to claim back part or all of the cost of your massage.
I offer Sports Massage and I’m a member of The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
Please check with your provider that they cover Sports Massage and that FHT is an accepted accreditation body.
Are you struggling to use the online booking system?
I made a quick video tutorial that runs through everything you need to do.
The video is a little old now but the process is still the same.
Worried about stories of deep tissue massage being really painful?
Some people think the more painful a massage is the better the results will be. This isn’t actually true.
A painful massage can sometimes give good results, but those results where likely possible without the pain too.
I work at a depth that is comfortable for my client.
Everyone’s comfort level will be slightly different and I adjust the pressure for each client to make sure it is both comfortable and effective.
Your massage should always feel helpful, at any time during the session you can ask me to adjust the pressure up or down to make it feel better for you.
Keep in mind, if you’re looking for a really deep massage that hurts or a very light relaxing massage then I’m not the right therapist for you.
My deep tissue work is more focused on precision and attention rather than brute force and ignorance.
You don’t need to decide on a particular type or style of massage to book before your session. All appointments are booked under the general heading Massage.
The type of massage that’s going to work best for you will depend on your goals.
If you want to relax you’ll need a different massage than if you want relief from an injury.
You may even want different types or styles of massage in the same session. Maybe some remedial work for a shoulder dysfunction but a relaxing massage for everything else.
My type of massage is tailored to your needs on the day.
As a general rule of thumb, my regular clients usually describe my massage style as slow, firm and focused.
Sometimes I may do passive stretches, limb movements and joint mobilisations during the session too.
Vacuum cupping or kinesio taping are available if I think they’re relevant and helpful.
I also might also suggest some movements at the end of your session. These are from my training as a Sustainable Yoga instructor (200hr)
The ultimate massage question, does massage work?
To be absolutely honest, massage can in many cases help but it’s not a cure all.
How much massage can help will really depend on what you’re trying to fix.
- What is the issue?
- What caused the issue?
- Is the issue brought on by bad habits?
- Are you able to change those habits?
- Is your therapist knowledgable about your issue?
- Is the massage appropriate for the problem?
- Has massage previously worked for you?
- Do you feel comfortable during the session?
- Do you like and trust the therapist?
- Do you think massage will be helpful?
- Have you had previous bad massage experiences?
Ultimately, the only way to know would be to try it and see.
I’m not a Physio, GP or Dr so I can’t and don’t diagnose any illness, disease or muscular-skeletal condition.
During your session, I listen to your story, history and the details of your problem, I also take notice of how you move and sit.
This all helps me to piece together what I think might be causing your problem and to develop a treatment plan that I think will be helpful for you.
I often ask lots of questions to work out the best way forward for you and I may comment on what I think the issue is.
This isn’t and shouldn’t be seen as a diagnoses of any kind, they are observations that help me give you the best treatment I can.
If you need a diagnoses you should visit a medical professional such as a GP or Physiotherapist.
For most people massage therapy is completely safe. For a limited few, it might be a bad idea.
So I figured this is one of the important massage questions to answer.
There are some instances when massage could complicate or aggravate an illness or condition. In other words, getting massaged when you have any of the conditions listed below could be a bad idea. At the very least you need to discuss these conditions with me before booking you appointment. I’m happy to chat with you via email if you have any questions before your session.
- Anemia
- Berger’s Disease
- Oesophageal Varices
- Chronic Superficial Thrombus
- Portal Hypertension
- Unstable Hypertension / Hypotension
- Cardiac Bruit
- Advanced Respiratory Failure / Cardiopulmonary Disease
- Aneurysm
- Emboli – blood clot
- Arrhythmia
- Heart Disease
- Phlebitis
- Atherosclerosis
- Thrombus / Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Varicose Veins
- Frostbite
- Skin Graft
- Burns
- Infectious Skin Disease
- Open or Healing Wounds
- Bleeding
- Fractures
- Contagious Infection
- Fever / High Temperature
- Acutely Ill
- Immunosuppressed
- Tuberculosis
- Recent Head Injury
- Coma
- Severe osteoporosis
- Severe thrombocytopenia
Intake forms
Intake forms are completed online. You’ll get an email with instructions how to complete it when booking your appointment. It must be completed before your appointment.
In the treatment room
I’ll quickly run through your intake form with you and have a quick chat about your goals for the massage.
I might ask to see how you make certain movements.
I’ll run through a plan for your massage and check you’re ok with it.
Preparing for your massage
I’ll tell you what items of clothing would be best to remove but you only need to undress to a level that’s comfortable for you.
I always leave the room for you to get yourself prepared and on to the massage table and I’ll let you know whether to lie face up or down.
I have plenty of bolsters and pillows available if you need them to be comfortable.
I’ll always knock and check you’re ready before coming back into the room.
During the massage
Always let me know if my pressure doesn’t feel right for you.
Also, let me know if your uncomfortable, to hot/cold, need to move, whatever – give me a shout!
The end of the massage
I’ll let you know once the massage is finished and leave the room for you to get up and dressed.
Again, I’ll knock and check you’re dressed before coming back into the room.
Since the Covid pandemic, I no longer offer everyone a glass of water after their session. If you think you’ll want a drink of water after your massage, please bring a bottle with you.
Discussing the session
I’ll check you’re happy with how the session went and the areas we worked.
I may offer movement suggestions to help change old posture or movement habits.
I’ll give some advice on how you may feel after the session and over the following days.
Finishing up
If the session has been helpful you’re welcome to rebook at the end of the session but I won’t pester you to book another session there and then.
I encourage you to wait a few days before deciding to book a further appointment.
Paying
All new clients are required to pay when booking their first appointment.
Subsequent appointments can be paid for at the time of booking or at the appointment.
Cash is preferred but I also accept Debit and Credit cards along with Apple/Google Pay.
Many clients who are new to massage often have questions about how much they need to undress for their treatment.
- How much will the therapist ask me to undress?
- Will the therapist stay in the room?
- Should I bring shorts?
- Should I take my trousers off for a back massage?
- For women, should I keep my bra on or take it off?
- Should I keep my socks on?
Most of the massage techniques I use work best when applied directly to the skin. For a full-body massage, I request that you to undress to your underwear.
If you are only receiving an upper or lower body massage, simply remove the clothing covering those specific areas, such as your top for an upper body massage or your trousers, tights, dress, or skirt for a lower body massage.
Many clients prefer to undress to their underwear, even if they are only having their back massaged, as this often makes them feel more comfortable on the table.
Typically, women choose to remove their bras for the session; however, if you prefer to keep it on, it’s helpful if you can unclasp it when we work on your back.
Additionally, if you’re an athlete and feel more comfortable in shorts, you are welcome to bring and wear them for your session. Although it’s not required, wearing shorts can make it easier to perform certain stretching techniques.
Saying all that, the most important aspect is that you feel completely comfortable and relaxed throughout your massage session.
Please, only undress to the level that suits you; there is no pressure to undress any further.
If you prefer to remain fully clothed, that’s absolutely fine, I can adapt my techniques to ensure your massage is still effective and enjoyable.
I always leave the room for you to get undressed and dress again afterwards. Before entering the room I will always knock, if you need more time, just tell me to wait.
What’s best to wear
Strangely swimming briefs are perfect for massage.
What? Why?
Swimming costumes are resistant to oils and lotions – think sun tan lotion – they also provide great coverage.
For men, speedo’s or fitted trunks are perfect, but please avoid long, baggy or surfing shorts!
For women, bikini briefs or fitted shorts are the best! Obviously, an all-in-one swimming costume isn’t going to work.
You will be covered by a large sheet when on the table which is used to cover you for the whole treatment. Only the area being worked is uncovered at any time.
Read my article How Many Clothes Do you Need To Take Off For A Massage
I don’t use massage oil, instead I use a massage wax and a massage lotion.
Primarily, I use a unscented massage wax from Songbird Naturals (Tui) that’s made from Grapeseed Oil, Olive Oil, Beeswax, Arnica Flower Extract and Natural Vitamin E. – Grapeseed Oil has now replaced Almond Oil in this massage wax meaning it’s now Nut Free too!
Occasionally, I may use a Sports Massage Lotion that’s dermatologically tested, vegan and PH neutral, made by Naqi who are a Belgium skin care company.
I don’t work with clients under 18 years of age.
I don’t offer pregnancy massage.
If requested, I may continue working with an existing clients when they become pregnant to continue any remedial or maintenance massage work we are doing however, I still recommend seeing a specialist pregnancy massage therapist during this time for any pregnancy related issues you may experience.
I don’t offer home or hotel massage appointments at this time.
I also don’t offer massage at music venues, theatres, boats and private events.
- Avoid eating right before your massage appointment.
- Arrive in plenty of time so you can avoid feeling rushed and have a moment to relax before your session.
- Inform your therapist if you haven’t had a massage before or if you’re new to this specific type of massage.
- Ask your therapist any questions you have about the massage treatment and process.
- If something doesn’t feel right during the treatment, let your therapist know what you are experiencing.
- Also inform your therapist if:
– The pressure feels too deep,
– You feel too hot or cold,
– You dislike the music,
– You feel uncomfortable in any way,
– You are unhappy with any aspect of the treatment,
– You want the session to end.
– Remember, this is your massage and you are paying the therapist. - If you want to talk during your treatment, feel free to do so; or request silence, the choice is yours.
- Try to stay relaxed during the session, focusing on your breathing often helps.
- Gather your thoughts before getting up from the table as you might feel lightheaded for a moment.
- Schedule 15 – 30 minutes after your massage to relax and enjoy the effects.
If you have any further questions not answered here, you might find some answers in my Blog posts.
Glasgow Treatment Rooms
Second Floor
34 West George Street
Glasgow, Scotland.
G2 1DA
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