FAQ's
INSURANCE CLAIMS
Did you know, if you have day-to-day health modules (such as Southern Cross or NIB) included in your health insurance you may be able to claim back some of the cost of your massage? Ask your provider for details and me for a receipt.
RUNNING EARLY OR LATE?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a waiting room so please don’t arrive more than 5 minutes early. If you are going to be late, let me know and I may be able to extend your appointment time at the end. If this is not possible, you will still be charged for the full appointment. Your booked appointment time includes consultation and hands-on time. Please also let me know if you need to leave exactly on time.
THIS IS MY FIRST MASSAGE... WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Every appointment begins with a chat about your general health and what you are trying to achieve from the massage. From there we will make a plan that you approve for this session and any future ones. There will be no surprises, and if I consider any changes to the plan necessary, I will discuss these with you first.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
No, only to your level of comfort. Your consultation will include a chat about what areas of the body we will be working on, what clothing you can leave on and what you are comfortable to remove. You will always be under the draping (linen) and only the part of your body that I am working on will be uncovered, to ensure your comfort and privacy.
There’s too much pressure, not enough pressure, something I don’t like...
Massage works best when we work as a team. If there’s something you do or don’t like, let me know! Especially for a therapeutic massage we will need to communicate throughout the massage but for a relaxation massage, there is no need to talk if you don’t want to.
Will it hurt?
“No pain, no gain” does NOT apply to massage. The last thing we want is you to be tensing up your muscles against pain. I want to work with your body, not against it. I will check in with you, but if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort let me know – I would prefer to modify your treatment so you can leave happy!
WHAT IF I'M SICK? SHOULD I STILL COME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
Please contact me to discuss or reschedule your appointment if you are sick. Massage is not recommended if you have cold or flu symptoms or a fever.
I’VE JUST HAD MY COVID 19 VACCINE, CAN I STILL GET MY MASSAGE?
Please leave at least two days between getting your COVID 19 vaccination (or flu or other vaccination) and your massage appointment to allow your body time to recover from any side effects. See the Ministry of Health website for further information regarding Covid 19.
WHAT SORT OF MASSAGE SHOULD I BOOK?
If you’re pregnant, please book a Pregnancy Massage – when you come in, we’ll talk about whether you want purely relaxation massage, have aches and pains you want addressed or a bit of both.
If you’re up to around 6 months post-partum or still breastfeeding it is useful for me to know, so please book a Postpartum Massage. Whether you want a purely relaxation massage, have aches and pains you want addressed or a bit of both, we can talk about it when you come for your appointment.
A Relaxation Massage uses lighter pressure and longer, slower strokes to calm and relax the body and mind, tuning into and soothing the nervous system. Can help with stress management, sleep, mind-body connection, and chronic pain conditions.
A Therapeutic Massage uses a combination of techniques, including Swedish relaxation techniques, firmer more directed pressure, trigger point release and myofascial release. Choose this massage to help manage aches and pains - long-term or acute, headaches and injuries. You may be given some exercises or stretches to work on at home to help with the condition.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specific technique that is used to improve lymph flow and can reduce oedema (swelling) due to injury or lymphoedema. It can also be extremely relaxing and soothing to the nervous system. It is a very gentle non-invasive technique. Please enquire directly for MLD massage.
Hot Stones Massage is a deeply warming, relaxing treatment, soothing the nervous system, relaxing muscles and calming the mind. The warm stones are used as a massage tool, which optimises muscle relaxation, as well as placed on the body. This is an amazing restorative treatment, especially in cooler weather.
Indian Head Massage is performed while you are seated and concentrates on the head, neck and shoulders. Hands and arms may also be included. For this massage you remain fully clothed so it can be a good introduction to massage if you have never had a massage before.
IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIAL I SHOULD DO BEFORE OR AFTER MY MASSAGE?
You may feel a bit cooler after your massage, so make sure you bring something warm to put on.
You will be more comfortable if you don't eat or drink too much before your massage - please ask to use the toilet if you need to!
Drink plenty of water after your massage - massage gets the fluids moving, so it is important to drink water and normal to feel more thirsty.
Eat nourishing food if you are hungry.
Treat yourself kindly for the rest of the day - take a walk, do some stretching or yoga, breathe deeply.
You may be given some stretches or exercises - these complement your massage treatment and are specific to your treatment plan - so please try to do them!