Massage Q&A: Most commonly asked questions at Fulham Massage & Wellness

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Sunday, 04 May 2025

Written by Cinzia Serri 

At Fulham Massage & Wellness,  we spend a lot of time helping people feel better in their bodies and answering questions along the way. Whether it’s your first massage or your fiftieth, it’s totally normal to be curious about what to expect, how to get the most from treatment, or whether massage can really help your issue.

Here are some of the questions we get asked the most. No answer fits it all as we strongly believe in tailored care for each individual, but here are some common notions we share with our clients:

1. “What kind of massage do I need?”

Great question - and the answer is that it depends on what’s going on with your body!

If you’re feeling stressed and tense, a Swedish or relaxation massage is a great place to start. If you’re struggling with chronic muscle tightness, postural pain, or an old injury, we often recommend deep tissue or sports massage. Every treatment can be combined and customised. We always begin with a short consultation so every treatment is tailored to your needs. No one-size-fits-all here - we adjust pressure, focus areas, and technique based on you. You can check the treatments we provide here.

 2.  “Will it hurt?”

Sometimes a little discomfort means we’re working on a problem area. With deep tissue or sports massage, you might feel some intensity, but it should be a “good pain” that comes with releasing tight muscles, never to the point you feel uncomfortable or the pain is unbearable. We always encourage clients to speak up if anything feels off. Communication is key, and pressure can be adjusted at any time. Different areas of your body might require different pressure depending on sensitivity, so never feel afraid of communicating a change to your therapist. Read more.

 3. “How many sessions will I need?”

Again, there is no set answer, as everybody is different! However, one thing is certain - like any other treatment plan, massage therapy requires consistency and commitment to be effective.

As a rule of thumb, the most acute symptoms typically begin to subside after the first 3–4 weekly sessions (we call this Phase 1 ). After that, we can start focusing more on the root cause of the problem and begin spacing sessions fortnightly as we work to correct the underlying issues (Phase 2).

Following this, you can expect to see significant changes in what your body can achieve in daily life, while also reinforcing the progress made so far (Phase 3).

Finally, in what we refer to as Phase 4,  you'll only need monthly treatments, more of an MOT-style session to help keep you balanced and on track. 

 4. “What should I do after my massage?”

This is where the magic continues: your body is processing the deep work we’ve done on the tissue, so treat it kindly. Over the next 24 hours, you’ll be expelling a lot of toxins, so it's important to drink plenty of water to support circulation and detoxification.

Avoid strenuous activity or intense workouts for at least 12–24 hours. If you’re feeling sore, try a warm bath or gentle movement, but nothing too intense. You can also take a painkiller or apply a hot or cold compress if needed.

Pay attention to how you feel over the next couple of days. Some clients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual changes as their body adjusts. Your therapist will provide tailored aftercare advice , check in with you 24 hours after the session, and may offer a few stretches or self-care tips to do at home. Massage works best as part of a broader recovery or wellness plan, so be sure to follow your therapist’s recommendations for optimal results.  

6. “Do I have to undress completely?”

Only to your comfort level - and you’ll always be covered with a towel. You can keep your underwear on, and we only uncover the area we’re working on.

If it’s your first time and you’re feeling unsure, that’s completely normal. We’ll explain everything before we start and check in throughout. Your comfort, dignity, and boundaries always come first.

 7. “Why do I feel emotional after a massage?”

That’s more common than you think, and it’s a completely normal reaction!

Massage can release tension we’ve been holding onto for years, both physically and emotionally. It’s not unusual to feel lighter, sleepy, or even teary afterward. 

Just allow yourself to feel whatever comes up and know it’s part of the healing process. Read more here.

Massage is a wonderful tool you can incorporate into your day-to-day life, whether as preventative care, a long-term solution to pain, or a way to deepen your connection with your body. You can find more articles about aftercare and commonly asked questions here.

If you ever have a question or need support, feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our team at 020 3794 9760.

We can wait to help change your life for the better!