Frequently asked questions

Will I be covered during a massage treatment?

You will be properly covered or draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. No areas will be exposed without your consent. You should always let me know if you are uncomfortable for any reason during your massage session. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, I will only uncover the part of your body being worked on. If you have requested me to work on your belly area, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the chest so the main sheet or towel can be moved to massage your belly.

Can I park at The Therapy Room?

Yes. Parking should be available either on the drive or directly outside on the grass verge. The clinic is to the side of the house at the end of the drive

Must I be completely undressed?

No. You can ask to remain fully clothed during your treatment and I will advise you what massage will be available to you. Make sure you wear comfortable and unrestrictive clothing. For reflexology and facial massage you can remain partly or fully dressed. You should only undress to your desired level of comfort. This is completely your choice. You will undress and dress alone in the privacy of the clinic and will leave a towel/drape for you to cover yourself with before I return. You will be securely covered by a towel, blanket or a sheet during your massage session.

How can I schedule an appointment?

It's easy to book via my online diary on www.therapyroom-oxon.co.uk You can book via this method up to 48 hours before the appointment start time. Payment on booking is required to secure your appointment. You can also schedule your next appointment at the end of a treatment session, cash payments are available when booking by this method.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, BACS or gift cards.

What If I need to alter or cancel my
appointment?

That's absolutely fine. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you need to do this as soon as possible via your booking confirmation email. Please make a note of our terms and conditions which are available on the website. You will also receive a copy of them when you book online.
I require 48 hours to reschedule or cancel bookings. A last minute change to my booking diary hurts 3 people; you, me, and the person who could have had your time slot.
There are certain unavoidable clinical costs involved in preparing and providing these services to you, and it is very difficult to fill a cancelled appointment without sufficient warning. To cover those unavoidable costs, appointments cancelled without 48 hours notice and missed appointments will be charged the full fee.

Are walk-ins and same day appointments available?

Sessions are by appointment only and give me the opportunity to ensure I can give new clients the best advice regarding treatment options. Recent/regular clients can text 07527 878657 to enquire about last minute openings, however, I tend to be fully booked so we recommend booking in advance. Same day appointments are occasionally available, and you can text me to be placed on my waitlist.

What if I am late arriving at my appointment?

Please try to arrive on time for your appointment. It can be an uncomfortable feeling turning up flustered for your appointment when you have booked a treatment to relax and let go of tension. If you arrive late, your session will be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. I will do my best to provide you with the services you have booked, but I cannot guarantee the full time if you arrive late. Full payment for your scheduled services will be required.

Do I need to shower before my massage?

You don't need to necessarily shower right before your massage, but I ask that you come to your appointments clean.

The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't
want to complain. What should I do?

Before the treatment begins, we have a conversation about your preferences and comfort. If the pressure or pace needs to be adjusted, do let me know during the session. However, my clinic is a pain free treatment zone, and it is a myth that massage therapy needs to hurt in order to be effective. Some of the most effective techniques involve very light, gentle touch. Too much pressure will cause muscles to tighten further, and detract from the effectiveness of your treatment.

What do I do during a massage treatment?

Make yourself comfortable. We will go through how you can get the very best from your session before your treatment. If I need to adjust your position, I will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. Learning to relax on a treatment table is not always easy at your first session. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax, be patient with yourself. To achieve what you want from your treatment requires a specific mindset and I will support you and encourage you to find what works for you. Once you achieve this, you will get amazing outcomes from every session, and with time, this will feel like second nature to you.

Is it okay to talk to the massage therapist
during my massage?

For you to get the best from your session, I do not talk unless it is to check how you are. I want to give you the very best treatment I can, and talking will detract from my focus and you will experience the greatest benefits from your session if you just allow yourself to become quiet and relaxed. The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. We make an agreement before the treatment that you will definitely communicate with me if you feel any pain or discomfort, if you have any concerns during your massage, or if there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable, you should let me know immediately. Also, tell me if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue may require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.

Will the massage hurt?

No. Massage should never hurt. Everyone has different levels and thresholds of pain and if you are already in discomfort from an acute or chronic injury or condition, the pain will be intensified. The best way to relieve pain and encourage recovery is to soothe the pain receptors in your nerves. That is why my clinic is a pain free treatment zone. It is a myth that massage therapy needs to hurt in order to be effective. Some of the most effective techniques involve very light, gentle touch. Too much pressure will cause muscles to tighten further, and detract from the effectiveness of your treatment. Pain is there for a reason and is an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.

What if I fall asleep, snore, or drool during
my massage?

It's fine! This very often happens during a massage and is nothing to be embarrassed about. You will still receive the positive effects from your session if you are asleep. We can both take it as a sign you are enjoying the relaxation.

What happens at the end of my treatment?

When your treatment is complete, I will let you know I am leaving the room for a few minutes. We will already have discussed that I want you to take your time on the table. Rushing to leave after your massage is going to reduce the effectiveness of your session. If you focus on what you are noticing post treatment, you are more likely to hold on to that sensation. These moments after your massage allows you to fully absorb the benefits of the session. I allow time in between appointments so that you don't feel hurried and can take your time before you leave and continue your day. When you are up and dressed, I will come back in and we will close the session with a conversation about how you are feeling. You will probably want to take your time and I actively encourage you to do just that.

How can I make the most of my treatment session?

Many of my clients have a preferred time to come for their session and will build their day around it. Some (like me) prefer a morning treatment so they can spend the whole day focused on their treatment and that ‘just massaged’ feeling. Others book their session later in the evening on a day off and will prep with the mindset of needing to do absolutely nothing after their treatment. And others book their treatment deliberately after a long working day, or after a sports event/workout so they really feel the reward of their treatment. I usually advise a treatment plan, and that will vary according to your needs. One session feels amazing, but to make an impact on your health, therapies such as massage, like healthy eating or fitness, are required regularly.

Is it ok to exercise right after a massage?

Yes, it's ok to exercise after a massage, but most people prefer to stay relaxed.

What if I have a large chest that makes it
uncomfortable to lay face down?

I use bolsters and pillows on the treatment table to support everyone to lay in a more natural position and make you as comfortable as possible. If you are still uncomfortable laying face down, or in any other position, let me know and I will adjust the pillows.

Is it ok to use recreational drugs or drink
alcohol before my treatment?

No, I am unable to treat a client who has been drinking or taking drugs. I will have to cancel the session.

What if I’ve experienced a trauma (or abuse)that is still triggered by touch?Should I let my massage therapist know?

Yes, absolutely 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 me any details, and I encourage you to ask to take a break or end your massage all together at any time, for any reason that you need to. I have extensive training in supporting clients with trauma to stay safe in my clinical space.

How long will a massage treatment last?

Every treatment is dependent on your individual needs and will vary according to each session. I do not use a set routine and my main objective is to honour and complete the treatment, not to clock watch to fill the time. I allow several options to choose regarding session times in my clinic. I allow prep and integration time prior to and after the treatment to make sure you recieve bodywork without feeling rushed.

When Isn't Massage Appropriate?

Not all types of massage are appropriate for all conditions. Many health conditions may require gentler forms of massage therapy, or more specialised techniques and treatment plans. In most cases, I can devise a treatment plan that will work for you and your health situation.

In some situations, I may ask you to request your health care provider's consent and recommendations before performing a massage.I advise all clients to book a pre-treatment call to assess you needs. It is important for you to fully complete your Health History form and keep me up to date on any changes to your condition.

Be sure to let me know if you have:
Any acute injury from a recent accident such as whiplash, sprains, nerve pain,or other soft tissue damage.
Swelling or edema.
Acute conditions such as flared-up psoriasis, eczema, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Chronic/long term health conditions
Uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, prominent varicose veins, osteoporosis, or any other serious medical conditions.

How often should I get a massage?

The answer varies according to your needs, your wellness and your lifestyle.If you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to visit weekly at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.I recommend we arrange a call to discuss and enhance your treatments by assessing your needs prior to your first session. \we can discuss the frequency of sessions post-treatment when I have a good hands-on understanding of your particular issues.If you are free of stress, anxiety, pain, or any physical health conditions and are simply in need of some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you.

Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes
during my massage?

No. I select the music to create the movement and pace I require for your massage and some of it may not be to your taste, however, it's completely pointless for me to play music you cannot relax or enjoy the session. So tell me if you don't like what I have chosen, there are plenty of alternative options available.You can also request a silent treatment with zero music.

How will I feel after my massage treatment?

This will vary, and we spend a few moments enabling you to focus on how you do want to feel. It's a bit like setting a goal or an intention. You may feel very relaxed, a sense of letting go.Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness, and increased productivity which can last for days. You may feel tired. The important thing is to listen to what your body is telling you it needs. Massage allows us to start taking notice of our needs and embracing this process will benefit your wellness.

How many sessions will I need?

Honestly, it's hard to say. Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. One session will have a limited effect, a bit like going to the gym once or occasionally to improve your fitness. We will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session

When should I NOT get a massage?

In my opinion there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying a massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.
You cannot come to me for treatment if you have been drinking or taking recreational drugs.
There are many other conditions in which I may need to adapt my techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your doctor before you receive a massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get a massage. But it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Arrange for me to call and advise you about your specific needs. I have experience working will clients within a wide spectrum of health requirements.