Answering all your questions
Here are some of my most common FAQs. Hopefully I’ll shed a bit more light on what goes on during a massage session with me.
What is sports massage for?
Not just sports injuries! Sports massage is a deep soft tissue massage that can help alleviate any aches, pains and niggles that may have crept up on you. These may be as a result of sport or training, playing with your children, poor posture, walking the dog or any other form of exercise. It can be delivered before and after exercise to enhance performance, reduce risk of injury and improve recovery.
What is a remedial massage?
During a remedial massage we will use skilled manipulation combined with in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology to address chronic conditions, postural or soft tissue imbalances, as well as improving circulation, reducing pain, and bringing a sense of general well-being. This can be used to help with headaches or migraines, stress or anxiety, chronic pain and fatigue and much more.
What is included in a relaxation massage?
During a relaxation massage we aim to get you to feel as relaxed and peaceful as possible. We use a lighter more fluid technique to increase blood flow, flush out lactic acid and encourage relaxation of the muscles and mind. We will put on some relaxing music so you can zone out and relax as much as possible and we can tailor to your specific requirements - full body, just upper body.
Who is the pregnancy massage suitable for?
After your first trimester and up until your baby arrives, you can come for a pregnancy massage. Generally, we offer a more relaxing massage, but we can also help treat things such as sciatica and aching lower back and hips, which are often common complaints we see during pregnancy.
Will it be painful?
Everyone is different and we will adjust the pressure to suit you and your needs. You may experience some discomfort with some of the deeper techniques. However, we are often told that it is a 'good pain', in that you can feel some discomfort with the pressure but feels like it is working the muscles well and helping to relieve tension.
What do I need to wear?
Anything that is comfortable. You will likely be asked to undress to what is a comfortable level to you, e.g., removing the top half of clothing to be able to treat back and shoulders. Towels are then provided to cover you and we will only uncover what is necessary. We will also leave the room whilst you are getting changed to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Please tell us if you are uncomfortable with anything that we ask you to do, we are always able to work around this.
What do I do during my massage?
Relax and get comfortable! Your practitioner will ask you to (move to different position throughout the massage depending on what areas of your anatomy are being worked on. The main positions for massage are laying down, usually either face up, face down or on your side. During your massage, feel free to talk to us, we are very friendly and love a chat! But we are happy to allow you to relax and have an hour of peace and quiet too, if that is what you would prefer.
Are there any side effects?
Hopefully a feeling of calm and relaxation which is a sign that your muscles have loosened and relaxed. You may get some soreness over the next 24 hours if there was some deeper treatment involved. but this should ease and leave you feeling better.
Hopefully we have covered a few of the basic questions that you may have regarding massage at The Thornbury Clinic. As always, if you would like any more information, please contact us via phone or email and we will be happy to help.
