Frequently Asked Questions

Going for a massage can sometimes be a little daunting especially, if you've never had a massage before or it's a new therapist. Questions like: What clothes do I need to take off? Will it be sore? What oils does the therapist use? And, a multitude of other questions will often go through your mind whilst booking your appointment and sometime right up to the moment when you're sat in the waiting area.

Here I hope to answer at least some of these questions for you. I've detailed how I work but most massage therapists work in a similar manner so whoever you are going to see you should find the information here helpful and hopefully it will help you feel a little more confident about what to expect when you enter the treatment room. Click on the button to see the answer

How long will it take?

First time appointments typically take 60 minutes and include a confidential 15 to 20 minute consultation and assessment. During this consultation process we will look into the reasons for you seeking treatment and what you are hoping to achieve.

Do I have to get undressed?

The most important thing for me is that you feel completely comfortable and relaxed. If you feel self-conscious or nervous because you've been asked to take your bra off when you didn't want to then the massage will not be as enjoyable or effective as it possibly could be. So, only undress to a level you are comfortable with, there is no pressure to undress any further than that. The majority of the massage techniques I use are performed directly on the skin, this means I will ask you to remove those items of clothing that cover the area to be massaged. So for legs I would ask you to remove your trousers, dress or skirt. For back, neck and shoulders I would ask you to remove the upper part of your clothing.

I will always give you time on your own in the room to undress and also to get dressed again at the end of the treatment. I will always knock before entering the room and if you need more time you can just ask me to wait.

For women the question of whether to remove their bra is totally individual, I have many clients who do remove it and many who keep it on. It is often helpful to be able to unclasp it when working through the shoulder area but I will always ask you if this is ok.

Should you bring shorts?

Many clients who are sporty will bring shorts to wear during the treatment, this is fine if it is how you are most comfortable but it isn't actually the best for massage as shorts tend to be difficult to move out of the way when needing to reach some of the upper leg muscle attachments.To get the best out of your massage I recommend you to wear as little as you are comfortable wearing. Small stretchy underwear, swimming bikini or for men speedo style swimming trunks are the best as they can be easily moved to reach muscle attachments but still protect your modesty. You are given a large sheet to cover yourself when first getting on the table and this sheet is used to cover you for the whole treatment and only the body part being worked on is uncovered at any one time.

Do you Diagnose?

NO! Never! Massage therapists do not and should not diagnose any medical condition. Unless the therapist is also trained as a medical doctor, we are not qualified or trained to diagnose.

During the course of your treatment, I might look at how you sit, stand, and move but this is to help me decide the most suitable treatment for you that day. I may also suggest some specific movements or exercises which I think would benefit you in returning to full health and fitness.

If for any reason I feel that there is anything affecting your health that requires diagnosing by a medical professional I will check with you to see if you have already consulted a suitably qualified medical professional and if not, recommend you do so at your earliest convenience.

If you are seeking a diagnosis for a specific injury or condition you'll need to visit your GP or another medically trained healthcare professional, not me.

I'm a Massage Therapist, I will not give you a diagnosis, I will not click your bones (intentionally) and I will not stick needles in you! I leave all that wonderful stuff to the Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Acupuncturists, Doctors, and Consultants out there.

What should I expect afterward?

When the massage is over, the therapist will leave the room so that you can get dressed in privacy. Massage and bodywork can be extremely relaxing, affecting all your body's systems so be sure to give yourself a several minutes to re-orient yourself before slowly getting up. The therapist will then give you a refreshment of choice we serve water or a selection of herbal teas. After a session, most people feel extremely relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over weeks and months of tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, clients often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

We all know that life is full of ups, downs and down-right surprises. Cancellations do happen, but please do try to give as much notice as possible if you need to cancel an appointment. Any appointments cancelled with less than 24hours notice or a ‘no show’ will incur a cancellation fee. Please be aware that I will send an. invoice for any cancellation charges incurred, and clients will not receive any further appointments until the invoice is settled.

What oils to you use?

We use only high quality, certified organic oils in our massages, selected for their aroma, purity and therapeutic qualities. Zoe is also a Neals

Yard Independent Consultant. So to ensure the longevity benefits of your massage treatments why not buy on line or see your therapist for more details Go to: uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/zoebowen