How I help my clients relax
Feeling relaxed in a massage is not a given. I have learnt this the hard way myself! I’ve personally suffered through quite a few massages with harsh techniques and impersonal therapists. I want my clients to leave feeling better, so creating a genuinely caring space matters to me a lot. Here’s how I help my clients relax.
1) My studio space
My studio is spacious, leafy, and in a quiet building. I love it, and many of my clients do too! I encourage my clients to think of it as their space for our time together. Simple things such as feeling comfortable to hang up your coat on the hook, or sit back in the big armchair, work together to remind your body that you can unwind here.
2) You can take your time
I encourage my clients to take their time getting on the table, getting comfortable on the table, and with getting off at the end. I especially love starting with slow techniques that assist with your connective tissue melting and broadening at their own pace, before going any deeper. This means we can slip away from the 24 hour clock, and be with your body’s clock, instead.
3) You can show up as you are
Many clients worry that they need to be “on” when receiving a massage. This, of course, is hardly possible, as receiving a massage involves letting go into “off” mode to a major extent. I encourage my clients to trust that they can show up as they are. My aim is to always meet your body with presence and kindness.
4) I only work within my bounds
I aspire to be knowledgeable and firm about what I offer as a massage therapist. For example, only using physical techniques I feel confident with, and only releasing mental energy that is safe to do so. And I’ve always been clear that while my massages are healing, I am not a healer. I believe that the more truly present I am with what I want to genuinely offer, the more my clients’ bodies can pick up on this assuredness, and relax.
5) I use physical techniques
As a Fascial Release massage therapist in London, I use fascial release to lengthen the bubblewrap-like connective tissue that wraps under our skin and around all of our muscles. This creates a feeling of being lengthened in a much broader, deeper sense than any technique that works purely on the muscles.
I also use Trigger Point therapy. Often confused with “digging out knots“, this is a technique where I press into areas of high tension, to let them melt. This often relaxes or “unlocks” whole areas physically. This is one of my favourite techniques as it can create such gentle, yet powerful change.
5) I use energy release techniques
It’s rare that any of us breathe deeply to our full capacity. Sometimes, we’re not able to, due to physical stuckness in the upper body. I will also often start, end, and intersperse the massage with deep breathing exercises. Some massage your body internally while others drain tension away from you. When combined with physical techniques, these can be so powerful – helping you let go of tightness you didn’t know you were holding.
I would love to arrange our massage, so we can shift the tension you’ve been feeling. And I have a special offer at the moment! My appointments are limited, so make sure you don’t miss out. I look forward to hearing from you. – Cat
- Oluwatosin
Even before I had my massage, I was anticipating good things based on Cat's clear communication, which continued throughout the session. I had an incredible massage - firm without being painful, relaxing and effective. Cat checked in, listened and responded to any request for change (there was only one - to turn the heating up!), and I felt able to let go and simply be in the moment. I have recommended Cat to multiple people I love, and am looking forward to going back soon.
- Nat
I had a session of myofascial release with massage cat and it’s truly different from anything I’ve had before. Their approach is so gentle and I really felt listened to both in the consultations and on the table in their hands. The effect was very powerful and I felt a deeper relaxation than I’d felt in a long time and a lot more ease in my body afterwards. I didn’t feel like I was being pushed into something intense, but more like some deep stagnant parts of me got some space to breathe. I have had 2 sessions with massage cat and will be returning as the experience feels really comfortable but effective.
- Hikmah
Truly amazing. Super clear communication, Cat makes you feel at ease from booking the appointment. They allow you to take your time and had a pre/post massage discussion. Worked with breath (as mentioned in our coversation) and truly made me feel relaxed and cared for which carried me throughout the day. 12/10 highly recommend!
- Taro
As a trans person who is also autistic and has ADHD, I often struggle with the logistics of making/attending appointments, however, Massage Cat Therapy made the process of booking in for a massage extremely pleasant and comfortable. Prior to booking, I emailed Massage Cat to communicate my access needs - they were very responsive and communicative and I felt confident and reassured that they could accommodate for my specific needs. I was warmly welcomed by Massage Cat and we had a brief chat going over my medical history/problem areas/general expectations from the massage, this helped to ground me and ease me into the space. The actual massage was incredible - I have genuinely never felt so relaxed in my life. Massage Cat is a very skilled massage therapist and has a very reassuring and calming energy; it is clear from their work that they are passionate about massage. I have struggled with shoulder pain and neck tension for years and have accessed various types of massage to try and relieve my pain. Not only was my massage with Massage Cat wonderfully relaxing, I also felt immense relief from my pain. I would highly recommend Massage Cat Therapy if you are seeking deep relaxation and/or pain relief in a safe and welcoming space. I am very much looking forward to booking in for another massage again soon! - G
- Jo
I cannot recommend Cat enough- clear in communication, loving to your body, caring for your soul! I told Cat about the trouble I was having with my back and my upper glute- and we not only focused on these areas, but Cat really just relaxed my body- I fell asleep, and felt like I was in light travel, going in an out- a massage so meditative and medicinal <3
- Al
Incredibly gentle yet strong massage! Lovely, soothing environment. Cat has a very sensitive approach & the booking process is extremely straight forward. I couldn't recommend my experience enough! It transformed my understanding of 'pain' that I typically associate with massage that has physical as well as mental health benefits. I will definitely be becoming a regular. Thank you Cat!
- Ray
SUCH a gorgeous massage with someone who has a deep knowledge of and respect for the body, and knows how to create a really holding and comfortable space. I love how Massage Cat Therapies can treat bodies and sensations beyond 'good' and 'bad'. The experience was so tailored to what I was experiencing in my body and I felt listened to and really cared for. 100% would recommend especially if you are trans, neurodivergent, brown, fat... all of the above (like me!)
- natalie
Have been wanting to book in for a treatment for a while after I came across Massage Cat on Instagram, and finally managed to find a slot! It was everything I was hoping it would be, Cat had a gentle and inviting energy, and we talked through what I wanted out of the treatment. She used plenty of deeply relaxing myofascial techniques, her pressure was intuitive and spot on - her slow, rhythmic pacing was deeply relaxing, I found myself instantly able to relax out of my busy brain. I enjoyed it so much I've booked again and will recommend her to friends. As a massage therapist myself, I really value good therapists and can highly recommend Cat! Thanks again for a great treatment 🙂
- Sasha
This was the best massage I have ever had! Cat created such a peaceful, open, and inviting space. Cats combination of fascial and other massage techniques made the experience so peaceful, and I was transported somewhere else. I had issues with my neck and shoulders, which we worked through in a calm, slow and meditative way. I felt so relaxed and calm afterwards. I will definitely be coming again. Cat is incredible, gentle and so talented. Thankyou 🙂
- Marcus
As a deaf man who relies on lipreading as well as being able to converse through writing things down, I appreciated not only having an amazing massage but also the fact that they took the time and patience to understand my communication needs and to communicate well with me throughout the session, which is very rare. It was my first time and they made me feel very comfortable throughout. I left feeling much more relaxed and no longer had pain and tension in my shoulders, neck and back. Definitely will go back again
