MASSAGE FAQs

If you're booking a massage for the first time, or you're not sure which treatment is right for you, you'll probably have a few questions. Here are some of the things clients ask me most often.

WHAT TYPE OF MASSAGE SHOULD I BOOK?

If you're not sure, don't worry. You don't need to know exactly which treatment you need before you arrive. We'll have a quick chat about what you're looking for, how you're feeling and any areas you'd like me to focus on. I can then adapt the session accordingly.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPORTS, DEEP TISSUE AND SWEDISH MASSAGE?

Sports Massage is generally more focused and works well for people who train, play sport or have specific areas of muscular tightness or soreness. Deep Tissue Massage uses slower, more focused pressure to work on areas of deeper muscular tension. Swedish Massage is usually a more flowing and relaxing treatment, although the pressure can still be adjusted to suit you.

There's often some crossover between techniques, so your treatment doesn't have to fit perfectly into one category.

DO I NEED TO BE SPORTY TO HAVE A SPORTS MASSAGE?

Not at all. Despite the name, Sports Massage isn't only for athletes. Many of my clients train recreationally, work at a desk or simply prefer a more focused style of massage. The treatment is adapted to your body, activity level and what you want from the session.

DOES DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE HAVE TO HURT?

No. More pressure doesn't automatically mean a better massage. Deep Tissue Massage should feel purposeful, but the pressure is always adjusted to you.

If something feels too intense or uncomfortable, just let me know and I'll change it.

HOW MUCH PRESSURE WILL YOU USE?

That depends on you and the type of treatment we're doing. Some people prefer firm pressure, while others respond better to something lighter.

I'll normally check in with you during the session, but you're always welcome to ask for more or less pressure at any point.

CAN MASSAGE HELP WITH MUSCLE TIGHTNESS OR SORENESS?

Massage can be useful for reducing feelings of muscular tension, stiffness and post-training soreness, and many clients also find it helps them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Everyone responds differently, so I don't make promises about specific medical outcomes or treat massage as a replacement for appropriate medical care.

CAN I HAVE A MASSAGE IF I HAVE AN INJURY OR MEDICAL CONDITION?

It depends on the individual situation. Please tell me about any relevant injuries, health conditions, recent surgery or other circumstances that could affect your treatment before we begin.

In some cases the treatment may need to be adapted or postponed, and I may recommend that you speak with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional before having massage.

IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO TELL YOU BEFORE MY MASSAGE?

Yes. Please let me know about anything that could be relevant to your treatment, including current injuries, health conditions, allergies or skin conditions, recent surgery and any medication that may affect treatment.

If you're unsure whether something is relevant, it's always better to mention it and we can discuss it before starting.

WHAT IF I'M PREGNANT?

Please let me know before booking so we can discuss whether the treatment is appropriate for you and whether any adaptations are needed.

Depending on your circumstances, I may recommend that you seek advice from your GP, midwife or another appropriate healthcare professional before treatment.

CAN I CHANGE OR STOP THE TREATMENT?

Absolutely. You're in control of your treatment throughout the session.

You can ask me to change the pressure, avoid an area, change a technique or stop the treatment at any time. Please tell me immediately if anything feels uncomfortable or if you simply don't want a particular technique used.

DO I NEED TO UNDRESS?

This depends on the treatment and the areas being worked on. I'll explain what is appropriate before we start, and you should only undress to a level you're comfortable with.

Appropriate draping is used throughout the treatment to maintain your privacy.

WILL I BE COVERED DURING THE MASSAGE?

Yes. Towels or appropriate coverings are used throughout the treatment, with only the area being worked on uncovered where necessary.

Your privacy and comfort are always respected.

ARE YOUR MASSAGE TREATMENTS PROFESSIONAL?

Yes. All treatments at Muscle Flow Massage are strictly professional and therapeutic in nature.

Inappropriate behaviour will result in the treatment being stopped.

CAN YOU REFUSE OR POSTPONE A TREATMENT?

Yes. If I believe massage may not be appropriate or safe at that time, I may adapt, postpone or decline the treatment.

I may also recommend that you seek medical advice before proceeding where appropriate. Treatment may also be stopped if a client's behaviour is inappropriate or makes it unreasonable to continue safely and professionally.

WHAT IS CUPPING THERAPY?

Cupping uses suction rather than the downward pressure normally used during massage.

I use it selectively as an additional technique where I think it may be useful rather than automatically including it in every treatment.

WILL CUPPING LEAVE MARKS?

It can. Cupping sometimes leaves temporary circular marks or discolouration on the skin. These vary between people and usually fade over time.

I'll explain this before using cupping, and it will only be included with your agreement.

CAN MASSAGE AND STRETCHING BE COMBINED?

Yes. Assisted stretching can be incorporated into a massage session when appropriate, particularly if you're feeling generally tight or would benefit from some additional movement work.

I can decide with you during the session whether it makes sense to include it.

WHAT HAPPENS AT MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

We'll start with a short consultation so I can understand what you're looking for, any areas you'd like me to focus on and anything relevant to your treatment.

I'll explain what we're going to do and you'll have the opportunity to ask questions before we start. The treatment can then be adjusted as we go depending on how you respond and what feels appropriate.

HOW LONG SHOULD I BOOK?

A 60-minute appointment works well for most treatments or when you want to concentrate on particular areas.

A 90-minute appointment gives us more time to work across several areas or combine different techniques without rushing.

A 120-minute appointment is available if you'd like a more extensive treatment.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE A MASSAGE?

There's no single schedule that works for everyone. Some clients book regularly as part of their training or general routine, while others come when they feel they need it.

How often you book depends on your goals, activity level, lifestyle and how you respond to treatment.

CAN I EAT BEFORE A MASSAGE?

Yes, but I'd avoid having a very large or heavy meal immediately beforehand. Give yourself enough time to feel comfortable before your appointment.

CAN I TRAIN BEFORE OR AFTER A MASSAGE?

You can train on the same day, but it depends on the type and intensity of both your workout and massage.

If you're having a particularly focused or deeper treatment, you may prefer to schedule hard training separately. If you're unsure, tell me what you're planning and we can adjust the treatment accordingly.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER MY MASSAGE?

You can normally continue with your day as usual. Some people feel very relaxed afterwards, while others may notice temporary tenderness after more focused work.

Pay attention to how you feel and adjust strenuous activity if necessary.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Massage appointments are available in Central London, with locations in Soho and Liverpool Street in the City of London.

You can choose whichever location is most convenient when booking.

HOW MUCH DOES A MASSAGE COST?

Prices depend on the length of your appointment. Current prices and session options are available on the Prices page before you book.

HOW DO I PAY?

Payment details are provided as part of the booking process. A deposit may be required to secure your appointment, with any remaining balance payable in accordance with the booking terms.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M LATE?

If you arrive late, I will do my best to give you as much of your treatment as possible.

However, the session may need to finish at the original scheduled time so that the next client's appointment isn't delayed. The original appointment fee may still apply.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Please give as much notice as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment.

The applicable cancellation, rescheduling, deposit and no-show terms are provided when you book. Please check these before confirming your appointment.

IS MY HEALTH INFORMATION KEPT PRIVATE?

Information you provide in connection with your treatment is handled with care and in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

Details about what information is collected, why it is used, how long it is retained and your rights are available in the Muscle Flow Massage Privacy Notice.

IS MASSAGE A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT?

No. Massage therapy does not replace diagnosis, medical advice or treatment from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

If you have symptoms that concern you, an undiagnosed condition, a significant injury or you're unsure whether massage is appropriate, please seek appropriate medical advice.

I STILL DON'T KNOW WHICH MASSAGE TO CHOOSE. WHAT SHOULD I BOOK?

Don't overthink it. Choose the treatment that sounds closest to what you're looking for and we'll discuss what you need before we start.

I can adapt the pressure, areas we focus on and techniques used during the appointment.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

If there's anything you're unsure about before booking, please get in touch. I'm happy to answer questions about the treatments, locations or which option might suit you best.

Please note: Information provided on this website is for general information only and should not be considered medical advice. Massage therapy is not a substitute for diagnosis, advice or treatment from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.