Each treatment page explains who it is most suitable for, common reasons people book, and what a typical session looks like. You do not need to get it perfect first time – sessions are always adapted to what you bring on the day.

If you are unsure, you can either choose the option that feels closest to your situation, or book and use the notes box to describe what you are experiencing. We can then decide together which approach to use in the appointment.

No referral is required for most people – you can book directly. However, if you are under investigation for a new health issue, recovering from recent surgery, pregnant with complications, or unsure whether bodywork is safe for you, it can be helpful to mention massage to your GP, consultant or midwife first. If they have any specific guidance, we can work within that.

Yes. Many people come simply to feel calmer and more at home in their body, especially during busy or stressful periods. Sessions can focus on rest, nervous system regulation and gentle, supportive touch rather than “fixing” a particular area. You can let me know in the booking notes if this is your priority.

For most circumstances, yes, but my home is not fully wheelchair-accessible. There is a small step to get in and out of the front door, and there isn’t a secure location to bring in a scooter. If getting on and off a massage table is a problem, you can be treated in a seated position, but please contact me so we can decide together if I will be able to accommodate your needs. I have a treatment room upstairs. If this is going to be a problem for you, I can treat you downstairs, but this must be agreed in advance.

If you have sensory sensitivities or concerns around touch, you are invited to share as much or as little as feels comfortable in advance.

Sessions can often be adapted to more clothes-on work, different positions on the table, lower lighting, minimal talking on the day and clear opt-out options at every stage. The aim is to make the session feel as safe and predictable as possible for you.

Feeling nervous is very common. You are always in charge of what happens in the session and can pause, change position, or stop completely at any time.

We can start with a slower pace, more talking and less hands-on work, or stay with fully clothed techniques until you feel more comfortable. There is never any pressure to “push through” discomfort in order to get benefit.

My home is not fully wheelchair-accessible. There is a small step at the front door and no secure place to store a scooter. If you use a stick or walker, require support from another person, have difficulty getting on and off the massage table, or find certain positions challenging, please let me know in advance so I can prepare appropriately.

Treatment can be adapted to seated or chair-based work, with cushions, bolsters, or extra time for moving between positions if needed. My treatment room is upstairs; if stairs are a problem, downstairs treatment may be possible but must be agreed in advance.

No. Massage is not a replacement for urgent medical care. If you have sudden severe pain, chest symptoms, breathing difficulties, signs of stroke, or anything else that worries you, please contact NHS 111, your GP, or emergency services first.

Massage may be helpful alongside medical care for ongoing pain, stress, or reduced movement, but it should not delay you from seeking urgent assessment when needed.

In most cases, yes. People with long-term conditions such as chronic pain, hypermobility, fatigue, anxiety, post-injury or surgery frequently benefit from massage.

In some situations we may need to avoid certain areas, use lighter pressure, or wait for medical clearance. If you are unsure, you can email a brief outline of your condition before booking so we can check whether massage is appropriate and what adjustments might be needed.

Massage can be very supportive after surgery or around scars, but timing and technique matter. In the early stages we may work gently around, rather than directly on, the scar and avoid any areas that are still healing, infected or not yet closed.

If you have had recent surgery, radiotherapy or an injury, please include the date and area in your booking notes so we can decide together when and how to work safely.

You will always be draped with towels so that only the area being worked on is uncovered. You will always keep your pants on and can remove other clothing as needed, but clothes-on options are available if you prefer for certain types of treatments.

You are welcome to ask for modifications at any point – for example, staying in leggings, having more layers on the table, or skipping areas that you do not want touched.

You can reschedule or cancel your appointment using the booking link in your confirmation email. Please check the current cancellation policy on the booking page; giving as much notice as possible helps the space to be offered to someone else who may be waiting for an appointment.

Your first visit includes time to talk about your health history, current symptoms and what you hope will change. We will discuss any red flags or contraindications, agree where to focus, and decide on positions and draping that feel safe for you.

After that, we will do a hands-on assessment and treatment work, followed by a short check-in and, if useful, simple ideas for looking after yourself between appointments.

Availability can change over time, but there are usually some later afternoon or evening slots during the week. Weekend appointments are by agreement only and come at a higher price. The online booking page always shows the most up-to-date options; if you cannot find a time that works, you are welcome to email and ask about the waiting list or booking outside of normal working hours.

It depends on what the cause is. The strength of remedial massage is that it can reduce pain and improve movement immediately, but lasting results depend on the underlying issue. It is most effective when combined with movement, exercise and, if needed, support from your wider healthcare team.

That depends on your specific issue and how long you have had it. Some people feel a noticeable difference after one or two sessions. Others benefit from a short treatment plan over a few months. Many settle into a pattern of regular maintenance treatments. We will discuss your goals and create a plan that suits you and your schedule.

Not exactly. While there may be relaxing components, remedial massage is more active in targeting dysfunction. Fixed protocols are avoided; instead, the session is adjusted according to what is found on the day, making it more individual than most general relaxation or Swedish massages.

You might feel firm pressure or short-term tenderness, especially with deeper work, but treatment should not be painful. Pressure is always checked and adjusted as needed. Feeling tender or tired in the 24–48 hours after a treatment is quite common, so a restful day and avoiding high-intensity exercise is recommended.

If you have read through the FAQs and are still unsure, you are welcome to email a short description of what is going on and we can explore the best next step together.

When you feel ready, you can book a 60-minute massage session at Somatica to begin working on pain, stiffness, stress, or reduced movement in day-to-day life.

Contact: info@somatica.org.uk