FAQs
Read on below to help answer your questions...
General Questions
What is Soft Tissue Therapy?
Soft tissue therapy is a newly defined term, in the past and most commonly referred to as “sports massage”.
Our soft tissue therapy sessions cover a broad variety of techniques. We work on manual manipulation of soft tissue to increase the healing process, mobility and strength. Deep tissue techniques can be part of the treatment as well as gentle, destress type techniques to downregulate the nervous system and pain.
We will always choose an individual approach and will advise which techniques are most suitable for you at the current time, so you leave the clinic with a better understanding of your body as well as feeling looser and ready for action - whether that’s on the track, in the gym or at the office.
You do not need to be an athlete to have soft tissue therapy/ sports massage, the treatment is for everyone!
Will the Treatment be painful?
Sports Massage often has the reputation to be painful and intense. Sometimes working on specific areas can be uncomfortable and a bit unpleasant but we always ensure that you feel comfortable throughout the session. Not every part of the session needs deep or intense techniques, sometimes less is more.
Can you treat Muscle knots/ tightness?
What we commonly feel as muscle knots, tight or sore areas in our body is usually an oversensitive area which can feel painful and create discomfort or restrictions in movement. The soft tissue techniques we apply will help to downregulate this oversensitive stimulus and this will calm down your nervous system and reduce the pain sensation and discomfort you are experiencing.
Can you treat injuries?
If you are unsure about the severity of your injury or current pain we advise you to seek advice from your GP first. We will perform a thorough assessment of your current situation and will talk with you through an individualised treatment plan. Common injuries we often see are lower back pain (acute or chronic), injuries of the lower body e.g. knee pain, calf injuries, problems with the hip, upper back problems like, painful shoulders, neck and shoulders.
Who can't you work on?
If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions it may be necessary to acquire GP consent before attending your first appointment. This list is not exhaustive so if you are uncertain about suitability for treatment please contact us.
Fever or illness, abdominal pain, vomiting/diarrhoea, infectious skin condition, varicose veins or DVT, recent surgery, cancer.
What are the after-effects?
After your appointment it is important to drink water. We will discuss with you any anticipated side effects before commencing treatment. Due to the effects on your body some treatments may leave you feeling tired or dehydrated unless you drink sufficient fluids.
You may find that you encounter some stiffness or tenderness in your muscles for the few days following treatment. This is not uncommon and is in indication that the treatment has had effect. It can be likened to the stiffness you encounter following exercise if you are not accustomed to it. If you experience any severe increases in pain or new symptoms that were not discussed at the time of your appointment then seek appropriate medical advice.
Do I get advice on rehab and follow up exercises?
We are trained to give advice on rehabilitation exercises. Depending on your current pain/injury they will be able to give you strength exercises, stretches, mobility drills and other home care advice at the end of your appointment.
What are the differences between Soft Tissue Therapy and a relaxing massage?
Our aim is to investigate how and why your body is in discomfort through a thorough assessment and taking previous injury history, lifestyle, exercise routines and other factors into a bigger picture. Compared to a classic relaxing massage we focus on finding out what caused the problem and how we can treat it with an individualized treatment plan.
Relaxing massage often focuses on short term release of discomfort, pain or tightness. We, as soft tissue therapists, aim for a long term solution, that you go away feeling better than you came in. This is known as Therapeutic treatment!
Appointment related Questions
How many sessions will I need?
Ideally our Services should be used for injury prevention and general maintenance. This means that having a treatment weekly or once every few weeks is often more helpful than only having appointments once an injury has occurred or long period of time has passed. If that is not suitable for you we will discuss with you how you can manage your condition at home.
I am a new client, do I need to book a 60minute appointment?
Yes, we recommend a 60 min appointment to allow enough time to fill in the initial assessment form and go over a thorough first assessment of your situation to provide you with the best treatment option.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Please contact your insurance provider directly to see if they will cover you for sessions for Sports massage/ Soft Tissue Therapy. Imogen is qualified with a BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Sports Massage from Cambridge School of Sports Massage (DipCSSM2015). We are also a registered member of the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (ISRM).
What should I expect from my first appointment?
In your first appt we take a complete medical history including any previous treatment you’ve received. Once the examination is complete we will discuss your treatment plan with you.
One size does not fit all. You may require a series of Strength & Conditioning sessions before any therapy begins. Or the level of pain dictates that techniques like MET and trigger point therapy are the first part of treatment, either way its your goals that drive our treatment.
We want to know why you’re in pain, its not about just treating the symptoms, we want to empower you to mange your own recovery journey what ever this looks like! That way you can get back to do what's important.... moving freely!
I am not local to Cambridge are you still able to help?
Yes, we offer online consultations via zoom. This is a great option if you’re not local to our clinic but still need some help from us!
Do you offer Home Visits?
No, at the moment we don’t offer home visits. For specific needs please contact us directly.
Is there an additional cost for Dry needling, Dry Cupping or Kinesiology Taping if these techniques are used in my session?
There are no extra costs for any of the techniques used in your session, they are all included in the treatment price.
If you are unsure which techniques are right for you, talk to me for more information. You can see all our services here.
Membership & Passes related Questions
Can I pause my Membership or pass?
You can pause your monthly membership up to 3 months by emailing us.
You cannot pause your Soft Tissue Therapy passes or gift certificate.
Can I cancel my Membership or pass?
You can cancel your monthly membership any time by emailing us to request to do so.
You can request a refund for your Soft Tissue Therapy passes or gift certificate up to 28days from date of purchase.
Can I share my Membership or pass?
Yes, you can send another person in your place for your membership appointment, just email us to provide your written consent for them to do so, please include their name and contact details so we can update the appointment diary.
You can't share your Soft Tissue Therapy pass with a friend or family member but you can purchase gift vouchers for them!
If you have any other questions about our Soft Tissue Therapy appointments then do get in touch!