What is Sports massage?

Sports massage is great for everyone, not sure those who do lots of sports! Think of it as much as postural massage. It’s a type of soft tissue therapy and involves the manipulation of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia to alleviate tension and improve flexibility, as well as enhanced circulation and tissue nourishment. It can really get you moving better! I perform sports massage using a massage wax. The first session will include an in-depth assessment of you and a discussion about your aims for the session, or course of treatment. This can be done as part of the overall session time, or as an additional, charged 20 minutes. 

What is Swedish massage?

Swedish massage is great for body and mind. Swedish massage is the most widely practiced form of massage therapy and is often to as classical massage. It combines long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and vibration to relax muscles, relieve pain, improve circulation, boost immunity, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being. Swedish massage is usually carried out using an oil medium - I use grape seed oil. Why not add an extra touch of luxury by adding the honey option – honey is a great medium for massage, offering a unique combination of skin nourishment, hydration, detoxification, muscle recovery, and stress relief through its natural properties. Each session will begin with a discussion about your aims for the treatment.

How often can you have a massage?

This depends on your desired outcomes and massage style. A weekly sports massage treatment for those training for a specific event or looking to treat a specific issue would be very beneficial. Every other week or every month would be more appropriate for maintenance or less intense training periods. For Swedish massage, again weekly is recommended when starting to treat a specific issue, dropping to once a month for maintenance.

What is a honey massage?

A honey massage offers numerous benefits, including skin nourishment and hydration, detoxification, and stress relief, making it a unique and therapeutic experience. Honey has been used as a massage medium for thousands of years. I use local raw honey and employ a cupping motion with my hands to draw up the honey from the client's skin. During the course of the treatment, the honey first becomes tacky, then often crystallises. It's great for drawing out impurities, increasing blood flow and as a skin exfoliation method. It can be performed as a pre-treatment cleanser or as a stand-alone treatment. Unfortunately it is not suitable for those with a honey allergy.

Who can have a massage? 

Pretty much anyone. There are though certain contraindications for massage meaning that it may not be possible to treat a person in certain circumstances, or without permission from a medical professional. Common contraindications include: cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, embolism or thrombosis, heart conditions, herpes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, neurological conditions, pregnancy, varicose veins, undiagnosed medical conditions. In addition, anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs, taking prescription medicine, or having hormonal implants should be treated with caution or not at all. Often though, it is still possible to treat a client with these contraindications, so it's always worth asking if you're unsure. 

Is there an age limit?

I’m happy to provide a massage to anyone aged 13 and upwards. Please note that if you are under the age of 18, you will need consent from a parent or legal guardian, who will need to accompany you to the session.

What should you wear for a massage? 

For Swedish massage treatments, less is better, as this increases your relaxedness and makes it easier for me to massage you. I normally recommend underwear, but ultimately it’s your massage and experience, so I’m happy to work with what you’re comfortable with. Drapes and/or towels will provided for your comfort and modesty. For sports massage, sportswear is best. We can then move and remove as necessary, depending on the specifics of the treatment. The main thing is that I can see how your body aligns and access areas to massage. In both cases it is entirely possible to massage through clothing and I'm more than happy to do that if that works best for you. It will however reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. 

Should you shower beforehand? 

For any massage treatment, good hygiene is a must, but you don’t necessarily need to shower beforehand. In the case of Swedish massage, it can help the relaxation process, both your mind and your muscles, thus getting them ready for the treatment.

Is there parking near your studio in Charlton Kings?

Yes! There is free parking off London Rd, behind the row of shops and GP practice. It is well sign posted.