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Hello September!

Here’s a few updates and a quick run-down of what lie ahead for September 2023

Female-focused:

My work has been largely female-focused for a while now but I recently decided to make it official!

hands

It doesn’t mean I will never work with men, but my primary goal is to help women move more and feel better, so that is where I will be putting all my attention going forward. From sports & pregnancy massage, to safe & effective online fitness and one-to-one training, everything will be geared towards the specific needs of the female body.

I’m really excited to have this fresh focus as we head into the tail-end of 2023 and beyond…

Professional development:

Recently someone asked me if I like what I do and I have to admit that I gave a pretty non-committal answer because in that moment I was feeling a bit low. But I went away that weekend and kept thinking about the question, and realised that YES I absolutely do like what I do, but I have sometimes felt frustrated by it because I haven’t always structured my work it in a way that allows me time for growth.

And then I had a lightbulb moment!

I realised I needed to get out of my own way…so from now on, Wednesdays* will be my day for professional (and personal) development, where I can study, enjoy my own fitness and create space for my business to evolve.

I have several courses already purchased (some of which I have not even started!) so I am excited to be resuming one of those next week, focusing on fitness for menopausal women.

Watch this space!

(* I’ll still be teaching Pilates on Wednesday evenings at 7pm – it isn’t going anywhere!)

What’s on in August:

You can find all the class descriptions and booking details here

Find details about how Pilates is the perfect class to complement your other activities, and see booking information here

The new term of in-person Pilates classes starts on Friday 8th September, bookable as a block (up to 8th September) or on a week-by-week basis.

Further details about how massage can help to support your body, can be found here

Personal training:

To round off the updates for September, a reminder that I also work with women on a one-to-one basis, offering bespoke fitness programs to help you achieve a specific goal or focus on your individual needs. You can find out more here

Here’s to a brand new month, and a smooth transition into autumn!

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August 2023

Current mood – where did the UK summer go?! & is it really true that people are leaving the excessive heat in Europe to come and holiday in the rain here?? #weirdweather

I’m just back from a two week break – one week in a rainy Peak District and one week working in my garden – and I’m looking forward to easing gently through the rest of the summer. I love August because even though I no longer have school-age children, I still love all the ‘schools-out’ vibes – I can usually squeeze in some long weekends for a bit of impromptu camping & walking; and everyone generally seems a bit more relaxed, less pressured & more carefree (possibly not those of you with small people at home 24/7).

Outside of work, my plans for August mostly involve sitting outside by my fire-pit, finding a bit more stillness in my life. I’m very good at being busy with a garden project, but now it’s done I realise that I need to make time to enjoy the space I have created. As soon as the rain has passed, I’ll be there!

I hope that you also find time for some slow-living this summer. Even if (or especially if) you are busy with family or travel or work, it is so important to gift yourself some time to be, to relish the moment and enjoy the pause.

What might that look like for you? How can you plan in advance to set aside that time?

Here’s what’s on for August, if you’re looking for ways to keep moving

Online fitness for women

We start with ‘week one’ classes on Monday 7th August, running all the way through to ‘week four’ which finishes on 31st August.

Things don’t necessarily feel easier or harder on any particular week (because it really depends on how your body responds to different stimuli) but in general terms week one classes are ‘back to basics’; week two classes tend to involve different timings or a specific body area; week three classes tend to be a bit more dynamic; and week four classes might include more balance work or more intense moves.

Having said all of that, ALL classes are self-paced – meaning that you can push yourself as hard or as little as you like – and I always offer variations so that you can get the best workout for your body. And all classes are low impact – kind to your joints and pelvic floor – because we need workouts that work for us!

  • 40-fit Mondays @ 7pm – it’s always good to get a Monday workout in your week
  • metabolic fitness Tuesdays @ 7am – a really good start to your day!
  • functional fitness Fridays @ 7am – a perfect way to start the weekend…

All sessions via zoom – live and recorded so you can fit your fitness into your summer schedule. Find further details here

Please note:

  • Monday 28th August is a bank holiday but the 40-fit class will run as usual at 7pm
  • Functional Fitness on Friday 1st September will move to Thursday 31st August – still at 7am

Pilates

Online class Wednesdays @ 7pm – sessions continue throughout August, delivered via zoom so you can join from the comfort of your own home or from your holiday location?! Sessions typically include a mixture of core & back strengthening exercises, movements for mobility and flexibility, and some great glutes strengthening moves. But maybe more important, each class will give you an hour for yourself…

Sessions run as live classes on zoom, but are recorded so you can do it later if you prefer. Details here

In-person Pilates classes are back on Friday 8th September! Fridays @ 9.30am in Kilndown village hall 8th September – 21st October (inc). Booking is now open – details can be found here.

Classes are kept small to give you the best experience whether you are new to Pilates or have practiced before. The venue is beautiful, and easily accessed from neighbouring villages and the A21.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all or would like to buy a trial session to see how you like the class.

Sports & clinical massage for women

I recently had a ‘massage’ from my 5 year-old grand-daughter! She had lined up some soft toys on the shelf on the face cradle which was cute. As she walked around the table she got down on the floor to smile up at me through the hole! She asked me if I ever did that for my clients…you can rest assured that there will be no such surprises during your treatment!!

I offer treatment for:

  • soft tissue injury or overuse issues
  • general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain
  • pain conditions in pregnancy (hip/low back pain, shoulder & neck tension can all be relieved safely with pregnancy massage; you will be propped and comfortably supported by as many pillows as you need; this is most definitely the time to look after your changing body!)
  • post-operative scar tissue
  • oncology patients (at any stage of your treatment, in consultation with your medical team)

I have a massage treatment room at my home in Cranbrook and offer massage appointments at the following times:

  • Tuesdays 3pm-9.30pm
  • Wednesdays 12.30pm-6.30pm
  • Thursdays 2pm-8.30pm

Appointments can be booked here but please email me to discuss your treatment before booking if you have any questions about how I may be able to support you.

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June 2023 – what’s on when?

After a few weeks doing WAY TOO MUCH in the garden every weekend, I’m determined to let things slow down a little bit in June. I had a fabulously ‘slow’ weekend away, staying off-grid in a shepherd’s hut for two nights, and it was just what I needed.

But back to the work stuff, here’s the class timetable and everything you need to know about clinical massage availability for the coming month:

Online fitness for women

The classes gently progress as the month continues. Things don’t necessarily feel easier or harder on any particular week (because it really depends on how your body responds to different stimuli) but in general terms week one classes are ‘back to basics’; week two classes tend to involve different timings or a specific body area; week three classes tend to be a bit more dynamic; and week four classes might include more balance work or more intense moves.

Having said all of that, ALL classes are self-paced – meaning that you can push yourself as hard or as little as you like – and I always offer variations so that you can get the best workout for your body.

  • 40-fit Mondays @ 7pm – it’s always good to get a Monday workout in your week
  • metabolic fitness Tuesdays @ 7am – a really good start to your day!
  • functional fitness Wednesdays @ 7am – a perfect way to start the weekend…

All sessions via zoom. Find further details here

Pilates

  • Online class Wednesdays @ 7pm – join from the comfort of your own home for core & back strengthening exercises, combined with movements for mobility and flexibility, and some time for yourself

This session runs as a live class on zoom, but it is recorded so you can do it later if you prefer. Details here

In-person classes are back! Fridays @ 9.30am in Kilndown village hall up to (& including 14th July). Booking is now open on a week-by-week basis – details here. This term we are going to focus on core stability and some great trigger point release work.

Sports & clinical massage

Treatment for soft tissue injury or overuse issues, general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain. I am also certified to offer pregnancy and post-natal massage, work with post-operative scar tissue and provide oncology massage.

I have a massage treatment room at my home in Cranbrook (see below) and currently offer massage appointments at the following times:

  • Tuesdays 3pm-9.30pm
  • Wednesdays 12.30pm-4pm
  • Thursdays 1.15pm-8pm

I had a bit of a massage room swap this week! We’re now back in my original massage room, where there is more space and beautiful light levels. I can’t wait to welcome you to the new space.

Appointments can be booked here but please email me to discuss your treatment before booking if you have any questions about how I may be able to support you.

Please get in touch if you would like to know more about my classes, one-to-one fitness sessions or clinical massage.

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Sliding into June!

weekly updates for w/c 29th May 2023

We made it through to the THIRD bank holiday in May! I am loving the abundance of spring right now but will be really glad to get back to some more normal weeks as we slide into June.

Here’s everything you need to know about classes and massage availability for the coming week:

Online fitness for women

  • 40-fit Monday 29th May @ 7am – whole body circuit with a single weight – no need to miss out just because of the bank holiday! Get up and at it early and then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy how you choose
  • metabolic fitness 30th May @ 7am – a burnout session #IYKYK!!
  • functional fitness 2nd June @ 7am – 3D movement with some balance/single leg options

All sessions via zoom. Find further details here

Pilates

  • Online class Wednesday 31st May @ 7pm – join from the comfort of your own home for core & back strengthening exercises, combined with movements for mobility and flexibility, and some time for yourself

This session runs as a live class on zoom, but it is recorded so you can do it later if you prefer. Details here

In-person classes resume after half term – Fridays @ 9.30am in Kilndown village hall. Booking is now open for the new 6-week term (9th June-14th July inc) – you can book the whole block or on a week-by-week basis – details here

Sports & clinical massage

Treatment for soft tissue injury or overuse issues, general niggles & chronic conditions such as low back pain, neck & shoulder tension, knee & hip pain. I am also certified to offer pregnancy and post-natal massage, work with post-operative scar tissue and provide oncology massage.

Availability for next week is as follows:

  • Tuesday 30th May – 3-9.30pm
  • Wednesday 31st May – 2-6pm

Appointments can be booked here

Please let me know if you would like to discuss any of the classes, or one-to-one fitness sessions, or to find out more about how massage can help you feel better in your body.

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What is oncology massage?

Over the Christmas break I completed my Oncology Massage course with Susan Findlay. The course was so much more than I imagined it would be – more wholesome, more holistic, more client-centred and it reminded me (again) of the importance of touch.

One in two of us will have cancer at some point in our lives, and it felt important for me to learn more about how best to help those affected by it.

A few people have asked me what oncology massage is so I thought I’d write down my thoughts as I begin my journey into this field of work.

What is oncology massage?

“Oncology massage is simply the adaptation of massage techniques with the consideration of the effects of cancer treatment.” ( ‘Oncology Massage – and integrative approach to cancer care’ by Janet Penny & Rebecca L Sturgeon)

Obviously the specifics are all about exactly which considerations need to be made and how best to work as part of a client’s primary care and oncology team.

Oncology massage won’t look the same for everyone.

How does it differ from sports massage?

With sports massage, most clients will come with a specific issue in their body. It might be restricting their movement, preventing them from playing a sport they love, causing pain in everyday life or might be related to an injury. Although I always take a whole-body approach, because everything is connected (obvs!!), the primary goal is to identify and ‘fix’ the area(s) of concern. [In truth, the massage therapist doesn’t ‘fix’ their client, but the work we do helps the client to move more comfortably and with greater awareness, and these improvements resolve the problem over time].

Clients may need 4-6 treatments initially to get them back to a level playing field, and from there they might have maintenance treatments as required. Over time, we might keep coming back to the same areas or change our approach as things within the body evolve. Either way, the goal for most sports massage clients is reduced pain & improved movement.

With oncology massage the focus is much more holistic because there is often nothing to ‘fix’. But that doesn’t mean that it can’t be hugely beneficial!

Oncology massage is about the whole person (rather than their illness) and it is a non-medical interaction which can be hugely important given everything else they may be going through/have been through.

It offers a sense of connection, can improve relaxation & create a feeling of being seen/heard. It can be offered pre-, during and post-cancer treatments. It might be as simple as a hand massage for someone while they are having a chemotherapy treatment, or focus on specific areas of the body following surgery.

What are the potential benefits of oncology massage?

Each oncology massage will be truly unique to the client, taking into account the specifics of their diagnosis, the treatment being undertaken, the stage of their disease, their prognosis, etc. so it is hard to generalise about the benefits.

However, here is a list of potential benefits, that have been observed in research, into the effects of different massage modalities on cancer patients:

  • relieves muscle soreness related to inactivity or cancer treatments
  • stimulates lymphatic flow, reduces swelling and lymphedema
  • increases range of movement and functional movement patterns
  • promotes relaxation
  • stimulates the digestive system (improves bowel and kidney function)
  • improves sleep quality
  • promotes alertness and mental clarity
  • reduces pain
  • reduces symptoms from chemotherapy and radiotherapy
  • improves rate of recovery from anaesthesia
  • stimulates wound healing
  • improves scar tissue elasticity
  • reduces time in hospital
  • promotes a greater patient awareness about their body, which may also promote positive body image for the patient and an improved sense of connection with themself
  • provides reassuring touch
  • reduces anxiety and depression
  • offers hope
  • reduces feelings of isolation
  • provides a distraction/time-out
  • improves sense of control about making decisions for their body

Obviously, not everyone having an oncology massage will experience all of these benefits but can you imagine how good even one or two of these would feel when you’re going through possibly the darkest of days?

It’s worth saying that sports massage clients may also experience many of these benefits!

How can I help?

This course reminded me how important a role touch therapy can play for all of us so I will continue to offer sports and clinical massage as I already do. But as a result of my certification, I’m looking forward to being able to broaden my work to include oncology clients.

I think it is so important for us to feel whole, regardless of what we have been through. Inevitably it is the job of our medical team to remove or manage the disease and that is obviously the primary focus, but we are so much more than a damaged part. With oncology massage, perhaps I can be a small part of someone’s healing journey or offer support when healing is not an option.  

Where appropriate, I will treat oncology clients from my home treatment room, but I also hope to get involved offering massage in a clinical oncology setting, where I can use my skills to help people when they are facing something that none of us ever want to face.

Please get in contact if you would like to discuss sports or oncology massage with me.

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Anatomy corner – QL

Quadratus lumborum (QL)

Spanning the gap between our 12th rib and the top of our pelvis, QL effectively joins the upper and lower body together. It is a deep back muscle but can also be thought of as a posterior abdominal muscle!

Where is it?

If you stand like Peter Pan with your hands on your hips, your thumbs will be sitting over the lateral portion of QL.

(source: The Concise Book Of Muscles by Chris Jarmey)

QL attaches to the bottom rib, the transverse processes (sticky-out bits) of the first four lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4) and the posterior iliac crest.

In the back of the body it is overlaid by the erector spinae muscles and the thoracolumbar fascia.

In the front of the body it is overlaid by psoas major and minor.

What does it do?

QL can work unilaterally (one side at a time) or bilaterally (both sides together) and the movements vary accordingly:

Unilaterally – lifting the pelvis towards the rib (hip hitch) and bringing the ribs towards the pelvis (side bend) will use the QL muscle on that side of the body. Back extension/standing upright will also involve QL on one or both sides of the body

Bilaterally – QL stabilizes/anchors the bottom ribs during deep inhalation/exhalation (eg for singers using diaphragmatic breathing techniques)

Movements that rely on QL:

Certain sports or exercises rely heavily on QL strength and may therefore create overuse issues. Examples will usually include one-sided flexion with rotation – think of a tennis serve, a golf swing or any throwing sport (eg. cricket or javelin)

Similarly, repetitive working patterns can create over-use issues – plastering, construction work, gardening, etc.

In everyday life we might also rely on QL, perhaps more than it likes?! Think about repetitive ball tossing for the dog, carrying a child on one hip, teaching a movement class and only demonstrating on one side of the body, etc.

QL can also be involved in static situations! For example, sitting unevenly will effectively create a hip hitch on one side (eg. feet tucked up to one side of the body, a car seat of office chair where the hips are not supported in a level position, or even just that we lean more weight onto one sit bone than the other…)

How do you know if QL is unhappy?

Usually you will notice some low back pain or tightness, which might refer up to the ribs or down over the hips.

It might feel tighter on one side when you do a side bend or a hip rolling movement.

You might find it hard to soften and lengthen your low back (eg. when trying to tilt the pelvis forward and back)

What can you do about it?

Book a massage would be an obvious answer, because it can specifically get skilled hands onto the affected area. Massage can be used to release any potential trigger points, which will in turn improve your movement function and reduce on-going issues. Let me know if I can help!

In terms of self-care, try to identify the movements or positions which are keeping your QL ‘stuck’ because changing those factors will likely get to the source of the problem. You might also like to join a Pilates or Yoga class which addresses general movement patterns through the torso and gives you a chance to notice how your body is moving, or not!

I am a big fan of trigger point release work (you probably already knew that!).

You can find some TP release ideas here from Jill Miller and a great blog post on the topic here from Neil Asher Education (this is aimed at therapists but you’ll find some useful stuff here to use at home too).

I hope this all gives you a better understanding about what’s happening in the back of your waist, what might be aggravating it and what you might do to help it.

Next time we’re working here on the massage table or in class you’ll know why we’re there!

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Self-care strategies for easeful movement

Here’s a round-up of short videos I have created during 2022 to give you some easy self-care ‘homework’ to use between massage treatments.

I hope you find something useful for your body!

As always, please ask if you are unsure whether a particular move is right for you; go gently and pay close attention to any feedback from your body (ie. nothing needs to feel painful to be doing you some good!)

Neck & shoulders:

Hips & Legs:

hamstring stretch with a band

Feet & ankles:

Whole body:

Wishing you an easeful start to 2023:

Remember, ‘little + often’ is most likely going to be a more effective formula than ‘lots x once + never again’!

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re-entering

Just a quick post to let you know that everything is gradually changing as we emerge out of 2020 and into the longer light days ahead.

The past 14 months have been an adventure that probably none of us wanted to take, but I think it has also been a huge opportunity for growth on so many levels. As we head back into the wider world again, I am determined not to lose the lessons I have learned along the way, which means that I am taking gentle steps for myself and taylor-made fitness. You can find out more details below, and I will update regularly as things evolve:

Fitness classes:

Online classes have been a fantastic way to stay connected and stay/get fit and I am happy to say that they are here to stay!

There will be some in-person classes too but ‘fitness mornings’ will be staying online so that you can workout in your own home, either at 7am with me, or by catching-up with the recordings later in the day.

Pilates sessions will be available as in-person and online classes so you can choose the best option for you. There will also be some occasional in-person workshops throughout the year.

In-person classes will follow COVID-safe guidelines, with social distancing between clients, no shared equipment, and no hands-on contact from me

Personal training:

Over the next few weeks we will start to transition from online to in-person personal training, but the online option will still be available for those who prefer it, those who are not local, and those who like to train at times when I can’t get to them!

Online personal training has been really successful but it will be good to see clients face-to-face again. Training will need to be held in an open, spacious area, with good ventilation, preferably outdoors, and social distancing will apply.

Sports massage:

One of the casualties of the past year has been my massage space!!

In March last year, I turned my spare bedroom into my ‘zoom-room’, which meant that my massage room became my overflow space for all the things that used to be in my spare room! My office has recently been moved into the studio space, leaving that room free as a my new massage room…

I’m currently finishing off a complete redecoration so that when I start offering sports massage again, the new space will be a calming area for your treatment.

As soon as I am back to hands-on practice I will let you know!

Please get in touch if I can help:

If you are interested in returning to in-person Pilates classes, looking for online fitness classes, keen to know more about personal training, or want to be the first to know when I’m back at my massage table, please get in touch by email: jane@taylormadefitness.biz

In the meantime, there will be website updates in the coming weeks so check-back soon

Jane

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COVID-19 updates

(updated 21st March 2020 – changes in purple text)

Please find details below regarding changes being made to taylor-made fitness in light of the current situation with coronavirus COVID-19. For the latest Government advice on coronavirus, please click here

I am currently in the process of updating my website to reflect the changes that have been made to taylor-made fitness with regards to coronavirus COVID-19. Please bear with me until everything is fully functional again!

Fitness Pilates and Hi-Li fitness circuit classes:

With effect from Monday 16th March, all in-person group classes have been temporarily suspended and will be delivered as live-streamed or pre-recorded sessions. I have set up a virtual studio in my home so everything is good to go. I will be adding a variety of class options in the coming weeks – please let me know if there is anything you would like me to include.

Please try to carry on with your regular movement practice at home – even if we can’t be in the same space, we can still be collectively exercising at the usual times – physically distant but socially cohesive!

I am going to make a change to the way class bookings are made during this period, so that you will have more flexibility while your finances may be less certain. With effect from April 6th, I will offer monthly subscriptions which will give you access to all my live-streamed and pre-recorded online classes. I hope that you will be in a position to continue supporting me during these changing times, so that taylor-made fitness can still be there to support you once everything is more settled.

I had planned to take a week off 6-13th April but this is currently under review as I’m not sure where I’d go!! I will keep you posted nearer the time and set-up the classes accordingly.

Wellness walks:

At present, I am planning to continue with the Wednesday morning walk as usual and will add an extra walk session on Fridays (details below). In these difficult times, assuming we are not symptomatic, we can all benefit from getting outside and breathing fresh air.

Managing our mental health will be even more vital over the coming weeks and walking is my favourite way to do that. I will be walking and you are welcome to join me if you’d like to.

  • Wednesdays 9-10.30am – meet outside The Old School Hall, Back Road, Sandhurst, Kent – wear wellies or suitable walking boots as all potential routes from here are muddy at present! Dogs welcome.
  • Fridays 9-10.30am – meet by Iden Green pavilion – this will be a circular loop along the quiet lanes; less muddy but also less off-lead options for dogs.

We are lucky to live in a rural setting where we can be outside and away from direct contact with others, even if we are walking in a small, spread-out, group. Here is an article about whether it is still safe to walk, in case you have any concerns: coronavirus and walking

Please note a change to the start time on Fridays (9am instead of 9.15am)

Please do not attend a walk session if you have any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined here or have been in contact with anyone who has these symptoms

There is no charge for these sessions but if you’re planning on joining us please email/text me on the day so that we know to wait for you before setting off. For your own peace of mind, please bring hand gel if you have any as there are no hand-washing facilities available (except puddles perhaps!)

Personal training:

Personal training sessions will continue to be delivered in-person although the following processes will be followed:

  • clients will use their own mats and equipment for their sessions – I will no longer be bringing any items with me and will build sessions around whatever equipment clients have access to
  • I will use hand gel before and after each session as well as using anti-bac wipes on the controls of my van
  • sessions will take place outside at safe distance; where this is not possible we will need to move to live-streamed sessions

PT clients must notify me if they have any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined here or have been in contact with anyone who has these symptoms.

I will be in email contact with individual clients to agree how to proceed and we will continue to review as the situation develops. In the event that clients think they have been potentially exposed to the virus, personal training sessions will need to move to live-streamed sessions. Obviously the same applies if I think have been exposed to the virus.

Sports & clinical massage:

We now have guidance from the Sports Therapy Association which is as follows:

“After spending most of the night reviewing the current Governmental guidance, I have arrived at the conclusion that now is the time to cancel all non urgent appointments and unnecessary social contact , as we are not classed as Allied Health Professionals – that means all clinic appointments, home visits, pitch side commitments and training nights. I’ve shared multiple sources of information over the past few days all of which classifies our role as high risk. I hope that we can look back in several months and say we were wrong and guilty only of overreacting.” Gary Benson Founder of STA

In line with this guidance I feel that my decision to stop offering hands-on treatments from Monday 16th was the best one to take.

Please rest assured that even though I cannot treat you in person at this time, I am still available to offer help as required via online and telephone contact. As well as creating some general self-care release videos that you can use at home, I am also able to offer individual guidance via Skype or Zoom so please reach out if you need my help.

If you have an existing massage voucher, the expiration date will be extended accordingly.

My commitment to you:

This business is my livelihood and my only source of household income, so for sure these are scary and worrying times, as they are for many of you I know. But, more than being my income, this business represents my heart & soul and I am feeling very sad and worried about what might happen to it right now. I know I’m not alone. I know we will get through this. But I’m taking a moment to acknowledge the sadness too.

Today I have been lifted up by the emails & texts of support from all of my lovely clients – thank you so much, it means the world to have that contact. Thank you for your on-going support in uncertain times.

Please keep in touch. Please keep walking. Please (if you can) keep to your usual class schedule at home. Please look after yourselves and your loved ones. Please take time to look up at the sky and plant your feet in the soil. Please take time to lie on the floor and breathe deeply.

I am going to try to keep myself busy creating class content for you and I’ll send regular emails so that you have plenty to keep you busy too. I also plan to complete my L4 Sports Massage course (which is all online) so that I’ll have new skills to share soon. If I get really stir-crazy, I might pack up my dog and a tent and go off-grid for a while…

Hopefully I will see some of you on walks but if not I am here if you need anything – fitness ideas, massage self-care advice, online support, virtual cake & coffee mornings, shopping errands…please shout if you need anything from me at all Jx

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massage room hygiene

In light of the current situation, I thought now might be an ideal time to share the hygiene measures that I have in place for the comfort and safety of all clients visiting my massage room.

massage room hygiene

Please find details below of the steps I take to ensure that my massage room operates as a safe and clean space. These measures are not new, but I will continue to review and update to ensure that best practice is followed:

Me:

  • hand washing – I wash my hands before you arrive, and again while you are settling yourself on the table, as well as immediately after your treatment
  • hand sanitiser – I have a bottle of anti-bacterial and anti-viral hand sanitiser in my massage room which I apply to my hands/forearms before and after your treatment. You are welcome to use the hand sanitiser on arrival/before you leave – or bring your own if you prefer
  • massage wax/lotion – the massage medium is removed from the container using a wooden spatula and applied to my arm for use as required; any surplus on my arm at the end of your treatment, is thrown away

Items that you come into contact with:

  • table linens (ie. towels, flannels, table cover, bolster covers, etc) – when you arrive for your massage, the table will have been made up with clean linens; everything that you touch during your treatment is then stripped and replaced at the end of your session. All linens are washed at 60 degrees using a non-bio liquid detergent and an anti-bacterial laundry cleanser; all items are tumble dried. Massage room linens are always washed separately from my household laundry
  • face cradle – disposable face cradle covers are replaced for each client
  • hard surfaces (eg. arm rest, metal parts on the face cradle, side table, door handles, light switch, etc) – all surfaces are wiped with anti-bacterial wipes between clients
  • massage tools – these are cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes between clients and washed in hot soapy water at the end of each day
  • water & drinking glasses – the water carafe & glass are clean for each client; fresh water is provided for each client

My home:

  • massage room – the floor is wiped/swept between clients and hoovered as required (always before the first client each week and then as necessary). I sometimes dust the picture frames!
  • bathroom – the toilet, wash basin, bath & floor are all cleaned before the first client each week; the hand towel is changed before the first client each week and then as required
  • hall, stairs and landing – these areas are also cleaned prior to the first client visit each week

You:

  • illness – if you have any symptoms of illness, please postpone your massage until a later date; this helps to keep my massage room clean and safe for everyone, but it is also better for your body to receive a massage when you are well. If you’re not sure whether you should postpone, please get in touch beforehand
  • hand washing – if you use the bathroom, please wash your hands, and feel free to use the hand gel

Any questions?

Please know that I take massage room hygiene very seriously so that you can enjoy your treatment without any concerns. If you have any questions at all, please let me know.

If you have any questions/concerns specifically about coronavirus (COVID-19) please refer to the CDC website

Find out more about sports and clinical massage