This all depends on what your treatment goals are. If you’re looking for tension relief, I’ll always recommend you go for a sports massage. With me, it’s more than just deep pressure - it’s using a variety of techniques to work on improving your mobility and making you feel better.

If you prefer more relaxation and quiet time, a Swedish option is probably more for you.

Or, if you have a lot of bloating or have been ill/sitting down a lot, a lymphatic session could be really beneficial.

You won’t be able to have a massage if you have a fever, contagious illness (such as a cold, Covid, flu, stomach virus), wide spread skin infection, blood clots, uncontrolled diabetes, or recent surgery without medical clearance.

I’m unfortunately not yet trained in providing massages on people who are currently having cancer treatments - I would recommend looking for someone who is insured and qualified to do so. They’re often listed as ‘oncology massages’.

I’m aware not everyone has the ability to get massages as regularly as they’d like, but to help to keep you feeling your best, it’s recommended to book in once a month, whether that’s a sports or Swedish option. They really help with sleep, keeping your lymphatic system flowing and of course, with mobility and tension relief.

If you have been living with ongoing pain, really stubborn tension, or are recovering from an old injury, I would recommend weekly or bi-weekly sessions to help provide actual relief.

Ideally:

• Keeping hydrated throughout the day - this will help your lymphatic system

• Avoid a big heavy meal as you don’t want to be lying there uncomfortably digesting your food

• This may sound obvious, but please don’t arrive drunk or under the influence of any drugs as you will be turned away

• Have good personal hygiene for the day - for me, you and other people

Coming to a session without make-up on would be ideal, but if you’ve been busy at work or had other things going on in the day, then I can use a hypoallergenic cleanser as an initial step before your face massage.

It’s really up to you and of course what you have going on before and after our session.

But, I always recommend to clients to wear things that make you feel comfortable. For example, leggings, shorts, joggers, t-shirts - things that are easy for you to remove and put back on after your session.

No, just as much as you would like to (although I do ask for people to keep underwear on). I am really aware of making people feel as safe and comfortable as possible and will drape and cover the areas that aren’t being worked on, so you feel safe and not on show.

If you are looking for only your upper body to be massaged, feel free to keep your trousers/shorts on, and if you’re wanting a session just on your legs, you can keep your top on if you prefer.

A few things:

• Drink plenty of water or hydrating fluids as this helps your lymphatic system keep moving and get rid of any metabolic waste that was released during the treatment.

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 12 hours rest if possible as they are diuretics and we want you to avoid dehydration and the symptoms that come with that.

• If you can, avoid heavy exercise for at least 12 hours after (especially after a sports massage) as your muscles will need to recover from all of the attention and release. You’ll probably feel a bit tender in some areas and we don’t want you feeling worse or increasing risk of injury. Gentle stretching/walking is recommended though.

Your safety. It can feel annoying to have to fill the digital consultation form out each time, but it’s important for both me and you that your health information is kept updated and accurate.

I need to know so I can adjust the treatment accordingly (some medications and conditions effect pressure levels and reactions to treatments) and if anything happens to you whilst you’re in the room, I know how to respond.

You’d be surprised how many people will have medication changes or health issues that come up between appointments. I don’t want you paying and taking the time to attend an appointment and then I’m unable to perform the treatment.

It’s also a requirement of insurance providers.