Ian Bloomfield Massage Therapist
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1
What should I expect if I've never been for a massage before? At the start of your first treatment I will talk to you about any medical history, previous injuries, the reason you have come to see us and a bit about your lifestyle. Before a sports or remedial treatment, I will most likely carry out some tests on your movement and look at your posture before beginning the massage. A treatment plan and after care will be discussed at the end of the massage
2
What should I wear? I encourage all clients to undress to a level that they are most comfortable with. If we are working on glutes and into the hip it may be easier to remove underwear in advance. Towels are used to protect and maintain modesty at all times – whatever your level of undress. Full body postural assessments are carried out before sports and remedial treatments – so please bring shorts / sports bra with you if you feel uncomfortable standing and being assessed in underwear. Along with removing clothes, please also remove your watch and all jewellery.
3
How long should I book for? The length you choose often comes down to how much time you have to spare in your schedule and your goals for the session. Sports and Remedial massages are generally sixty or ninety minutes and the “MOT” treatment is always two-hours. If you’re looking to enter a state of deep relaxation and ensure all of your muscle groups are given plenty of attention, it’s worth booking a Swedish ninety-minute session. This will ensure I have plenty of time to relieve stress and tension across most of the body and areas worked on.
If you are short on time or want a more focused approach that targets specific parts of your body (for example, just your back, neck and shoulders) sixty-minutes is plenty long enough to achieve all we’d want to achieve.
4
Can I eat or drink before my treatment? Hydrating your body ahead of your massage is a great way to ensure your muscles are ready to receive the full benefits of your session. This will make it easier for me to release any spots of tension and tightness and aid detoxification after your session, too. It’s best to avoid eating in the hour or two prior to your session to ensure your body isn’t busy digesting food during your massage. Steer clear of any heavy meals and opt for light snacks before your session to ensure you don’t feel sluggish going into your massage.
5
How many treatments will I need? This depends on many factors, and all patients are individuals. Following your assessment and initial (and subsequent) treatments, we will discuss the anticipated number of treatments. You will be re-assessed on each visit and if progress plateaus or no improvement is seen then this will be discussed and your treatment altered accordingly. If necessary, referral on to other specialists at this stage may be an option.
6
Are there any circumstances when treatment may not be possible? During the initial consultation you will be asked about your medical history. From this information, I will make an assessment as to whether you present any contraindications which either prevent treatment from taking place for 24-48 hours or which may first require your GPs consent. Whilst massage is a generally safe form of treatment, there are conditions which may preclude treatment or advise that treatment only be carried out with consent of your GP. This will be discussed at your consultation.