Policies and frequently asked questions 

• All appointments require 24 hours notice to book, unless agreed otherwise at the time of booking.

• 50% deposit is required to secure appointments, and bookings are not confirmed until received.

• Please give 48 hours notice if you are unable to attend your appointment, otherwise your deposit will not be refunded. Missed appointments and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to the full treatment charge and no further appointments can be made until this has been received.

• Where more than 48 hours notice is provided, appointments can be rescheduled or cancelled and your deposit will be transfered to the new booking or refunded.

• The appointment time booked is for the entire appointment, and not just the hands-on treatment time. This will include consultations, undressing and re-dressing.

• If you are late for your appointment the appointment will not be extended and will end at the scheduled booked time. The full treatment charge will still apply.

How does soft tissue therapy differ from sports massage?

• Soft tissue therapy goes beyond a standard massage by using a combination of advanced clinical techniques, such as neuromuscular techniques or muscle energy techniques, alongside deep-tissue massage to treat specific pain, tension, and mobility restrictions. It is a comprehensive clinical treatment for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

Your first appointment will include a 10–15 minute assessment where I will look at your posture, test your range of motion, take a medical history, and then provide hands-on treatment. After evaluating how your muscles respond to that first session, we can then work together to plan a realistic treatment plan.

Who is soft tissue therapy and sports massage suitable for?

• Anyone experiencing muscle tension, joint restrictions, or soft tissue injuries, regardless of whether they play sports or lead an athletic lifestyle, can benefit from sports massage and soft tissue therapy. Whether you're a professional athlete, a gym-enthusiast, runner or a desk-based office worker, sports massage and soft-tissue therapy can help you to maintain joint mobility or rehabilitate following injury. 

How many appointments will I need?

• The number of appointments you will need depends entirely on your goal, whether you are treating a specific injury, managing chronic tightness, or looking for regular body maintenance. Some people start off with more regular treatments when rehabilitating an injury or joint issue, then reduce down to ongoing maintenance, others visit as and when they feel they need a treatment. Although I can make recommendations for a suitable treatment plan and frequency, it is completely up to you and you will never be pressured into committing to ongoing visits or regular treatments.

Does it hurt?

• The concept that sports massage should be painful, or "no pain, no gain" is very outdated and more pain does not equal better outcomes! It can be uncomfortable in places, and you may feel a slight ache the following days, but it should never be painful and I will check in throughout the appointment that the pressure is comfortable for you. Please don't be worried to ask for a lighter or firmer pressure if needed, everyone has individual preferences. 

What should I wear to my appointment?

• Unlike a traditional spa massage where you strip down and stay under a towel, sports massage and soft tissue therapy often involve active movement, stretching, and physical assessments. Therefore the best clothing choices include loose or stretchy gym or running shorts and a vest or loose t-shirton. If treatment is needed on your upper body ideally you will need to remove your top half, including any bra, but you will be covered with a towel to maintain modesty.

Can I receive treatment whilst pregnant?

• Unfortunately I am not currently able to offer treatment during pregnancy. This is something that I plan to offer shortly so please do get in touch if you'd be interested in hearing from me once this treatment is available.

Can I bring someone with me?

• Yes, you can absolutely bring someone with you to your appointment if you feel this will be of support to you! If you feel anxious, have mobility or communication needs, or simply prefer having a friend or partner there for peace of mind, they are welcome to sit in the treatment room with you during your appointment, or can sit in the waiting area.

Do you treat children?

• I am happy to treat children, and have experienced first-hand the benefits of soft tissue therapy to my own children. However, if the client is under 16 a parent or legal guardian must remain in the room for the entire duration of the assessment and treatment. 

What products do you use during treatment?

• I use Songbird Massage Wax, which combine a blend of beeswax and natural ingredients. Please see here for more details. Please do let me know in advance of treatment if you have any allergies where this product may be unsuitable for you.

Is there parking available?

• I mainly work from The Raleigh Clinic, which free on site parking. A gravel car park is located on the right hand side as you enter the road where the clinic is. There are also two plant bicycle racks for any clients wishing to cycle to us. I do also work from the sister clinic, The Netherton Clinic in Fyfield, Abingdon, where there is also parking available on-site.

• Pre-treatment questionnaires are requested from the customer by law to comply with insurance and governing body regulations. All information provided will be kept confidential and securely stored. Clients may request a copy of any information held and this will be provided to them within 10 working days of a written request being received.

• All client information will be kept stictly private and confidential in accordance with the principles and guidlines of UK GDPR policies.