Massage can help treat the symptoms of a wide range of conditions including, but not limited to:

• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress
• Sciatica
• Piriformis syndrome
• Rotator cuff injuries – including frozen shoulder
• Plantar fasciitis (involving pain in the foot)
• Sports injuries – including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Work-related overuse injuries – e.g. RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome
• Accident injuries – e.g. whiplash
• Pain associated with postural imbalances
• Pain associated with pregnancy
• Joint pain and muscle disorders – e.g. arthritis
• Pain from chronic illnesses and disabilities

Essentially, physiotherapists tend to deal with the treatment and rehabilitation of more serious musculoskeletal conditions – whereas sports massage therapists focus on the treatment of soft tissue problems (minor and chronic) and the prevention of soft tissue injuries through regular maintenance treatments. The two disciplines work very well together, and you’ll often find sports massage therapists working alongside physiotherapists in clinics.

Sports massage is remedial in nature in that it aims to relieve the pain and restrictions caused by muscular tension. Given that this necessarily involves deep massage techniques there will sometimes be what clients refer to as ‘good pain’ as the soft tissue is worked on. However, we always work slowly and only within the client’s pain tolerance.

If a specific injury or condition is being treated then this may require up to six treatments (initially weekly but increasing to fortnightly and up to monthly once the injury or condition is pain-free). Thereafter, a monthly maintenance treatment is recommended.

It is advisable to wear as little as possible for a massage treatment, depending on the areas of the body being treated. Normally this means undressing to undergarments, but sometimes clients would rather undress completely for full body massage treatments.

We want you to be comfortable at all times, so if you’d rather stay clothed then please just mention this to your therapist before massage treatment begins. It’s totally up to you what you prefer – but no matter what you wear, rest assured that you will be draped with towels during the treatment to keep your modesty.

For sports massage treatments we normally use a preservative-free NAQI massage lotion which hydrates and protects the skin, while leaving you feeling dry after your massage treatment (unlike many other lotions or oils).

Yes, though it is advisable to book appointments with as much notice as possible to secure your preferred day and time.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours before your appointment. Thereafter, the full cost of the treatment is due and payable.

Payments can be made by either cash, Pingit or BACS – and we can provide you with a receipt if needed. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cheques or credit/debit cards.

If you are running late for your appointment, please let Andy know as soon as possible. If he is not seeing someone else directly after you, he will try to accommodate you as best he can. Otherwise, your session will only run until the original booking finish time and you will be charged the full fee.

Yes. All information collected at your pre-therapy assessment is for the purposes of your massage treatments only and is not shared with any third parties. As a legal requirement, all client records are kept for a minimum of seven years or up to the age of 21 for children. Please also see our privacy policy here.

Andy is a fully-insured member of the Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage and undertakes ongoing CPD training as a requirement of this.

Yes. Andy can treat consenting children under the age of 18 in the presence of a parent/guardian and with their specific written consent.

It is imperative that you tell Andy about any reasons why treatment should not take place prior to booking an appointment. We don’t want to spread or exacerbate the problem further, so please feel free to discuss issues with Andy on the number above if you are unsure. The following restrictions/contraindications apply to soft tissue therapy:

• Open wounds, cuts/scratches or skin infections – including local, contagious or irritable skin conditions, boils or abscesses, fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, and red flaky skin that might be contagious
• Acute inflammation (redness, heat, excessive pain or swelling in the localised area)
• Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia or low blood platelet counts and taking blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin
• Any deep vein thrombosis, blood clots or significant varicose veins (light massage may be possible if minor)
• Fractures or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), where there has been a recent surgery or Myositis Ossificans (as a result of extended recovery from a broken bone or trauma)
• Systemic contagious or infectious diseases – including the common cold and significant fever
• Acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention
• Severe unstable hypertension or unmedicated, elevated blood pressure
• Acute flare-up of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Aneurysm
• Frostbite
• Recent burns
• Varicosities
• Malignancy/melanoma
• Lymphangitis (recognisable by a dark line running up the limb towards the lymph nodes)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Cancer patients should consult their oncologist for approval before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure
• Pregnant women should also consult their healthcare provider, especially in the 1st trimester when massage is not recommended