FAQs

Below are answers to questions you may have about sports and remedial massage therapy from Massage Hands, Manchester. If you still have further questions do not hesitate to get in touch.


Will I have to undress?

In most cases it will be necessary to undress to your underwear. This is for the visual inspection and to make it easier to massage areas of the body linking in with the affected area.

For women it may be necessary to unclip the bra for a short time during a back massage. Apart from that you will never be naked and at all times during the treatment the only part of the body exposed will that under treatment.

The rest will be covered with towels to keep patients warm and of course maintain modesty.


Do you do non-treatment massages, just for relaxation?

Yes.


Will I have to travel to an appointment?

No. Whilst Massage Hands does have a clinic, treatments can also be done in the comfort of your own home. See Pricing & Appointments.


What if I am already receiving physiotherapy?

In such a case, I can liaise with the physiotherapist to see what kind of treatment you are receiving and compliment existing treatment.


When will you know if you can help me or not?

Usually from an initial phone call it is possible to determine if the problem can be treated with massage. In other cases, a consultation may be required.


Will I have to pay for the consultation?

The consultation is free, you only pay for the treatment time.


Will you travel outside Greater Manchester?

Included in the charge for a home visit is half an hours driving time from the clinic. Home visits further than this are possible and can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.


Will I feel any pain the next day?

While you will feel relaxed after the massage, it is very common to feel a little sore the next day. Headaches are also possible due to the increased blood flow produced by the massage.

There may be a little soreness for 24 – 48 hours afterwards, especially if the pain has been around for a few years and muscles were tight.


How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the patient and the severity of the case, although if after three to five sessions there hasn’t been a difference, I may refer you to a doctor or recommend a particular specialist. The aim of the history taking and detailed information gathering at the start is to ensure that you see the difference as soon as possible. This is likely to be within the first couple of sessions. In most cases once the patient has been helped, I do recommend monthly maintenance especially with back related cases.


What is the difference between Aromatherapy and Remedial Massage therapy?

Aromatherapy is using specific oils that have a relaxing effect on the body. These are delivered into the body’s systems using gentle massage. Remedial massage is the manipulation of the muscles and blood flow at a deeper level for a rehabilitation purposes.


Do you use hypoallergenic creams?

Yes. The oils and creams are all hypoallergenic.


What if I have a infectious skin infection?

The nature of the skin condition will determine whether or not treatment can be provided. It also depends on where you need the treatment, because if it is not near the site of the infected skin then there should be no problems.


I have been visiting Osteopaths for my lower back problem for many years with mixed results. I was sceptical that massage would be as effective but I am very glad that I tried Stephen. He has the kind of expertise that only comes from years of study combined with a real passion for what he does. Stephen can pinpoint the source of the pain and can neutralise it quickly and effectively. NB: As a runner himself, Stephen specialises in sports / therapeutic massage. It can sometimes be uncomfortable or even slightly painful at first but you know it is doing you good and that it will feel fantastic soon afterwards. Fully recommended!

Andrew Cross