FAQ
where is the clinic?
The clinic is located at Suite 16, Thatcham house, Turners Drive, Thatcham, RG19 4DQ. Please note there is FREE parking on-site.
Appointments can be made online on weekdays or by calling the number at the top of the page.
Accessibility: The treatment room is on the first floor with access to a lift if required.
how long will my appointment last ?
An initial consultation and treatment lasts for 60 minutes. Roughly 15 minutes of this will be spent taking a medical history, discussing your current complaint or reason for treatment followed by a range of movement and muscle testing. A follow up appointments lasting 60mins will last 60 minutes and comprise of some discussion about how you felt after your last appointment, how you got on with the exercises provided, if you have any concerns, what the focus is that day of your treatment followed by your treatment. This is the same for a 45minute appointment and a 30-minute appointment.
What should I wear?
Soft tissue therapy is a hands-on treatment and therefore some degree of undress is required. It’s a good idea to wear or bring along a pair of shorts. Towels are used for your comfort and dignity throughout the treatment. It would be advisable to remove necklaces and bracelets prior to your treatment if possible and bring along a hair tie if you have long hair.
what if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
In your confirmation email you will see an option to reschedule your booking online. Click there and it will allow you to alter it up to 48 hours beforehand. For full terms and conditions on our cancellation policy and charges please see the terms and conditions page.
what should I bring with me?
If you have a specific in jury or condition, it’s a good idea to gather your thoughts before the session with a list of dates of injuries and treatment which can speed things up. If you have a medical condition which requires medication, please bring along the medication list for the purpose of the medical history taken during the consultation.
Payment is due at the end of the session by card via the online payment link sent to you in your email. Cash is also accepted.
What is the cost and how can I pay?
The cost of your treatment will depend on the length of the session – please take a look at treatments and pricing page for full details.
Payment is online via a link emailed to you prior to your appointment or by cash during a face to face appointment. We are unable to offer credit.
Can I claim on my health insurance?
Below is a list of Private Health Cash Plan providers:
The details will depend on your insurance provider however in most instances the provider requires you to make payment for your appointment and then apply for reimbursement. An invoice will be provided for you with details of the treatment and our governing body membership details.
Health shield
Simply health
Vitality Health
WPA
WHO GOVERNS SOFT TISSUE THERAPISTS?
Sports & Remedial Massage (ISRM) and Sports Massage Association (SMA). SCSTT is registered with the ISRM.
The ISRM and the SMA are authorised by the government backed Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) to oversee sports massage therapists. Both the ISRM and the SMA require their members to do a minimum of 15 hours continuing professional development training per year to stay up to date.
The ISRM oversees the award of the BTEC Level 5 vocational qualification in Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy.
Is my therapist insured?
All practitioners at Sophie Cooke Soft tissue therapy & Pilates are qualified, hold a current First Aid certificate and professional and public indemnity insurance, for the services provided.
HOW MANY APPOINMTNETS WILL I NEED?
The number of sessions will depend on each individual. We recommend regular treatments every 4-6 weeks as part of an ongoing preventative maintenance plan rather than waiting until something goes wrong. If you have an injury your therapist will make a recommendation during your first appointment about how often to have treatment and it is then your decision to re-book your appointment for when you can fit it in with your lifestyle and work commitments.
What is the difference between a spa massage and a sports massage?
Sports massage practitioners who hold a level 5 qualification in sports and remedial massage and will use a variety of assessments, treatments and rehabilitation skills to work with you. The aim is to address each of these issues and to enable and promote healthy functioning throughout your whole musculoskeletal system. Spa Style Massage therapist are generally qualified to Level 3.
Will I BE SORE AFTER TREATMENT?
Different clients respond differently to massage and its important during the consultation that you are open about any previous reactions you have had to massage and feedback during and after your session. Some clients after a deep tissue treatment can feel tired for a day or so afterwards, this is a positive sign as the body is working hard to flush out the waste products from the muscles. It’s advisable to drink water after the treatment to encourage hydration and ideally avoid alcohol.
If you are planning a competitive event, long cycle etc, please discuss timings of your last pre event treatment as the optimum time may be several days prior to the event for pre and a couple of days afterwards for a post event treatment, if you can factor in a treatment prior to your rest day this is ideal.