Your Questions, Answered (No Silly Ones, Promise)

Massage & Sports Recovery, the basics

  • What actually is sports massage?

    Sports massage focuses on how your body moves, works and recovers. It's about easing tight muscles, loosening stiff spots and helping you feel more comfortable in your body. It isn't about being elite, and it isn't about being battered (although if you like it firm, we can make that happen). That's why I call it Massage & Sports Recovery. It's about looking after active bodies and busy minds, whatever "active" means for you.

  • Do I need to be sporty to book?

    Nope, not even slightly. My clients include runners, cyclists, lifters, CrossFitters, Hyrox fans, martial artists and yogis. They also include people with physical jobs, people who sit at a desk all day, and people who are just carrying a lot of life around in their shoulders. If you have a body and it would like to feel better, you're in the right place. Come as you are.

  • Can massage help with stress, or is it just for gym aches?

    Absolutely both. Stress doesn't only live in your head. It sits in your jaw, neck, shoulders and back, often without you noticing. Many clients come to me simply to switch off and let go of tension, and plenty leave feeling lighter in body and mind. Recovery counts whether you've just done a marathon or just survived a really long week.

  • Do you treat injuries?

    Massage can be a really helpful part of recovering from niggles, tightness and overuse aches, and of keeping them from coming back. I'm a massage therapist, not a physio or a doctor, so I don't diagnose injuries. If something needs a closer look, such as sudden or severe pain, swelling, numbness, pain that's getting worse or anything that doesn't feel right, I'll tell you honestly and point you towards the right healthcare professional. I'm always happy to work alongside your physio, osteo or GP.

A woman smiling while holding a white mug in a room with a blue door, anatomical chart on the wall, and a bed with green patterned sheets.

Your treatment

  • Good news: you don't need to know! You don't need to diagnose yourself or choose a technique. Just book the amount of time you'd like, and we'll work out together what your body needs and what feels right on the day.

    • 30 minutes: one or two specific areas, like neck and shoulders or calves

    • 60 minutes: my most popular option, with time to work properly on what's bothering you

    • 90 minutes: a full-body session, or time to really dig into several areas

    One honest thing: I'm good, very good actually, and I'm proud to say it. But I'm not a wizard, and an hour can't undo years of desk posture or a heavy training block. Bodies take time and patience to change, so most people find a few sessions makes the real difference. Think of it as a journey rather than a one-off fix.

  • Before your first appointment, I'll send you a short consultation form so I know a bit about you before you arrive. On the day we'll start with a relaxed chat about your health, your activity, what's bothering you and what you'd like to get out of the session. I might check how you're moving too. Then we'll get on with the treatment, and I'll check in with you along the way. Afterwards I'll share some aftercare tips and my thoughts on what might help next. There's no hard sell and no pressure to rebook.

  • It shouldn't hurt in a bad way. Some areas might feel tender or intense, but it should always feel manageable, and you're in charge of the pressure. More pressure doesn't automatically mean a better treatment. Often the best results come from working with your body rather than against it. If you love it deep, tell me. If you want to ease in gently, tell me that too. I won't be offended either way.

  • I have a well-stocked toolbox, including soft tissue and deep tissue massage, muscle energy techniques (MET), passive and active stretching, active massage techniques, neuromuscular and myofascial techniques, and myofascial cupping. I'll use whichever tools suit your body on the day, so every treatment is tailored to you.

  • No! Cupping is simply one of the tools I use when I think it will help. There are no mysterious add-ons and no surprise charges. If you already know you'd like it included, just mention it when you book or on the day.

  • It depends on you, your body and what you're working towards. Here's a rough guide:

    • Sorting out a niggle: closer together at first, perhaps every 1–2 weeks

    • Heavy training or a demanding job: every 2–4 weeks keeps things ticking over

    • General wellbeing and stress: whenever you feel you need it (monthly works well for many people)

    We'll work out a rhythm that suits your body and your budget.

  • Before is fine, and a post-training massage can feel great. Afterwards, take it easy for the rest of the day, especially after deeper work. Gentle movement like walking or light stretching is ideal. I'd avoid a max-effort session for around 24–48 hours. Drink plenty of water, and let your body enjoy the benefits.

Your visit

  • What should I wear and bring?

    Wear something comfortable. Shorts and a sports top or vest are handy because some techniques involve movement and stretching. For massage you'll undress to the level you're comfortable with, and you'll always be covered with towels, with only the area I'm working on uncovered. Bring a bottle of water, and details of any medication or recent injuries.

  • Where are you based and how do I get there?

    I currently treat in two places:

    • Weston-super-Mare: my calm treatment room, about an 8-minute walk from the Grand Pier. It's easy to reach from Bristol and North Somerset, taking around 45 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train. Free street parking available.

    • HWF Fitness, Bedminster, Bristol: a more energetic space within walking distance of the city centre, ideal if you live or train in and around Bristol. Bristol – 10min walk from Bristol Temple Meads Station, metered street parking available.

    You'll get the full address and directions when you book.

  • Do you offer home visits?

    Not currently. All treatments take place at my Weston-super-Mare treatment room or at HWF Fitness in Bedminster, Bristol, where I have everything I need to look after you properly.

  • Do you treat everyone?

    I love working with all kinds of people, and I want everyone to feel welcome here. For your safety, there are times when massage isn't suitable or needs adapting. For example, if you have a fever or infection, a recent operation or fracture, blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain skin conditions, or you're having treatment for cancer. If any of those apply, just let me know before you book, and we'll work out what's best. Sometimes that means getting the OK from your GP first.

  • I'm Pregnant, can I still get support?

    While I would love to support you, I am not trained in pregnancy massage and cannot safely provide treatments during pregnancy. I highly recommend seeking out a qualified prenatal massage therapist to ensure both you and your baby are safely cared for. Feel free to visit me for a post-partem treatment

  • I have additional mental/physical needs, can I still get help?

    Everyone's welcome, exactly as you are.

    As someone who's neurodivergent myself, I know how much the little things matter. Whether you're neurodivergent, anxious about massage, or just have your own way of doing things, I want this space to feel easy for you. You might prefer less chat, dimmer lighting, a heads-up before each new area, or no music. Please ask. I really do encourage specific requests.

    There is also step free access available but only for HWF Bristol at this point

A person receiving a massage on their back, lying face down on a massage table with a white towel.

Booking & prices

  • Just drop me an email at anita@massageandsportsrecovery.com or send me a message through my Contact page, and we'll find a time that works for you. I'm appointment-only. Payment is at the end of your treatment, by cash or card.

  • Yes to both!

    • Gift vouchers: £52 each for a 60-minute treatment. You can buy them in multiples, as digital or printed vouchers. They're valid for 12 months, and they're a lovely present for anyone who could do with some TLC.

    • 6 × 60-minute treatments for £285: that's £47.50 per session, saving £27. Valid for 8 months.

    • 10 × 60-minute treatments for £450: that's £45 per session, saving £70. Valid for 12 months.

    Bundles are perfect if you're working through a niggle or want regular treatments in the diary.

  • Life happens, I get it. Just let me know at least 24 hours before your appointment so I can offer the slot to someone else. I keep things personal and flexible, and I'd really appreciate you doing the same.