Do you accept walk-in appointments?

I’m afraid I’m not able to accommodate walk-ins. All appointments need to be booked in advance — just click here Book Online to view the online calendar, see what’s available and book, or by calling 01223 666063 or emailing contact@hillsroadclinic.co.uk. I’ll look forward to seeing you!

How far in advance can I book?

You’re welcome to book as far ahead as you’d like — if you see it available in the calendar, it’s yours! Just a small note: plans can occasionally shift, so booking a long way in advance may carry a slightly higher chance of rescheduling. Of course, if anything changes, I’ll always let you know as early as possible.

Can I book multiple sessions in advance?

Yes, you’re very welcome to book multiple sessions in advance, especially if you’d like to secure your preferred times. Regular sessions can be a great way to support ongoing wellbeing, and advance booking helps ensure continuity in your treatment plan.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Life happens! You can cancel or reschedule using the link in your confirmation or reminder email. I just ask for as much notice as possible — short-notice cancellations may incur a small fee.

What can I expect at my first massage session?

At your first session, we’ll start with a short chat about your health, lifestyle, and what you’d like from the massage — whether it’s relaxation, help with a specific issue, or general maintenance. I’ll explain how the session will work and answer any questions you have.

You’ll then undress to your comfort level and get onto the table under a towel. During the massage, you’ll be covered at all times except for the area I’m working on, and I’ll check in occasionally to make sure the pressure and approach feel right for you.

Everything can be adapted — you’re welcome to speak up at any time, and I’m happy to work through clothing if you prefer.

What should I wear? Do I have to remove all my clothing?

Massage is most often applied directly on skin — except for the mid to lower glutes, which I typically treat through a towel — so clients usually undress to their underwear for areas being massaged. I provide full draping with towels throughout the session to ensure your comfort and privacy.

If you’re wearing a bra, I may suggest unfastening or removing it if we’re working on your back — but only if you’re comfortable. I’ll then leave the room while you get ready.

If you’d prefer to remain clothed or receive massage through clothing, that’s absolutely fine — I’m happy to adapt the session to suit you.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the massage?

Your comfort is absolutely the most important thing. If anything feels too intense, not quite right, or you just need to pause for any reason — you’re always welcome to say so. You can ask to adjust the pressure, change position, skip an area, pause or even end the session.

I’ll check in with you now and then during the treatment, but you don’t have to wait to be asked — you can speak up at any time.

Can I ask for adjustments in pressure or technique?

Yes — your feedback is really important. Massage is a collaborative process, and your responses help me tailor the treatment to what works best for you. Some techniques may feel strong or intense, while others are more subtle — and different people respond to different styles. I’m happy to adjust the pressure, focus, or approach based on how your body is reacting and what you’re feeling.

That said, I’ll aim to use your feedback to refine and adapt my own techniques, rather than asking you to direct the session moment by moment. You’re the expert on how things feel in your body — and I bring the training and experience to respond in a way that supports effective, responsive treatment.

Will the massage be painful?

Some techniques can cause discomfort or pain, while others feel subtle or relaxing — it really depends on what we’re working on and how your body responds. Pain isn’t the goal, but sometimes it’s a side effect of effective treatment, particularly when releasing deep tension or working through long-standing issues.

There’s no single rule like “more pain means more gain” — everybody is different, and effective massage can happen with both strong and gentle techniques. I’ll check in with you during the session, and I use a 1 to 10 scale to help gauge intensity, where 1 is mildly uncomfortable and 10 is "unbearable — stop." This helps me adjust in real time and keep the treatment within your tolerance.

Your feedback is always welcome and helps me find the most effective approach for you.

What physical activity is it okay to do before my massage?

Light or moderate activity beforehand is usually fine, and some people find it helps them relax into the massage. But if you’ve done very intense exercise or something your body isn’t used to (like heavy lifting, long-distance running, or a challenging new workout), it’s best to give yourself a bit of recovery time first.

If you arrive with DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), massage can help ease the discomfort and speed up recovery — but I may need to adjust the pressure in the affected areas. If you’re aiming to resolve a specific issue, we may get more out of the session by waiting until the DOMS has settled. Just let me know what kind of activity you’ve been doing and how your body’s feeling, and I’ll tailor the treatment to suit.

How might I feel after my massage?

People respond in different ways in the time immediately following a session. You might feel relaxed, looser, sleepy, or even a bit lighter. Some people feel energised or mentally clear, while others feel tired and in need of rest — all of these are normal.

After deeper or more focused work, you may feel some soreness or tenderness for a day or two, similar to how you might feel after exercise. This usually settles quickly and is part of the body’s natural response to change.

Occasionally, a massage can stir up emotional or physical reactions — especially if we’ve worked on areas of long-held tension. Drinking water, gentle movement, and rest can all help. If you have any questions or unusual after-effects, feel free to get in touch.

How long will the benefits of the massage last?

That really depends on what’s going on in your body and your life. If the same stresses or habits that caused the issue are still present — like poor posture, high stress, or repetitive movement — the problem may return over time, even after a helpful session.

But if circumstances change — through lifestyle shifts, corrective exercises, or simply because the issue was linked to a one-off event or injury — the improvements can be much longer lasting or permanent.

Massage can be a great support for both immediate relief and longer-term change, especially when combined with other helpful habits.

How often should I get a massage?

It’s a bit like asking how often you should exercise — more frequent sessions often lead to better results, but what’s right for you depends on your goals, schedule, and budget.

If you’re looking to improve something — like reducing pain, increasing mobility, or feeling more at ease in your body — weekly sessions can be really effective, and I sometimes recommend twice a week if someone has the time and resources. For ongoing maintenance, once a month suits many people, though some need more and others do well with less, especially if they’re actively supporting their own wellbeing in other ways.

Ultimately, we’ll work together to find a rhythm that feels helpful and realistic for you.

Is it okay to do physical activity after my session?

That depends on what issues have been treated, how your body responds, what kind of massage you’ve had, and the type of activity you’re planning. After a lighter session, most people can carry on as normal. But after deeper or more focused work — especially if we’ve addressed something delicate or painful — it’s often best to give your body a bit of space to adjust.

I understand that many people have physically demanding jobs or training routines they can’t easily step away from. If that’s the case, we can tailor the session accordingly, and I’ll always advise you at the end based on what we’ve done and how your body seems to be responding.

If pain has been limiting you and the massage brings relief, it can be tempting to jump back into activities you’ve been avoiding — but doing too much too soon can risk a flare-up or fatigue. Giving your body time to integrate the work — with rest, hydration, or gentle movement — usually leads to better long-term results.

What payment methods do you accept?

The standard accepted payment methods are card or cash upon completion of the appointment.

Do you accept health insurance?

While I’m not directly affiliated with any health insurance companies, some policies do allow the reimbursement of certain therapies if an appropriate receipt is provided. I am familiar with the typical requirements of these policies and am happy to provide the necessary kind of receipt.

Is massage safe if I have an injury or chronic pain?

Often, yes — massage can be a helpful part of managing chronic pain and supporting injury recovery, as long as it’s tailored to your needs. I’ll always take time to understand your condition, and adapt the pressure, techniques, and focus accordingly. Some situations call for a gentle, subtle approach — especially if an area is sensitive, inflamed, or healing.

If you’re dealing with a recent injury like a sprain or muscle strain, it’s usually best to wait until the acute phase has passed. Massage may still help in more indirect or soothing ways during that early stage, but in many cases, it’s more effective (and more worthwhile) once the tissue has had time to settle.

If you’re unsure what’s best in your case, feel free to contact me — I’m happy to help.

Are there any medical conditions that would prevent me from getting a massage?

In most cases, massage is safe and can be adapted to suit a wide range of health conditions. However, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate — such as if you have a contagious illness, a fever, certain infections, or a condition that requires urgent medical attention.

In the case of some serious medical conditions — such as cancer — I ask that you consult with your relevant medical professional first, to ensure massage is safe for you and can be appropriately integrated with your treatment. This is in line with the guidance of my professional body.

Other conditions (such as cardiovascular issues, autoimmune conditions, or diabetes) don’t necessarily prevent you from having massage but may require a more tailored approach. I’ll always review your health history before we begin, and I’m happy to talk things through in advance if you’re unsure.

Do you have any Covid-safety measures in place?

I’m happy to wear an FFP2 mask if requested, and I can also provide one for you if you’d like to wear one during your session. Just let me know in advance or when you arrive.

Where are you located? Is there parking?

The full address, directions and parking are detailed here. Map & Directions

Can I bring a friend or family member to my appointment?

Yes, absolutely — you’re welcome to bring someone along if it helps you feel more comfortable. They can stay in the room during the session if you’d like.

For anyone under 18, I ask that a parent or legal guardian be present for the appointment.

Can I book my child in?

Yes, I’m happy to treat children and teenagers. I’ll always adapt the session to suit their age, needs, and comfort level. A parent or legal guardian will need to be present during the appointment, and I may ask a few questions beforehand to make sure the session is safe and appropriate.

If you’re unsure whether massage is right for your child, feel free to get in touch — I’ll be happy to talk it through with you.

What if I fall asleep during the massage?

It’s absolutely fine — and often a good sign! Falling asleep means your body feels safe and relaxed, which can actually help the muscles let go more deeply. Some people even nod off during techniques that would normally feel quite strong.

You don’t need to worry about snoring or drifting off — it’s a natural response, and I take it as a compliment.

Is your clinic accessible for people with mobility issues?

Trumpington Clinic is on the ground floor with just a small door sill to step or mauver over, and is generally suitable for people with limited mobility.

Hills Road Clinic is down a steep flight of stairs and may not be accessible for those who use wheelchairs or have difficulty with stairs.

If you have any concerns about access, feel free to get in touch.