To start with, the frequency of treatment varies from person to person and I could come up with as many variations as there are different body types in the world.

Firstly, we need to look at the reasons for seeking treatment and the goals you’d like to achieve. For one person it might be about coping with a stressful workload from running a company. The next person could be training to run a marathon and another person recovering from spinal surgery. Age and lifestyle factors also come into the equation. This in itself has an influence on the frequency of treatment.

The frequency of treatment in the above examples could vary greatly from weekly to fortnightly to monthly. Added to this is if the condition is acute or chronic.

Next we would investigate what treatments from other health professionals you might be receiving. It is highly recommended that all the professionals treating you be in communication and all working towards the same goal and not in opposition. It is important that you inform the varying therapists you might be seeing about all your treating professionals, from GP to Physio to Massage Therapist.

Treatment frequency is also influenced by the techniques utilized by the practitioner. For example a Dry Needling technique may be used less frequently than some myofascial release techniques. Your health practitioner is able to select the technique and guide this process to enable you to achieve your desired outcome.

What can you do to assist this process? Above all, pay attention to what your body requires. Look for those small signs that your body is in need of some assistance. This might be a headache becoming more frequent, or maybe your energy is lagging and you don’t have the motivation to exercise.

Remember you may live to be 80 or 90 years of age, how well you feel as you age has a lot to do with how you care for yourself over a lifetime.

One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing.

Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also reduced. Studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones impair the immune system.

Some of the physical benefits of massage and myotherapy include:

• reduced muscle tension

• improved circulation

• stimulation of the lymphatic system

• reduction of stress hormones

• relaxation

• increased joint mobility and flexibility

• improved skin tone

• improved recovery of soft tissue injuries

• heightened mental alertness

• reduced anxiety and depression.

Just come in whatever clothes are comfortable for you, you will be wearing just your underwear during the massage, however towels will be covering any areas that the therapist is not actively working on at the time.

Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer, I am also happy to use a mask, and have a supply of N95 masks I can wear for your added safety. A hospital grade HEPA air filter is on in the treatment room throughout your visit. If you are feeling unwell prior to your appointment it is best to wait until you are symptom free from any colds/viruses before having a massage. Feel free to ask any further questions!

To get the most out of your massage, we suggest taking it easy for the next 24 hours. Avoid alcohol if possible, as well as caffeine. Just do light physical activity or better yet, have a nap or an earlier night.

You can tend to be sleepy after a massage, especially if it has been a while since your last one or you have been under a lot of stress.

Massages can also be quite dehydrating. They usually take place in a nice warm environment and your massage therapist is actively encouraging your soft tissues to expel water. So the best thing to do after a massage is to have a lovely long drink of water to get your hydration back up.

We’re also giving you permission to skip that run or trip to the gym in the next 12 hours. Strenuous activity is best avoided for 12-24 hours after a massage as it will help ensure you benefit from relaxed muscles and overcome any lingering soreness. Getting back to high impact activity straight after a massage will simply halt the good post-massage feeling you’re trying to hold onto.

You may experience some tenderness for 24-48 hours post massage, this is normal, a little like after a workout, especially if it has been a while since the last one! Discuss with your therapist regarding the pressure you would like and we will aim to leave you feeling relaxed with improved mobility!