Personal Training in Carterton, West Oxfordshire Est. 2018
Massage FAQ
Where do you carry out the massage?
I am a mobile massage therapist & will come to you or if you prefer, I also offer a private treatment room at a local hair salon in Bampton village.
What's included?
Full-body massage includes your arms, legs, hands & feet, your neck, back & buttocks. The muscles of the upper chest are massaged as well. Areas not normally massaged; tummy, chest (breast area), ribs (Intercostal muscles) some clients like these areas massaged, so just ask. There is no need to be embarrassed.
You can always say you don’t want an area massaged. You may prefer areas to be massaged through a towel draped over you. If you wish more attention to be paid to some areas just ask.
I'm here to help reduce your stress levels & other areas that need attention to help your well-being, stay stress free & your health.
If you are at all unsure about anything to do with massage please ask either before or during the massage.
You are an individual & your needs will be different to others. So, I’m here for your individual needs.
What if I am embarrassed?
There is no need to be embarrassed, as a professional, I am sensitive to any concerns or issues you may have. Please feel free to discuss any concerns or issues you may have (please see I am too self-conscious to have a massage).
Complete discretion & confidentiality is assured.
I am too self-conscious to have a massage:
As a massage therapist I don't care what you look like! Do you feel you are on the heavy side & feel self-conscious that you won't be the 'typical' client?
You are the 'typical' client.
As a therapist what I care about is helping your aching muscles & stiff joints.
I care about your stress levels, your sleep patterns, your circulation & the other parts of you that need attention in order to help you to stay healthy & stress free, all part of your well-being.
I'll not judge your stretch marks, your scars, your moles, your cellulite, your wrinkles, your veins, your loose skin, or any other "imperfection" you think you may have.
You are NORMAL .... You are You .... Be Proud.
How much clothing should I remove?
I am skilled at protecting your modesty using draping techniques & making you feel comfortable; you will never have to uncover anything you would rather not. For a full body massage, you will be asked to undress to your level of comfort. Some clients disrobe completely under a towel, others prefer to keep their underwear on during a massage. It's entirely your choice. There should be no embarrassment to ask before getting changed.
Chaperone:
If you would like a chaperone, that is perfectly okay.
What is draping?
Draping .... the technique of covering & uncovering the part of the body that is being massaged. Allows you to be undressed underneath a sheet/towel & feel safe, warm, & unexposed.
Before the massage:
Shower before I/you arrive. Make sure it is a good time for you to have a massage. Reschedule if you have a fever, skin irritations (such as sunburn), or if you are trying to stabilise your medication (massage can affect the dosage needed).
Before your massage, drink plenty of water. Do not eat just before your massage.
Give yourself enough time before your massage & try to relax. If you are rushing & stressed before your massage, it will take longer to get into a relaxed state.
During the massage:
Generally, you will lie on a massage table, covered by a large towel or towels. Make sure you are comfortable. You need to tell me if you are cold, want to be covered, don't want an area of your body massaged, or are experiencing discomfort with the technique or how it is being applied. Remember, you are in charge, & can ask for changes.
Be as open as you can to the process. Relax & try let your thoughts go. One way to do this is to focus on how the touch or technique feels. Remember to breathe, as this helps you relax. Sometimes people hold their breath when a sensitive area is massaged, but it is best to breathe through it. In the same way, tightening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you can't seem to relax your muscles, let me know, I may need to adjust the massage technique.
After the massage:
Wait a few minutes on the table as you get grounded, especially if you feel light-headed. Then take your time. At the end of the massage, you will be allowed to dress in private.
It is a good idea to drink some water to help the body flush waste products. If possible, allow some quiet time after the massage & don't go back to work or other responsibilities immediately.
How often should I get a massage?
The answer depends on your pain & physical needs, your stress & emotional needs, & of course, your budget. Receiving a massage regularly will have the most benefit. A massage once a week, or every two weeks would be ideal, but I understand this is not realistic for everyone, but perhaps every 4 to 6 weeks.
Remember, just as going on one short run on the treadmill doesn’t prepare you for a marathon, & one salad doesn’t lead you to all your health & nutritional goals, one massage session cannot undo years of neglect.