Massage FAQ · Good to Know Before You Book

That's completely normal, and it's actually part of how I work. Symptoms don't always point to the real cause — a stiff shoulder or low energy might have its roots somewhere else entirely. If you're not sure what your body needs, just book the appointment time. I always set aside enough space in a first session to figure it out together, whether that means a deep tissue focus or a gentle stimulus for your nervous system.

Please allow an extra 10 to 20 minutes beyond your treatment time when planning your visit, for a short chat before we begin and to wrap up afterwards. A straightforward relaxation session usually needs closer to 10 minutes; something more involved, like Remedial or Reflexology work on a specific issue, can take nearer 20. If you'd like more than hands-on work, say guidance on mindful movement, stretching, or exercises to correct desk posture at home, just let me know beforehand and we'll shape the session around that too.

Wear something comfortable. Depending on the reflexology zone being treated — feet, hands, lower legs, head, or ears — only that specific area needs to be uncovered. If your clothing allows it, treatment can also be given through a light cloth covering. For more intimate areas, work is carried out with extra care and only where necessary. Whatever the treatment, you can always speak up at any point if something doesn't feel comfortable.

That's absolutely fine. I keep a selection of high-quality, neutral oils on hand — like pure Jojoba and Squalane — alongside premium botanical oils from Wala, such as Aconitum or Solum. If you have any allergies or sensitivities, we simply choose a safe, gentle alternative. If you just don't like the feel of oil on your skin, that's fine too — many treatments, including reflexology and specific myofascial tissue work, are just as effective entirely 'dry'.

There's a common belief that an effective massage has to be painful — I strongly disagree. My philosophy is simple: to achieve something good, I have to do good. That doesn't mean gentle for its own sake, though — plenty of clients want firm, thorough work, and that's exactly what they get. I read what each body needs and adjust as we go, so if you'd like more pressure or less, just say so. The line I won't cross is pain; deep and effective isn't the same thing as painful.

Yes — everyday life puts a lot of wear and tear on our bodies. If the tension comes from long days at a desk or general stress, the Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage is built exactly for that. For repetitive strain issues like 'tennis elbow' or 'golfer's elbow', or something more stubborn like sciatica or chronic pain, Remedial & Sports Massage combines trigger point work and myofascial release to go after the wider pattern behind it. Not sure which fits? That's fine — we can usually work it out together at the start of your appointment. If you'd rather decide in advance, just get in touch and we can talk it through beforehand too.

Absolutely — not every session has to be about a physical injury. Cranial & Head Relaxation uses extremely gentle techniques around the head and neck to calm an overactive nervous system, which is often what's really behind tension headaches and that drained, foggy feeling from ongoing stress. A Full Body Massage works well too, if what you need is simply space to switch off completely.

Not at all — the name is a little misleading. Sports & Remedial Massage benefits anyone active in daily life: gardening, golf, long coastal walks, or simply a week of sitting at a desk. It combines deep tissue work with trigger point release to ease tension and support recovery, whether you're training for something specific or just want your body to feel less stiff and more mobile.

Tuina is a traditional Chinese manual therapy — part of my Eastern Traditions & Mindful Movement approach — using pressing, kneading and acupressure along the body's energy pathways rather than just working the muscles directly. In practice, I rarely treat it as a stand-alone technique: a short Tuina impulse often leads straight into the corresponding body segment, or into activating specific acupressure points. It can feel a touch more vigorous than a standard massage, though the pressure always adjusts to you.

Reflexology is wonderfully versatile because it's so gentle and non-invasive. Many clients use it simply to unwind, ease general tension, and switch off from stress. Reflexology theory holds that specific zones on the feet and hands correspond to different organs and systems in the body, including digestion — which means those areas can be worked indirectly, even when the actual site of an issue shouldn't be touched directly. It's also a lovely, low-impact option for clients in care homes, those who are bedbound, or anyone with limited mobility, since it needs very little movement or repositioning.

An acute injury doesn't rule out treatment — it just changes the approach. Working through other reflex zones, or via Tuina, Shiatsu, or acupressure on unaffected areas, can still calm the nervous system and support your recovery, without ever touching the injury itself.

I work with a 'less is more' approach — it's far better to ease into things gently than to overdo it and leave you worse off. You shouldn't feel pain the next day, though a mild ache, similar to after a workout, is completely normal and usually settles within 24 hours. If it doesn't, or something feels off, just reach out and I'll help you figure out what's going on.

There's no need to be overly careful — you can go back to your normal day. Just drink a little more water than usual, and if possible, avoid heavy physical work for the rest of the day. That's really all it takes for your body to settle into the treatment.

Yes — alongside clinic appointments at Castle Anam Cara in Castlerock, I offer home visits. Whether you're in Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush, or nearby on the North Coast, I can bring the treatment directly to you. There's a £10 surcharge for nearby areas; for locations further afield, or larger bookings such as treating two people back-to-back, just get in touch and we'll agree a price together.

Yes, my clinic space is on the ground floor and accessible for wheelchair users. I have a modern, electrically height-adjustable treatment table, which makes transferring much easier and safer. The bathroom is also spacious enough to comfortably accommodate a wheelchair, though please note it does not currently have fitted grab rails. If you have any specific access needs, just let me know beforehand and we can make sure everything is set up perfectly for you.

I kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, so I can offer the slot to another client. Cancellations or missed appointments with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a cancellation fee. Thank you for your understanding.

There are two ways to gift a treatment. E-Vouchers are delivered instantly by email or text — choose any value from £35 to £150 and a design, then send it in seconds. Printed vouchers are available to collect in person at Castle Anam Cara, Castlerock, paid by cash or card on collection — just drop me a message or call ahead so we can arrange a quick time without disturbing any client sessions. Either way, the amount can go toward a specific treatment or stay open.

Vouchers don't expire — choose a specific treatment or top up any amount from £35 to £150, and it stays valid until it's used.