Give yourself time to enjoy the relaxed feeling after your treatment. For the rest of the day, take things at a comfortable pace and follow any individual advice from your therapist.

• Drink water as needed to stay comfortably hydrated. There is no need to drink excessive amounts.
• Allow yourself a little time before returning to a busy schedule. Rest if you feel tired.
• Avoid strenuous activity if your muscles feel tender, and choose gentle movement instead.
• Get up slowly after your treatment. Let your therapist know if you feel lightheaded or unwell.
• Choose a light meal if that feels more comfortable, and avoid alcohol if you feel sleepy or lightheaded.
• Follow your therapist’s advice about the oils or products used, including any washing or sun-exposure precautions. There is no universal requirement to leave all massage oils on for six to eight hours.
• Avoid very hot baths, saunas, steam rooms or hot tubs if you feel lightheaded, overheated or unwell.

You may feel relaxed, sleepy or a little emotional afterwards. Some people notice temporary muscle tenderness, particularly after firmer massage.

Your therapist will ask about your preferred pressure at the beginning of your appointment. Please continue to let them know how you feel throughout the treatment.

You can ask for lighter pressure, a change of position, an area to be avoided or the treatment to stop at any time. You do not need to tolerate pain to benefit from a massage.

Tell us about existing pain, recent injuries, operations, medical conditions and medication before your appointment. This helps us decide whether treatment is suitable and how it should be adapted.

New, unexplained or severe pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than treated as routine muscular tension.

We are insured to provide massage for clients with cancer, subject to consultation and treatment suitability. Please speak to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse before booking.

We will discuss your health, treatment and medication. Gentle, adapted massage may be suitable; we avoid deep tissue massage. A specialist oncology massage service may be more appropriate for some clients.

Massage can offer comfort and relaxation, but it does not treat cancer. There is no evidence that massage causes cancer to spread.

• We avoid areas receiving radiotherapy and skin that is broken, bleeding or bruised.
• Tell us about surgery, fragile bones and any advice or restrictions from your cancer team.
• General massage should not be used on limbs affected by lymphoedema. Specialist lymphatic treatment requires an appropriately trained practitioner and advice from your care team.

Our pregnancy booking policy

We do not offer pregnancy massage during the first trimester. For appointments in the second and third trimesters, we require a letter from your GP or midwife confirming that treatment is appropriate. These are our salon’s booking requirements.

Your comfort during treatment

Our pregnancy treatments use supportive pillows and cushions. You will be positioned on your side, with changes of position guided by your comfort and your therapist. We do not massage the abdomen.

The treatment is intended to provide gentle relaxation and time to rest. Please tell your therapist about any discomfort, nausea or changes in your pregnancy, and ask for adjustments whenever you need them.

You are always welcome to pause or stop. Massage should be something you feel comfortable choosing.

Do not proceed if your maternity care provider has advised against massage. Contact us before booking if your pregnancy is considered high risk, you have a history of premature labour, or you have raised blood pressure or another pregnancy complication. We will need guidance from your maternity team.

During your appointment

Tell your therapist immediately if you feel sick, faint, lightheaded, develop a headache or feel uncomfortable. We will stop the treatment and help you decide the appropriate next step.

What are the benefits of massage?

Massage can support relaxation and may help with some types of muscle tension and pain. Benefits vary between people and treatments; it is not a substitute for medical assessment or care.

Is massage only for relaxation?

Relaxation is an important benefit, but your appointment can also focus on areas of muscular tension. We will discuss what you want from the treatment and which approach may suit you.

How often should I book?

There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Some clients enjoy a monthly appointment, while others book occasionally. Your preferences, response to treatment and any relevant medical advice should guide the frequency.

Can I have a massage if I am already in pain?

Please tell us before booking. Treatment may need to be adapted or postponed, depending on the cause of your pain. Your therapist will discuss suitable pressure, and you should speak up if anything hurts.

How will I feel afterwards?

You may feel relaxed or sleepy, and some people experience temporary tenderness. Others feel refreshed. Allow yourself time to get up slowly and see how you feel before resuming your day.

Can I book if I have cancer or am pregnant?

Please contact us before booking and read the relevant section above. Consultation, appropriate adaptations and advice from your healthcare team may be required.