Exactly what happens from the moment you arrive to how you'll feel the next day — so nothing about booking feels like a leap.
If you've never had a massage before, not knowing what happens can be enough to put you off booking. Here's exactly how a session goes, start to finish, so there are no surprises.
Wear something comfortable and easy to change out of. Avoid a heavy meal in the hour beforehand. If you've got an injury, a medical condition, or you're on medication, mention it when you book — it isn't a barrier, it just shapes the treatment.
Arrive a few minutes early rather than rushing in. The treatment room is at Cornwallis Business Centre on Howard Chase in Basildon, with free parking on site.
Every session starts with a conversation, not with you face-down on a table. What's been bothering you, how long it's been going on, what you do day to day, whether anything makes it better or worse.
You'll also be asked about anything you'd rather wasn't touched, and whether you'd prefer conversation or quiet. Both are completely fine.
You'll be left alone to undress to your comfort level and get under the towels. How much you remove is up to you — plenty of people stay in underwear or shorts, and for some treatments you can stay fully clothed.
You'll be covered with towels throughout. Only the specific area being worked on is uncovered, and it's re-covered before moving on. This is standard professional practice and it isn't negotiable.
You'll be asked about pressure early on and checked in with as things progress. This isn't a formality — the right pressure varies enormously between people and between areas of the same body.
What you should feel: firm pressure, sometimes an intense but manageable sensation over a tight spot, often a release as something lets go.
What you shouldn't feel: sharp pain, or anything that makes you tense up or hold your breath. Say so immediately if you do. It gets adjusted, no awkwardness.
You don't need to make conversation. Some people chat throughout, others say nothing and half fall asleep. Both are completely normal.
You'll be left to get dressed in your own time. Expect to feel looser, possibly a little lightheaded for a minute if you sit up quickly.
It's common to feel mildly tender the next day, particularly after deeper work — similar to the day after a good gym session. That settles within 24 to 48 hours.
Irrelevant. Massage isn't a performance and nothing is being assessed.
Genuinely not noticed and completely irrelevant to the treatment. Therapists work with all bodies, every day.
Please say. A therapist would far rather adjust than have you endure it — and tensing against pressure makes the treatment less effective anyway.
Happens constantly. Take it as a compliment.
Same price across all treatments — you're paying for time and expertise, not a menu. Sessions run Monday to Saturday, 9:00am–11:00pm (subject to booking), with Sundays available on request, at Cornwallis Business Centre, Howard Chase, Basildon SS14 3BB. A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
Not sure which treatment to book for a first session? Relaxation massage is often the gentlest starting point, though if you have a specific painful area, deep tissue may serve you better. See also the full comparison.
Mention it's your first time when you book and John will take extra time to talk you through everything.