F.A.Q.

Can I talk during my massage?

Your massage therapist understands this and apart from checking in with you as needed, will remain quiet, allowing you to still your thoughts and relax. Feel free to make conversation if taking helps you relax.

It is good to speak up when:

• you start feeling cold
• you need more pressure
• the pressure becomes too intense or you experience pain
• you forgot to mention an area of tension that needs attention

Is Pain normal during or after a massage?

Experiencing some pain during a massage usually indicates areas that need healing. Massage therapists are trained to find tightness and knots but it can be difficult to know what the correct pressure is without your input. It is good to speak up when it becomes too intense and ask the therapist to lighten the pressure.

Some muscle soreness after a massage is to be expected, may last a few hours, and is a good sign that the massage techniques worked. It is important to drink enough water and rest well to help the body heal. Try taking a warm bath with Epson Salts to soothe the muscles.

Do I need a massage if I have no pain?

Although massage therapy is an excellent natural pain relief treatment, it is better used preventatively. Don't wait until you are in pain before booking a session.

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Regular massage can help to lower dangerous cortisol levels in the body and increase the production of the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin needed to cope with stress. It is also used to soothe muscular tension and tightness, helping to prevent  injuries during exercise caused by strenuous exercise, stress, 

Do I need to take off my clothes?

This depends on your comfort level, the type of massage you have booked and the season. Feel free to keep your pants and socks on if you have booked a Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage and it is slightly chilly.

Generally for a Full Body Massage you will be asked to completely undress keeping only your underwear on. While undressing the massage therapist will leave the room where possible or provide a towel for privacy and you will be covered with a towel and/or blanket during the massage.

What if I am feeling self-conscious?

It is normal to feel self-aware about a certain part of your body. Maybe you haven't time to shave, or get to the salon and are feeling self-conscious over your toenails, heels or some unwaxed areas. Maybe you feel uncomfortable because of some extra weight, scars or other skin blemishes. 

This is no reason to pass off on a relaxing massage - you can always ask your massage therapist to avoid any sensitive areas, and know that she is trained to be discreet, respectful, supportive and non-judgmental.

Particularly when you are feeling tired, over-worked or burnt out., it is perfectly normal to fall asleep during a massage and subsequently drool or snore - especially as lying facedown places pressure on your sinuses a runny nose is also normal.

Your therapist is just thrilled that you are relaxed enough to fall asleep - just ask, she will happily hand you a tissue.

When is it NOT a good idea to get a massage?

• If you have any of the following it is best to wait until you have healed/feel well again:
  • contagious diseases such as flu, cold, Covid-19, HIV/AIDS 
  • feeling generally unwell, suffering from nausea, dizziness or a fever
  • serious injuries, broken bones or swelling
  • under the influence of alcohol or other substances

• Consult your general practitioner if you:
  • had recent surgery
  • suffer from any serious health concerns; kidney or liver conditions, cancers, auto-immune diseases, Fibromyalgia, uncontrolled high blood pressure, thrombosis and other circulatory disorders, inflammation, or lymphatic disorders such as chronic oedema
  • are pregnant; always check that your massage therapist has been trained in this area and be sure to only book sessions during your second and third trimesters

• Let your therapists to avoid the following areas:
  • recent sunburn
  • any kind of infectious skin condition, including nail fungi, warts, rashes, open wounds, recent cuts or bruises 

What are muscle knots, and why do I have them?

What are the knots in my muscle? The best way to explain the knots in your muscles is that these are areas of contraction that do not or are unable to. They are 'stuck' in a contracted state and cannot return to their natural relaxed and elongated position.

They are mainly caused by #1 stress and #2 bad habits/posture; such as hunching the shoulders up when feeling stressed or cold, haunching over your device (or baby) and a poor seated posture while working on your laptop. The head is heavy and your neck muscles are constantly working hard to keep the neck aligned with the spine.

What are the best ways to relieve the knots in my neck / shoulder muscles?

1) Book a Massage; This is where your therapist comes in, by manipulating the muscle fibres with massage techniques that create heat in the area, promote blood flow and iron out the contracted muscles.

2) Try applying a heating pad - this causes the blood capillaries to dilate, increasing the flow of blood through the area and relaxing the muscle.

An ice pack constricts the blood vessels, reducing any swelling, inflammation and relieving pain. Alternate heat and cold until you find what brings the most relief. 

3) Try a pressure release exercise; stand with your back up against a wall, using the tennis ball to apply press to the knots in your back or shoulder blades. When you find a tender knot apply as much pressure as you can tolerate and hold it for at least 30 seconds if possible.

4) Stretching improves mobility and range of motion. Try a basic neck stretch - pull the head to the side (pull the right ear toward the shoulder, keeping both shoulders relaxed); from this position turn the head (nose towards the shoulder) and pulling slightly forward. 

5) A good strengthening exercise for the upper trapezius can be perforemed by standing with your back aainst a wall and arms at a right angle pressing the backs of the hands and elbows against the wall, slide the arms up and down the wall. 

6) Establish the cause:

Do you sit in front of your computer for many hours a day? Make sure your screen is set up at eye level to avoid unnecessary straining of the neck muscles and allow the arms to rest just above your lap, with your feet flat on the floor and the spine supported upright in the chair.

Spending prolonged periods of time bent over your phone can also cause strain and painful muscles. 

What if I need to 'break wind' during my session?

It is natural for gas to move around once you lie down. Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system which leads helps the body relax, relieves pain and stress - and also relaxes the muscles of  the gastrointestinal tract.

However, unexpectedly passing gas can be very embarrassing.  Generally eating a small meal 2-3 hours before any spa treatment of massage gives the body time to digest and helps avoid bloating, general discomfort and 'uncomfortable moments'.

Can I request an abdominal massage?