Massage and reflexology

Massage therapists work on the muscles and soft tissues with their hands to help you relax, ease tension and feel more comfortable in your body. Reflexologists use gentle pressure on set points on the feet, and sometimes the hands, face or ears, for deep relaxation. Aromatherapists blend plant essential oils, usually into a massage. All three are self-regulated through professional registers with training standards and codes of conduct, so finding a therapist you can trust is straightforward.

The different kinds of massage

• Holistic or Swedish massage: long, flowing strokes over the whole body. The everyday choice for relaxation and unwinding.
• Sports massage: firmer, more focused work on particular muscles. Popular with runners, gym-goers and anyone with a stiff back or shoulders from work.
• Deep tissue massage: slower, deeper pressure aimed at long-held tightness.
• Indian head massage: given sitting in a chair, usually fully clothed, working on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face.
• Hot stone massage: smooth warmed stones are used alongside the hands, which many people find especially soothing.
• Aromatherapy massage: a gentle massage using essential oils chosen and blended for you.

What happens at a first appointment

Your first visit starts with a short chat and a health questionnaire: how you're feeling, any aches or injuries, medicines you take, and what you'd like from the session. This helps the therapist plan the treatment and check it's right for you.

For a body massage you undress to the level you're comfortable with and lie on a padded couch. Towels cover you throughout, and only the area being worked on is uncovered. You can ask for firmer or lighter pressure at any time, or stop whenever you like.

For reflexology you simply take off your shoes and socks and relax in a reclining chair or on a couch. The reflexologist works through each foot with thumb and finger pressure. Most people find it deeply calming, and plenty drift off to sleep.

At an aromatherapy appointment the therapist asks a few more questions about you before choosing and blending the oils. Afterwards many therapists suggest drinking some water and taking it easy for the rest of the day.

What people come for

People most often book a massage, reflexology or aromatherapy for:

• Relaxation and stress
• Tight shoulders, neck and back
• Aches from desk work or driving
• Sport and training
• Sleep
• Feeling calmer
• Time for themselves
• A treat or a gift
• Pregnancy massage (with a specially trained therapist)

Recognised in NHS guidance. NICE, which advises the NHS, includes soft tissue techniques such as massage among the options to consider for low back pain, as part of a wider package of care that includes exercise.

Alongside the rest of your care

Massage, reflexology and aromatherapy sit comfortably alongside the rest of your care. Many cancer centres and hospitals offer massage and aromatherapy to their patients. If you have symptoms that haven't been looked at yet, see your GP as well. Your therapist will ask about your health at your first visit, and will happily adapt the treatment if you are pregnant, have a health condition or take regular medicines.

How many sessions, and what it costs

Many people book a single massage when they need it; others come every few weeks to keep on top of stiffness or stress. Reflexologists often suggest a short run of weekly sessions to start, then visits as and when you like.

Prices depend on the length of the session, the type of treatment and where you are. As a guide, reflexology usually costs somewhere between about £35 and £70 for an hour. An hour's massage commonly costs around £50 to £85, with shorter sessions costing less and city-centre clinics toward the top of the range. Mobile therapists who visit your home may add a small travel charge. Practices list their prices, and many offer packages.

Professional registers

Massage, reflexology and aromatherapy in the UK are self-regulated through professional registers and bodies. Each sets training standards, has a code of conduct and offers a complaints process, and most have a public search so you can look a therapist up in moments.

• CNHC (the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) runs a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, the body that oversees the UK's health regulators. It registers massage therapists, sports massage therapists, reflexologists and aromatherapists.
• The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) also runs a register for aromatherapists accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
• The Association of Reflexologists (AoR) has been the professional association for reflexology since 1984 and has thousands of members across the UK, all qualified and insured.
• The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is a large professional body for complementary, sports and beauty therapists, with members across the UK.

A note for London. In London, premises offering massage generally need a special treatment licence from the local council, and members of qualifying professional bodies can be exempt. Your therapist will know what applies to them.

Choosing your therapist

Therapists are happy to talk about how they work. Good things to ask:

1. Where did you train, and which qualification do you hold?
2. Which register or professional body are you a member of?
3. Do you have professional insurance?
4. Which kinds of massage or treatment do you offer, and which would suit me?
5. Do you have experience with pregnancy, sport or anything else particular to me?
6. How long is a session, and what does it cost?

Want to look someone up? Check a practitioner's registration → every regulator and register in one place, with links to their public searches.

Common questions