The Berkeley Centre
3 Berkeley Square
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1HL

jenny@humantouchtherapies.co.uk
Tel: 0117 370 1177

Massage & Bodywork

Massage is a form of therapeutic touch that has been used for healing for thousands of years all over the world. We all have a natural instinct to rub a sore spot or ache on our bodies, or to give someone a hug for comfort. Massage has developed from this instinct and is recognised as one of the most effective ways to relax, revive, and heal the body, mind, and soul.

There are many styles of massage, and many different techniques. At Human Touch Therapies Jenny uses a range of strokes, holds, stretches, mobilisations and movements combined with intuition and sensitivity. There are no fixed routines! The client's needs, input and feedback are very important: a good therapist works together WITH you, and does not “do massage TO you”!

Massage works in various ways. Physically it stimulates the skin, muscles and other bodily tissues, which relieves pain, relaxes muscles, improves circulation, removes toxins, and promotes digestion. Treatments may also include other bodywork techniques such as passive stretches, Muscle Energy Technique stretches, joint mobilisations and suggested exercises and stretches to do at home. Therefore massage & bodywork is very suitable to treat many physical problems.

leg massage in Bristol

At the same time massage lifts the spirit and calms the mind, which also benefits your body. A treatment can be deeply relaxing, or reviving and stimulating, depending on your needs. Massage is very effective in treating stress-related problems.

Of course massage can also simply be a treat for yourself or a loved one!

Benefits

There are many conditions and circumstances where massage & bodywork can be beneficial, such as:
  • Back, neck, or shoulder pain
  • Muscle stiffness or tension
  • Joint pain or restricted movement
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Repetitive Strain Injury (e.g. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
  • Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Tennis and Golfer's Elbow
  • Injuries and rehabilitation
  • Sports performance
  • Pregnancy
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Digestive or respiratory problems
  • Low energy levels or fatigue
  • Toxins / detox
  • Low immunity
shoulder massage in Bristol

At Human Touch Therapies Jenny takes the holistic approach and tailors her sessions with you to your needs. Whether you want a gentle, rebalancing, relaxing massage, or a deep-tissue massage, a bit of both, or something in between: it's all possible. A session can also include a posture assessment, stretches, joint mobilisations and suggested home exercises if/where appropriate.

You don't need to decide in advance what type of treatment you want. Just book a massage session with Jenny and you simply discuss your needs and wishes together on the day.

Jenny also offers pregnancy massage.

pregnancy massage in Bristol

Massage during pregnancy is wonderful for both the mother and the baby. For the mother pregnancy massage of course has the same benefits as for other people: relaxation, relief of aches and pains (including pregnancy-related discomfort such as back aches and swollen ankles and hands). In addition it also helps the mum-to-be to tune into her own body that is going through so many changes, and to connect and bond with her baby. Pregnancy massage helps the baby too: relaxation benefits both the mother and the baby, and it helps the baby to connect with the mother.

Pregnancy massage is safe at all stages of pregnancy, however if you are suffering from any complications, or if you have any doubts about whether pregnancy massage is right for you, please seek advice from your midwife first.

Treatment

When you come for a massage, you do not need to bring anything (except any medication you may need) and you can wear your normal clothes. It is best not to have a heavy meal shortly before the session, but do make sure your stomach isn't completely empty either.

Your first treatment will start with an initial consultation, the aim of which is to give you the best possible treatment. In some cases this may include a posture assessment or sciatica assessment if this is relevant. It is therefore recommended to book at least 1 hour for this first session. Together you then agree on what the actual treatment will involve.

After the consultation, the therapist will leave the room, for you to dress down as far as you're comfortable with, lie down on the massage table and cover yourself with the available sheet. During the massage we use a neutral, non-greasy, hypo-allergenic base oil.

At the end of the session Jenny reviews the treatment with you, and together you discuss the "way forward", which may include suggestions for exercises or stretches that could help you, and possibly a follow-up appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to remove all my clothes?

You only remove the items that you are happy with. This may vary from individual to individual and from session to session. A drape will cover any areas that are not being worked on. It is also possible to work on areas through the drape or through clothing.


Which parts of my body will be massaged?

This is agreed between you and Jenny at the start of the session and depends on your needs. You can ask for a full body massage or ask Jenny to work only on your back, neck and shoulders or your legs for example. You will never be massaged in any areas that you or your practitioner are not happy with.


Does massage hurt?

With the deeper work, you may feel a “good pain”. The aim is to stay at right side of the pain threshold, as beyond this the body will seize up in protection, making things worse. Jenny will always ask you for feedback to make sure you’re happy with the pressure she’s applying. Massage should be enjoyable!


How often should I have a massage?

There is no “rule” for this; it depends on the reason why you’re coming for massage, and on your budget. Sometimes one session solves the problem. Other times, especially with chronic conditions, it may take a few sessions before you notice a lasting benefit. Generally speaking anything from once a month up to twice a week will be increasingly beneficial. Of course it is absolutely fine to just have a massage occasionally when you feel like it!


When should I NOT have a massage?

There are certain conditions where massage is not appropriate. For example: if you have a fever, an infectious disease, weeping or bleeding skin conditions, or certain circulatory or heart conditions. If you are unsure, please contact Jenny in advance, or ask your doctor.

What is "massage & bodywork"?

The term "massage & bodywork" means that a treatment can be more than just the massage itself: in addition to the massage strokes, the session can include other bodywork techniques, such as posture and sciatica assessment, passive stretches, Muscle Energy Technique stretches, and joint mobilisations.

How to book

Jenny Dalhuijsen currently practices massage & bodywork in Bristol on the following days:

Monday 17:00 - 21:00
Wednesday 17:00 - 21:00
Friday 12:30 - 16:30
Saturday 13:00 - 17:00 (once a month)

The next Saturday slot is 13th March (the day before Mother's Day).

Appointments at:

The Berkeley Centre
3 Berkeley Square
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1HL
0117 370 1177

Book and manage your appointments online here!

Cancellation policy: if you need to cancel or change your appointment, please phone as soon as possible. If less than 24 hours notice is given, the full fee will be charged.

Rates

0.5 hour: £25
1.0 hour: £40
1.5 hour: £60
2.0 hour: £80

Back 2 Life: bespoke back care packages
6 weeks: £289
Click here for more information.

We sell a wide range of massage gift vouchers online and at The Berkeley Centre!