Massage Therapy
Relaxation, release and transformation via therapeutic touch
Therapeutic touch lets you enter a healing state, where your body, mind and spirit find inner balance.
Life can often feel too busy, schedules are tight and the space for relaxation tends to slip away for the next task on the to-do list. However when we forget to make time for our well-being and to decompress then the body takes charge and this is when we can feel dis-ease, restrictions or pain, be that physical, mental or emotional.
I believe when we consciously make time for our well-being and self care the potential benefits are life-changing and the life-enhancing effects ripple out both into our personal and professional lives, influencing those around us. By investing time in ourselves we remember how good it feels to create space for any healing to take place.
Your bespoke massage
My Services
I offer several kinds of therapeutic massage:
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Holistic Massage
Holistic massage comes from the Greek word ’holos’ which means connected in recognition that physical and mental health are interconnected. During your massage treatments as well as the physical and mental changes you might also notice, emotional, energetic and also spiritual ones. Every client is different!
In your consultation you might choose to have a specific area focused on e.g back and upper body massage, head massage, legs and lower body massage, hands, feet or abdomen massage to concentrate on specific zones of tension, or you may want to have a whole body massage.
We will also discuss the depth of pressure and pace of the massage, if you want to have warm herbal compresses, and if stretches are to be included this is before your massage begins so that you can relax fully during the delivery.
There isn’t any unnecessary chatter during the massage itself as this detracts from your space to heal and rest. Of course you can say if anything needs to change at any point so you remain in charge of the massage treatment.
Thai Massage
Therapeutic Thai massage usually takes place on a floor-based futon, however, it can occasionally be done on the massage couch. Clients remain fully clothed and wear loose clothing this helps for comfort and as the work is on the ground it is often easier to relax into this support.
Thai massage can include a variety of different massage techniques including some that are similar to deep tissue and sports massage techniques. Joe uses traditional warm Thai herbal compresses and Thai medicinal balms to prepare the skin and superficial tissues for deeper work which can then feel more comfortable to receive.
Stretches can be included; it just depends on what is required on the day and sometimes it is known as ‘lazy mans’ yoga. The key aspect is that the client remains as relaxed as possible, rag doll-like even as this allows Joe to massage and mobilise their body without any ‘extra’ help. This is often something that can take practice!
In Thai massage theory we work with the elements, direction of work and the five layers; skin, tissues, trenches (‘sen’ or energy lines), bones and organs (abdominal massage). It is believed that restrictions in these layers create dis-ease, pain and restricted movement.
The benefits of Thai massage are numerous, and can include increased flexibility, reduced pain, reduced anxiety and fewer headaches. Plus energy balancing, feeling grounded, spiritual calmness and coming home to a sense of inner peace are often mentioned by clients after their Thai massage.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage incorporates traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques and as the name implies originated in India. It focuses on the upper body, back, shoulders, neck, head and face.
With sedentary work commonplace nowadays the upper body can be a storehouse for muscular tension from hours spent seated, staring at a screen plus the shoulders are attributed to holding emotional tension too, not to mention the mental strain of all that thinking!
You can have your Indian Head Massage clothed and seated or lying down with oil, the latter is the most popular as the body is more supported especially if you are tense, tired and wanting to rest properly, as you relax it’s nice to not have to hold yourself up!
Clients are often surprised at how much tension is held in the scalp and facial muscles and while the touch can be energising or calming most clients prefer a slower pace this is especially helpful as preparation for sleep. If you are having to return to work you might want to opt for a more invigorating Indian Head Massage though! You can discuss your needs with Joe.
Pregnancy Massage
During pregnancy the body is under exceptional strain, and usually your mind is too. Pregnancy massage can release muscular tension, ease lower back pain, mobilise shoulders, reduce swelling, soothe your emotions and nerves and calm the mind.
All pregnancy massage treatments take place in a side lying position on a massage couch, as lying on your back can be difficult during the latter stages of pregnancy, extra pillows are used to support you and your bump and comfort is the top priority. At all times you will be provided with towels and only the areas worked upon will be uncovered.
Whether it is your first child or not, making time for relaxation is a vitally helpful way to reduce anxiety, avoid overwhelm and feel more at ease with your pregnancy and parenting journey.
During the consultation you will discuss what you need with Joe and if any areas need more attention and together you’ll create the session you need so you can rest deeply, giving you some much needed restoration so you can look forward to your birth and parenting journey.
Massage for cancer and chronic conditions
Joe has had specialist training from the Christie hospital in Manchester on massage techniques to support patients with cancer. Additional training to adapt for clients with Fibromyalgia, CFS and support clients with other complex medical conditions has also been undertaken. Do reach out to discuss your situation.
Massage can be adapted to suit all clients needs and in these cases a gentle style of massage using the safest of therapeutic touch sometimes combined with energy work ‘reiki’ can prove comforting, relaxing your mind and body, which might reduce discomfort, and help balance energy levels.
Above all else, most clients say they find the most helpful aspect about coming along for a massage if they are undergoing cancer care treatment or have another condition is that they appreciate the ‘holistic’ care they are given with Joe, the feeling of being cared for and being able to determine what type of treatment they want to have.
You will have complete control over your massage: whether we use oils, whether you are on a couch or chair, and the areas of the body we focus on.
To ensure that your condition is not aggravated by a massage or proposed treatment you may need to refer to your GP or Consultant and get their agreement before your treatment can take place. In this instance, you can arrange to have just the initial consultation with Joe.
Join the Loyalty Membership Scheme
What to expect
Consultation
Let’s get to the heart of how you want to feel. Consultations help us both understand what you want from a massage, and ensure you get the treatment you need.
Massage
Let your body surrender to the power of therapeutic touch. You’ll get the most out of your massage if you can become like a ragdoll, and let it happen.
Aftercare
Support your healing and relaxation from home, with personalised information and optional ‘home play’ advice from me.
Transform your body – transform your life!
Unlike traditional massage appointments where the therapist decides what you will have and how you are touched, Joe invites you to create your massage to suit your needs. In this way you are empowered to find your words and to really tune into what you need. It takes Joe’s work into the realm of transformational massage as clients unravel tension and begin to let go of ‘old baggage’ and in doing so they look at their lives with fresh eyes and often make changes to improve their well-being, happiness and life! Try it for yourself
Testimonials
What clients have to say
“I’ve been going to Joe for regular massages for many years now and she always delivers what I need. She spends time beforehand establishing what kind of treatment you’d like and how that might best be achieved so you can leave feeling totally chilled out or buzzing with energy or anything in between. She has an amazing range of massage approaches and is always developing her skills. You don’t get just a massage from Joe, but something far more holistic. It’s a necessary treat that I look forward to every month.“
“Each of my sessions with Joe both feels like therapy for the body as well as the mind. She has a great approach to identifying what we will work on in each session, and always follows up at the end to see if my goals are achieved. I love the combination of hot compresses and therapeutic Thai floor massage, as it’s able to get deep into tissue without significant pain or feelings of imbalance afterward. The acute pain that I had prior to beginning work with Joe has alleviated, and we continue to work on helping to manage stress and the ailments that come with the challenges of my work life.
I highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking for either relief from pain or just management of stress and challenges that most of us face in our world on a daily basis.“
“I had a few massages to help with my preparation for the London Marathon and to help me re-adjust afterward. The sessions gave me a great opportunity to fully and deeply relax, unwind muscles, and feel more present.
As well as great preparation and recovery from the race, I experienced a wonderful calmness both during and after the sessions.
Joanne is an excellent therapist and the whole treatment experience was enjoyable, nurturing, and holistic.
I am happy to recommend Joanne to anyone who wants to further their connection to themselves and progress in their healing journey. “
“During my pregnancy, I was working full time and found my body was aching more and more each week as my baby grew. Upon researching pregnancy-safe massage therapists in York I tried a couple but upon meeting Joanne I knew I would be in super safe hands with her. Unlike so many, Joanne really takes the time to connect with you prior to your treatment each week. It isn’t just a massage treatment; it’s meditation, it’s therapy, it’s relaxation, it’s physical. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it and as a result, have continued to attend monthly sessions with her for over a year postnatally; and I have zero intention of stopping! Joe provides me with the space to breathe and relax whilst her hands work their therapeutic magic.”
“Joe was very welcoming and easy to feel relaxed and safe with. Her approach to my first treatment with her was deeply thorough and highly professional. She clearly sought to discover what I wanted and didn’t want from a therapeutic massage for entrenched back pain of 2 weeks duration.
Joe’s dedicated private studio is a warm, peaceful, intimate space, surprisingly very protected from the ongoing busyness of Holgate Road.
I have had many many therapeutic massages of different types over the years and I give her and her studio environment the highest ratings. Two days post-treatment and I am most relieved to be pain-free. I definitely recommend Joe and her studio environment.”
“Joe has magic hands! – I am very thankful that I discovered Joe, nine years ago. Since then, hardly a day has gone by without my thinking of my next fortnightly massage session with Joe.
It’s only an hour of ‘me’ time, but each session gives me a physical and emotional boost to keep me being the best version of myself. Joe is incredibly skillful and a very caring human. As I prioritise my financial commitments in these difficult times, I don’t regard Joe’s sessions as discretionary!”
“I had been an occasional client of Joe’s for a number of years and joined the loyalty membership scheme just over 2 years ago when I fully started to realise the benefits and importance of regular massages. Post lockdown this decision proved particularly valuable and then in particular supported through some personal issues over recent months.
I find the studio to be an oasis of calm and Joe being pivotal to this, who I always find is attentive to my individual needs at each session and able to adapt her treatment accordingly.
Sessions with Joe are a very important part of my self-care and wellness routine.”
Prices:
PLEASE NOTE:
New Client session: This includes a full consultation and a treatment in the remaining time
£197 – 2 hour session
After this appointment you can apply to join the Loyalty Membership Scheme
Session price: This includes time for arrival and a mini consultation.
£125 – 75 minute session
Longer sessions are available on enquiry.