Frequently Asked Questions

Before your first appointment, you'll complete a health screening form so I can understand any relevant medical history or information that may affect your treatment.

When you arrive, we'll discuss what's been bothering you, how it is affecting you and what you would like to achieve. Where appropriate, I may also carry out a simple movement or physical assessment.

Your consultation, assessment and treatment are all included within your 60-minute first appointment. The treatment will be tailored to your individual needs.

A 30-minute appointment is generally best for focused treatment or a follow-up involving one main area.

A 60-minute appointment allows more time for assessment and comprehensive treatment.

A 90-minute appointment may be useful if you would like an extended session or have several areas you want to address.

New clients should book the 60-minute first appointment, which includes the initial consultation.

If you're unsure which appointment length suits you, please get in touch and I'll be happy to advise.

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is ideal, particularly if we need to assess your movement before treatment.

Depending on the area being treated, you may be asked to remove some clothing so I can work effectively. You'll always be appropriately covered with towels, with only the area being treated exposed.

If you're unsure what to wear, please ask before your appointment.

Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment.

Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged at 100% of the treatment fee.

If you need to make a change, please contact me as soon as possible.

No. You don't need to choose a specific type of massage before booking.

We'll discuss what's been bothering you and what you would like to achieve. Following your assessment, I'll tailor the treatment to your individual needs.

Treatment may include a combination of sports massage, remedial massage, deep tissue techniques and other soft tissue approaches where appropriate.

Massage shouldn't be unnecessarily painful.

Some techniques, particularly when working with areas of significant muscular tension, may feel more intense or slightly uncomfortable. However, treatment should always remain at a manageable level.

Communication is important throughout the session, and I'll regularly check how the pressure feels so I can adjust it if needed.

Absolutely. It's quite common for people to become very relaxed and drift off during treatment.

You don't need to stay awake, and I'll continue the session as normal while making sure you remain comfortable.

Absolutely. Some clients like to chat during treatment, while others prefer to relax quietly. Either is completely fine.

I may ask questions during the session to check how the pressure feels and how you're responding to treatment.

If anything feels uncomfortable, please let me know so I can adjust the treatment straight away.

This depends on the type of treatment you've had, the area treated and how you feel afterwards.

Some people feel comfortable returning to normal activity straight away, while others may prefer a little recovery time before more demanding exercise.

Where appropriate, I'll offer advice based on your treatment, activity levels and training plans.

There isn't a set number of sessions, as everyone responds differently and your treatment will be tailored to you.

It depends on what's bothering you, how long it's been affecting you, your goals and how you respond to treatment.

Some clients book a one-off treatment, while others benefit from a short course of appointments or choose to return regularly. There's no pressure to commit to a set number of sessions.

Massage therapy can suit many people, but sometimes treatment may need to be adapted, postponed or avoided.

Before your first appointment, I'll review your health information and discuss any medical conditions, recent injuries, medications or other factors that may affect treatment.

If you're unsure whether massage is suitable for you, please get in touch before booking.

In many cases, yes. However, this depends on your condition, current symptoms and any treatment or medication you may be receiving.

Before your appointment, I'll review your health information and discuss anything that may affect your treatment.

In some cases, we may need to adjust or postpone treatment, or obtain medical clearance before proceeding.

If you're unsure, please get in touch before booking.

It depends on the type and severity of the injury, and how recently it happened.

In some cases, massage may need to be avoided or adapted during the early stages of an injury.

Please get in touch before booking so we can discuss what's happened and whether treatment may be appropriate.

If I feel you would be better assessed by a GP, physiotherapist or another healthcare professional first, I'll let you know.

Some people experience temporary soreness or tenderness after massage, particularly following more focused or intensive treatment.

You may also feel tired or occasionally experience a mild headache. Others feel relaxed and comfortable afterwards. Everyone responds differently.

I'll explain any relevant aftercare advice before you leave. If you develop severe, unusual or persistent symptoms, you should seek appropriate medical advice.

No, you don't normally need a GP referral to book an appointment.

However, depending on your symptoms, medical history or a recent injury, I may recommend speaking to your GP or another healthcare professional before treatment.

Yes, I can treat clients under 18. However, I require written consent from a parent or guardian before treatment.

An adult must remain present throughout the appointment.

If you're booking for someone under 18, please contact me beforehand so we can put the appropriate consent arrangements in place.

Card payments are accepted at appointments.

If you'd like to arrange another method of payment, please contact me beforehand.

This depends on your individual policy, so I recommend checking directly with your provider before booking.

Some health cash plans or private healthcare policies may cover part of the cost of massage treatment.

Please confirm any eligibility, practitioner requirements and documentation you may need with your provider in advance.

Yes. Gift vouchers are available in £30, £45, £60, £90 and £120, or you can choose your own amount.

Vouchers can be used towards any massage therapy appointment, with every treatment tailored to the recipient's individual needs. There's no need to choose a particular treatment or appointment duration in advance.

You can add a personalised message, and I'll prepare your gift voucher and post it free of charge within the UK.

You can purchase a voucher securely online through my Gift Vouchers page.

Simply visit my Gift Vouchers page, choose your preferred amount and enter the recipient's details. You can also include a personal message if you wish.

Once you've completed your secure online payment, I'll personally prepare your voucher and post it free of charge to the UK delivery address provided.

Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

When the recipient is ready to book, they simply need to contact me directly to arrange an appointment, mentioning their gift voucher when getting in touch.

Mark Bailey Massage Therapy is based at Meadow View, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, NN10 8EN.

If you're visiting for the first time, please get in touch if you need directions or would like to check parking arrangements before your appointment.