FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Appointments, what to expect, hygiene, referrals and payment. If your question is not answered here, get in touch and Danielle will come back to you.
Before your visit
Do I need to fill out any paperwork before my first appointment?
Yes. An online form will be sent in the lead-up to your appointment, to be completed before you arrive, confirming you do not have any of the common contraindications to massage. Please check the contraindications list and seek professional advice first if necessary.
How long will my visits last?
Your first appointment will be 60 to 90 minutes depending on the number of initial areas of concern. After that, sessions vary from 35 to 120 minutes depending on your treatment plan and how many symptoms there are to address.
What should I wear for my treatment?
You will be covered throughout the treatment with a towel. Comfortable clothing such as a t-shirt, shorts or underwear is perfectly acceptable.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
Only if you have a pre-existing medical condition on the medical contraindications list, in which case you will need a note from your doctor confirming you are fit for treatment. Otherwise you can book directly. If you would like to refer yourself or be referred by your GP for the ProActive Movement Programme, use the referral form.
Hygiene & illness policy
What are your hygiene standards?
Treatment couches, equipment and all surfaces are cleaned between every client, and fresh linen and towels are used for every appointment. Hands are washed and sanitised before and after each treatment, and the clinic rooms are ventilated between sessions.
What if I am unwell on the day of my appointment?
Please rebook. Massage is not appropriate while you have a fever, sickness or diarrhoea, or any contagious infection, including a cold or flu, however mild it seems. Treatment can also make you feel worse while your body is fighting an infection.
The 24-hour cancellation charge is waived for genuine illness. Let us know as early as you can and we will move your appointment without penalty.
What if my therapist is unwell?
Your therapist will not treat while unwell. If an appointment has to be moved for that reason you will be contacted as soon as possible and offered the earliest alternative slot, or a full refund of anything pre-paid.
Your treatment
What should I expect during my treatment?
After a medical review and physical evaluation, and depending on your symptoms, we may assess your strength, range of motion and flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, posture, walking gait and body mechanics. We then review the results with you and suggest a treatment plan. You may be given a home exercise programme containing pictures and instructions.
There is a fuller walk-through on the about your session page.
Will you communicate with my physician about your findings?
Yes. With your consent, a progress note will be sent securely to your physician before a follow-up appointment, or after any significant change in medical status.
Booking & payment
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. For a late cancellation, no-show or reschedule request within 24 hours of the appointment, any pre-paid amount is non-refundable, because the therapist's allotted time has already been committed. Genuine illness is the exception. See the hygiene and illness policy above.
Can I be reimbursed by my healthcare insurance?
Yes. Detailed treatment receipts can be issued for insurance and company reimbursement. Many businesses now offer sports and deep tissue massage as part of their employee benefits schemes and healthcare packages, so it is worth checking with your employer, particularly if your symptoms are work-related.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. Gift cards and e-vouchers are available to buy online. See the gifts page.
Health & suitability
Medical contraindications
Massage treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and natural, and is therefore generally considered safe for most people. There are, however, three types of contraindication.
Total
When you have these conditions, please do not book a massage:
- Fever
- Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu however mild
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including prescription pain medication
- Recent operations
- Acute injuries (use the PRICE protocol for the first 72 hours)
- Neuritis
- Skin diseases
Local
The therapist can treat you, but not over areas affected by:
- Varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Bruising
- Abrasions
- Cuts
- Sunburn
- Inflammation
Medical
Treatment can take place once approved in writing by your physician:
- Cardiovascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
- Any condition already being treated by a medical practitioner
- Oedema
- Psoriasis or eczema
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Nervous or psychotic conditions
- Heart problems, angina, pacemakers
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Bell's palsy
Does a contraindication mean treatment cannot take place?
Not always. In fact massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. In the cases listed above, though, it is best to get advice from your physician first.
Still have a question?
Ask before you book, particularly if you have a medical condition or are unsure which treatment you need. Danielle would rather talk it through first.