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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.