Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Massage
Mobile massage FAQs
If you are thinking about booking a mobile massage, it is normal to have a few questions first.
You may be wondering how it works, how much space you need, what you should wear, whether your home is suitable, or whether massage is right for you.
At Suffolk Massage Therapy, I offer friendly, professional mobile treatments for women in and around Monks Eleigh, Suffolk, including Sudbury, Hadleigh, Long Melford, Lavenham, Brent Eleigh, Kersey, Lindsey, Acton, Boxford, south-east Stowmarket, and nearby villages within my usual travel radius.
I also offer baby massage classes through Tiny Touch Therapy, including 1:1 teaching in people’s homes for parents and family members.
This FAQ answers some of the most common questions before booking, but if you still have more questions, you might find the answers on my FAQs page!
What is mobile massage?
Mobile massage is a professional massage treatment carried out in your own home.
Instead of travelling to a clinic, I bring the equipment needed for your appointment, including the massage couch and treatment products. You simply need a suitable space at home where the couch can be set up safely.
Mobile massage can be a lovely option if you want comfort, privacy, and convenience without having to travel before or after your treatment.
Who do you offer treatments for?
Suffolk Massage Therapy is focused on treatments for women.
Many clients are busy mums, desk workers, pregnant women, women looking for relaxation, women managing general muscle tension, or women who simply want some quiet time for themselves at home.
Treatments are adapted to your comfort, preferences, health, and what your body needs on the day.
What treatments do you offer?
Suffolk Massage Therapy offers a range of mobile treatments, including:
Swedish massage
Deep tissue massage
Lava shells massage
Pregnancy massage
Indian head massage
Oncology massage
Facial treatments
I also offer baby massage classes through Tiny Touch Therapy, including 1:1 teaching at home for parents and family members.
What areas do you cover?
I usually work within a 10-mile radius of Monks Eleigh.
This includes areas such as:
Sudbury
Hadleigh
Long Melford
Lavenham
Brent Eleigh
Lindsey
Kersey
Acton
Boxford
South-east Stowmarket
Nearby villages and rural areas within the 10-mile radius
I cover IP7, plus parts of IP14 and parts of CO10.
Because postcode areas can be large, please contact me with your full postcode if you are unsure whether your address is within my usual service area.
Do you travel outside the 10-mile radius?
Yes, appointments outside the usual 10-mile radius are also possible!
If you live outside my standard area, I can travel to you for a fuel supplement. This is currently £1 per mile outside the usual travel radius, but it may change in future depending on fuel costs.
If a fuel supplement applies, I will confirm this before your appointment is booked. There will be no surprise charges.
What do I need to provide for a mobile massage?
You do not need much.
It is helpful to have:
A warm room
Enough clear floor space for the massage couch and a small trolley
A little room around the couch so I can work safely
Access to a nearby sink for handwashing
Somewhere for your clothes, jewellery, or personal items
A little time before and after your appointment so you do not feel rushed
Your home does not need to look perfect. I am not coming to inspect your house! I am coming to provide your treatment (and you can be sure my home looks equally lived-in!).
How much space do you need?
You will need enough space for a massage couch and room for me to move around it.
A living room, bedroom, spare room, or private home office can all work well. Small pieces of furniture can usually be moved slightly if needed.
If you are unsure whether your space is suitable, please ask before booking.
Do I need a quiet house?
A quiet room is ideal, but real homes are not always silent.
Children, pets, doorbells, traffic, and household noise are part of normal life. If possible, though, it can help to choose a room where you can close the door and have fewer interruptions.
But please do not wait for perfect conditions before booking. Perfect conditions rarely exist and I’m ready to work around anything!
What should I wear?
Before and after your appointment, wear whatever feels comfortable.
During massage, I will explain what to do and give you privacy to get ready. You will be covered appropriately throughout the treatment, with only the area being worked on uncovered at the time.
Your comfort, privacy, and dignity are important throughout the appointment.
For Indian head massage or facial treatments, what you need to wear may be different depending on the treatment. I will explain this before we begin, but you will remain mostly clothed throughout.
Will I be covered during the massage?
Yes!
You will be covered appropriately during the treatment. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered at the time.
This is a standard part of professional massage and helps you feel warm, comfortable, and respected.
Can I choose the pressure?
Of course.
You can choose whether you prefer gentle, medium, or firmer pressure. You can also ask for different pressure in different areas.
For example, you may want firmer pressure on your shoulders but gentler pressure on your lower back or legs.
You can ask me to adjust the pressure at any point. You are not being difficult. You are helping me give you a better treatment!
Is deep tissue massage supposed to hurt?
No.
Deep tissue massage can feel firm, focused, and sometimes intense in areas of tension, but it should not feel unbearable or painful.
More pressure is not automatically better. If your body is bracing against the treatment, the pressure is probably too much.
Deep tissue massage should be adapted to your comfort and your body.
Which treatment should I choose?
That depends on what you want from your appointment.
As a simple guide:
Choose Swedish massage if you want relaxation and time to switch off.
Choose deep tissue massage if you prefer firmer pressure and focused work.
Choose lava shells massage if you want warmth, comfort, and deep relaxation.
Choose pregnancy massage if you are pregnant and want a treatment adapted to you.
Choose Indian head massage if your tension is mainly around your head, neck, shoulders, scalp, or jaw.
Choose oncology massage if you need gentle, carefully adapted treatment during or after cancer care, where massage is suitable.
Choose a facial treatment if you want a calming, skin-focused treatment.
Choose Tiny Touch Therapy baby massage if you would like to learn gentle baby massage at home with your family.
If you are unsure, please ask. You do not need to know the perfect treatment before getting in touch.
Do you offer pregnancy massage?
Yes, I offer pregnancy massage!
Pregnancy massage is adapted carefully to support your comfort during pregnancy. Positioning, pressure, and treatment style are adjusted to suit you and your stage of pregnancy.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, complications, recent concerns, or you are unsure whether massage is suitable, please check with your midwife, GP, or healthcare provider before booking.
Do you offer oncology massage?
Yes, I also offer oncology massage.
Oncology massage is a gentle, carefully adapted treatment for people living with cancer, receiving cancer treatment, or recovering after treatment, where massage is suitable.
This treatment may need to be adapted depending on treatment history, surgery, medication, lymph node removal, scars, energy levels, positioning needs, and how you are feeling on the day.
If you are currently receiving treatment or are unsure whether massage is suitable, please check with your oncology team or healthcare provider before booking.
Do you offer facials?
Absolutely, I offer facial treatments.
Facials can be a lovely option if you want a calming, skin-focused treatment that helps you feel refreshed and cared for. They may suit you if you prefer not to have a full-body massage or if you simply want a quieter, gentler treatment.
What is lava shells massage?
Lava shells massage is a warming treatment that uses heated shells to create a deeply comforting massage experience.
It can be a good choice if you enjoy warmth, feel tired or tense, or want something soothing and nurturing.
Lava shells massage may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if you have heat sensitivity or certain health conditions. Please ask before booking if you are unsure.
What is Indian head massage?
Indian head massage focuses on areas such as the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp, face, and jaw.
It can be a good option if you carry tension in your upper body, spend a lot of time at a screen, clench your jaw, or feel mentally busy.
It may also suit you if you want a shorter or more focused treatment rather than a full-body massage.
How often should I book a massage?
There is no single answer.
Some women book occasionally when they need to relax. Others book every four to six weeks as part of a regular self-care routine. If you have ongoing general tension, you may prefer every two to four weeks for a while.
A simple guide is:
Occasional relaxation: as needed
General maintenance: every four to six weeks
Ongoing neck, shoulder, or back tension: every two to four weeks
Pregnancy massage: frequency depends on your stage of pregnancy and comfort
Facial treatments: often every four to six weeks or as desired
Oncology massage: frequency should be adapted to your individual situation
The right rhythm is the one that suits your body, lifestyle, budget, and needs.
Can I book if I feel nervous?
Of course - and I’ll do my very best to put you at ease.
Many women feel a little nervous before their first mobile massage, especially if they have not had massage before or have never had a therapist visit their home.
That is completely normal.
I will explain what to expect, give you privacy when needed, check that you are comfortable, and adapt the treatment to suit you.
You can ask questions before booking and during your appointment.
What if I feel self-conscious about my body?
Please know that you do not need to look a certain way to have a massage.
Your body does not need to be slimmer, smoother, fitter, younger, less tired, less scarred, or more “ready” before it deserves care.
A professional treatment will feel respectful and comfortable. The focus is on helping you feel cared for, not judging your body.
Your body is an incredible thing, and it’s always deserving of love and care!
What if I have children or pets at home?
That is usually fine!
If possible, it helps to arrange the appointment at a time when interruptions are less likely. You may want to ask another adult to be nearby for children, or keep pets in another room during the treatment.
But real homes are real homes. We can work with what is practical. And I’m always ready to make friends with pets (especially ones of the feline variety!).
Should I eat before a massage?
Try not to eat a large, heavy meal immediately before your treatment.
A light meal or snack is usually fine. You do not need to be hungry, but you will probably feel more comfortable if you are not very full.
It is also helpful to drink some water before and after your appointment.
What should I do after my massage?
After your massage, try to give yourself a little time to settle.
You may want to:
Drink some water
Move gently
Keep warm
Avoid rushing straight into intense activity
Notice how your body feels
Rest if possible
One of the benefits of mobile massage is that you are already home afterwards, so you do not need to drive back from a clinic.
When should I avoid massage or ask for medical advice first?
Please seek medical advice before booking if you:
Are unwell or have a fever
Have recently had surgery
Have a recent injury
Have unexplained pain or swelling
Have symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness
Are pregnant and have complications or concerns
Are receiving medical treatment
Have cancer or a history of cancer and are unsure whether massage is suitable
Have a skin infection, contagious condition, or unexplained rash
Have any health condition that may affect treatment
Massage can often be adapted, but safety comes first.
Do you offer baby massage classes?
Yes.
I offer baby massage classes under the name Tiny Touch Therapy.
These are group classes at Monks Eleigh Village Hall, covering a 5-week course. There are six courses per year and you can find details of my next one on my baby massage page, along with lots of FAQs specifically about baby massage!
I also offer 1:1 baby massage teaching sessions in people’s homes, designed to help parents and family members learn gentle baby massage together.
How do I book?
To book a mobile treatment with Sarah Kelleway at Suffolk Massage Therapy, please visit my booking page or contact me via phone or email.
For baby massage tuition through Tiny Touch Therapy, please email TinyTouchTherapySuffolk@gmail.com.
When getting in touch, it helps to include:
Your name
Your full postcode or village/town
The treatment or class you are interested in
Preferred days or times
Any relevant health information
Any questions you have
I will then confirm availability, travel details, and anything you need to know before your appointment.
Final thoughts
If you still have questions before booking, please ask.
You don’t need to know exactly which treatment to choose. You don’t need a perfect home. You don’t need to feel completely confident before getting in touch.
At Suffolk Massage Therapy, my aim is to make mobile massage feel calm, respectful, friendly, and easy to access at home.
Whether you are booking massage for yourself, arranging a facial treatment, enquiring about pregnancy or oncology massage, or interested in baby massage classes through Tiny Touch Therapy, I’m so looking forward to hearing form you.