Frequently Asked Questions
What makes clinical massage different from holistic or relaxation massage?
Clinical massage targets areas of pain and restriction felt within the body, and aims to address the underlying issues, getting you out of pain and feeling well in yourself. Jing Method™ advanced clinical massage therapists are highly trained in addressing acute and chronic pain, and have an in depth knowledge of anatomy and musculoskeletal pathologies. We also learn Orthopaedic Assessment and Range of Motion testing, and apply this to our knowledge of different musculoskeletal conditions while we’re doing our consultation, so we can build a real picture and theory about what might be going on for you. That’s not to say that a clinical massage won’t also be relaxing, calming and restorative! This just means we treat pain in a specific way, following the JING Method, to get great results over a number of sessions.
Like everything, it’s very unlikely to be one and done! When you go to see a physiotherapist you normally get a block of 6 sessions – that’s because, on average, 6 sessions is about how long it will take to see real lasting change when you follow rehab exercises. It’s the same for clinical massage! On average, we’d see a real reduction in your pain, and usually some increase in your movement or strength, around treatment three. And by treatment 6, when we’ve widened our focus to incorporate more of the body and looked in depth at some supporting rehab exercises – then hopefully you’ll only need to come back a couple of times a year as maintenance to keep you in tip top condition.
Are you a sports massage therapist?
I’m a both a ITEC level 3 qualified Sports Massage Therapist AND a Jing Method™ advanced clinical massage therapist. I’m trained in sports massage techniques and I use these where clinically appropriate in my treatments. If you are coming for a pre- or post- event treatment, please let me know when you book in and I can adjust your treatment accordingly.
Often, when people ask for Sports Massage over a Holistic or Relaxation Massage, they’re asking because they have an issue they believe a massage therapist can address; if this is you, then clinical massage is the exact treatment you need.
I’ve never had a professional massage before, how will I know what to expect?
If you’re unsure of what to expect, we can speak online or over the phone before the treatment so you can air any concerns and I can put your mind at rest. There are no silly questions, and my aim with the treatment is to help you relax so I can better treat the areas of pain for you.
What should I wear?
Wear what makes you feel comfortable. You will need to remove your clothes, and bra if you wear one, to have the massage, but you can keep your underwear on if it makes you feel more comfortable. You will be covered by towels and only the parts of the body I am working on will be exposed.
Please note: sexual harassment will not be tolerated, if anything of this nature occurs then the treatment will be stopped and you will be asked to leave.
How many treatments will I need?
How many treatments you need depends on why you are coming for treatment, your overall health and wellbeing, and what is happening in your life. During the consultation we will discuss both physical and psychological factors that might be contributing to your need for treatment, and then at the end of the first appointment I will suggest a treatment plan to you, which you can take up at your discretion. Generally this ranges between 4 and 6 sessions of treatments to get to the nitty gritty of your pain – and if booking a package works out more financially feasible for you, I’ll recommend that!
For most people, to get out of pain from an injury or to combat stiffness brought on through lifestyle, I would normally recommend 6 treatments. The first few treatments to be between 1 – 2 weeks apart, working towards treatments being 1 month apart, or thereabouts, depending upon your particular needs, how much you want to come, and your budget.
If you’re dealing with a chronic condition this might not be appropriate – a lot more will depend on how you respond to treatment, what your needs are and how your body copes with massage. We will likely need to work together over a longer period of time – up to 10 sessions to see real change – and take it slow using more gentle techniques like myofascial release to calm the nervous system before we work on problem areas. Again, we can discuss what is financially viable and how your body responds, as I’ll likely be keeping in close contact to monitor how treatments need to be adapted for each session.
Does clinical massage hurt?
Part of the work I will do is around trigger points in the myofascia. These are the sore ‘knots’ in the muscles that can cause pain, tension and restrict range of motion. Sometimes, when these are treated it can feel uncomfortable, however it should never feel painful. Never feel afraid to let me know if something is uncomfortable during a massage, communication is key so I can adjust my treatment appropriately. During your consultation, we can talk about how I release trigger points and how you can let me know what is and isn’t comfortable for you.
How will I feel afterwards?
Most people feel more relaxed after a treatment, however people can sometimes feel a bit tired, emotional or spaced out. Clinical massage works quite deeply on the body and your reaction to it is valid. After your massage, try and take things slowly and drink plenty of water.
I try and leave plenty of time between my appointments so you should never feel rushed and can take the time you need to get on your way safely. If you feel like something isn’t right after a treatment, please get in touch with me and I can help support you.
If you have a chronic condition and you feel like you get “flare” type symptoms post massage – even if during the massage everything felt fine – then the treatment may have been too much for what your body could cope with at the time. This doesn’t mean massage isn’t for you, what it means is we need to adjust the pressure, the length of time of the treatment, the amount of areas we address in a treatment or even spend more time on nervous system settling before we work on focus areas. I always want feedback if this happens because massage is extremely adaptable and there is always something we can approach differently to figure out what suits you.
Do I need to wear a mask?
There is no requirement to wear a mask during treatment. Please let me know if you would like me to wear a mask as I am always happy to accommodate this.
Is there parking?
Yes, There is on-street paid for parking at Windmill Street and Hythe road
There are 2 car parking spaces in the driveway at Energy for Life, however be aware that if you are the first there and someone else parks in front of you it may be difficult to leave. There is also on street paid for parking on Sussex Street and also on Richmond Hill and Windmill Terrace, a short 5 minute walk from Energy for Life.
When does your clinic run?
We’re open Tuesday to Thursday at Windmill Street, Saturdays at Hythe Road and evenings by appointment at Energy for Life.
Do you have disability access?
Unfortunately, Windmill street, Hythe Road and Energy for Life do not have step free access at this time.
Applesea Therapies 