Anytime you feel the tightness in the muscles restricting your training or flexibility When you are increasing your training for endurances or speed When you are increasing your weights Starting a new sport or returning to a sport after an absence

Please arrive a few minutes early to your appointment so you can feel relaxed and not in a rush. I recommend arriving 10 minutes early for your first massage appointment to complete your new client form. Once you are ready, I will go over your forms and reasons for seeking massage therapy and ask you questions to customise your session to meet your specific needs and preferences. You will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns or to ask any questions you may have about massage therapy and I'll then briefly go over a plan for your massage therapy session. If you have any questions, feel free to speak up at any moment. Good communication is key to achieving the best results during your massage appointment. This is your massage. Be sure to give feedback to help me meet your specific needs. If there is anything I can do to make you more comfortable, let me know. Definitely communicate if you feel any pain or discomfort, or if you have any concerns during your massage. Some types of massage that work on deep layers of muscle and tissue, such as deep tissue or sports massage, will require more feedback to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. ​After the massage is done and you are ready and before you leave, I'll will discuss with you how your session went, answer any questions you may have about your massage, and make any other notes for your next massage. Everybody is different, so feel free to give honest feedback about what you like and what you don't like about your massage.

Massage therapy is a great natural solution when you want relief from pain, but it can also be used as a preventive treatment too. Here at Bod Therapy I can help you with: Lower cortisol and raise serotonin levels to calm and relax your body Loosen tight muscles, which may increase blood flow, leading to lowering your blood pressure Often, depending on what you are seeking a massage for, I may use a different technique or massage modality. There are many examples of different massage therapies I can perform including Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Connective Tissue Therapy, Deep Tissue Therapy and Joint Mobilization.

“How often should I get a massage” is a question I am asked often here at Bod Therapy. The short answer would be as often as you like really. The long answer depends on many factors to include the type of massage you are having, your pain and physical needs and indeed your stress and emotional needs. Generally, one massage a week is recommended, especially if you have a specific health condition or injury. Regular massages can help manage symptoms and promote healing, it can also help with pain relief, improve flexibility and range of motion, and promote overall well-being. Pain Management Massage is regularly used alongside Physiotherapy to manage pain levels in the body. If massage is to be used for pain relief after injury it is most likely to be used more frequently initially (once or twice per week) tapering to once a week/every other week throughout recovery. For chronic health conditions, one a week is typically recommended depending on how your body responds. If pain returns in a few days, then it is probably time to visit your massage therapist again. If you are pain free a week later, then you can start adding more time between sessions. For pain management one normally requires sessions more frequently at the beginning of treatment, then as your muscles respond/relax and start to heal, then the sessions can start to decrease in frequency. Athletic/Sports Performance and Recovery Sports massages are required more regularly while training for an event like a marathon or other athletic activity both pre and post-event. Weekly or bi-weekly massage can help you get in proper shape and help a speedy recovery after an event or competition. Pre-event massage is used to warm up and stretch muscles aiding in injury prevention by stimulating blood flow, removing lactic acid build-up from the muscle fibres. Range of movement and flexibility are increased giving improved performance. Post-event massage is done immediately after the event helping the muscles to recover more quickly. Post exercise soreness/stiffness will be greatly reduced by bringing blood flow back to the tight muscles. It takes a good 48 hours for the system to rebalance after a deep massage, so at least a two day gap between massages is ideal. The frequency of sports massage is dependent on ones training schedule, however regular massage can help to maintain range of movement, flexibility and health of muscles. Stress Relief The management of stress in this life that we are living is just as important to your health as diet and exercise. Indeed, stress can undo all of the hard work that you put in doing exercise and eating healthily. Regular Swedish relaxation massage can help reduce tension, lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol levels in the body. The benefits of a relaxation massage are often felt immediately, for some as soon as they hit the massage couch they start to unwind. If you have tense muscles a little discomfort may be felt during the massage, but afterwards, your body will definitely thank you for it. Poor Mental health can be greatly improved by relaxation massage allowing the client to feel calmer and less stressed. Relaxation massage is lighter and less invasive than sports massage and can therefore be tolerated more often, so can be practised as often as the client requires.

Yes, it is safe to get a massage during your period. Massage can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of menstruation and cramping. Your therapist may use a heated table or apply a heat pack to any areas that feel extra tender to help you feel more relaxed during this time.

A massage will likely just make you feel worse. Even if you are giving less than a 24 hour notice, I prefer you reschedule your appointment if you are feeling unwell, so let me know as soon as possible.

There are some situations where you should avoid getting a massage, including if you have a fever, contagious skin conditions, open wounds or recent injuries, blood clots or bleeding disorders, or pregnancy complications. A general rule of thumb is that if you feel unwell enough to shop for groceries and carry them back to your apartment, it’s best to give your body a rest and not come in for a massage. It's important to communicate with your massage therapist and healthcare provider about any medical conditions or concerns you may have before scheduling a massage to ensure that it is safe and beneficial for you.