Frequently Asked Questions

A 60-minute Aroma Swedish massage is the ideal starting point — relaxing, gentle, and full-body without being too intense. If you have a specific area of tension like neck and shoulders from desk work, a 60-minute Deep Tissue is a great alternative. If you're still unsure, book either and we'll tailor it to you after a short chat before we start.

• Relaxing / Swedish: Flowing, lighter strokes that calm the nervous system and reduce general tension. Ideal for stress, sleep, and general wellbeing.
• Deep tissue: Slower, more targeted work that reaches deeper muscle layers to address persistent knots and tightness. Can feel more intense in tight areas — but should never be painful.

Both leave you feeling better. The choice depends on whether you want to unwind or actively work on a problem area.

• Desk / neck / shoulder tension: Back, Neck & Shoulders or Deep Tissue
• Stress, poor sleep, burnout: Aroma Swedish or Relaxing Massage
• Headaches or jaw clenching: Face & Head or Indian Head Massage
• Puffiness or heaviness in legs: Manual Lymphatic Drainage
• Pregnancy discomfort: Pregnancy Massage
• Sport or training recovery: Sports Massage

Still unsure? Book any treatment — we'll figure it out together in the consultation.

Absolutely. Every session begins with a short consultation. If you booked a full-body massage but your shoulders are screaming that day, we'll spend more time there. If something feels too intense, we'll adjust immediately. The treatment listed at booking is a starting point — what actually happens is always shaped around you.

• 30 minutes: Good for a targeted area (shoulders, back, head) or if you're short on time.
• 60 minutes: The sweet spot for most people — enough for a genuine full-body experience or focused therapeutic work.
• 90 minutes: If you want a full body plus face, or carry tension across multiple areas and want to fully decompress.

First-timers most often start with 60 minutes.

Yes — we'll send you a short health consultation form when you book. Please complete it before your appointment so we can make the most of your session time. It covers health history, areas of concern, and your pressure preferences. It only takes a few minutes.

• Avoid a heavy meal in the 1–2 hours beforehand
• Stay hydrated — drink water before and after
• Arrive 5 minutes early so you can settle before we start
• Avoid alcohol before your session
• No need to shave, wax, or prepare your body in any way — come as you are

Just bring yourself. Wear whatever you're comfortable travelling in — you'll undress in the treatment room at your own pace. You don't need to bring towels, oils, or anything else. Everything is provided. If you'd prefer we use your own skincare product on your face, you're welcome to bring it along.

Please let us know as soon as you can — a quick text to 07933 274028 is fine. We'll do our best to accommodate you, but if you arrive late, the session may need to be shortened slightly to respect the next client's time. The full treatment fee still applies.

• Pay and display on Upper Richmond Road (free after 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays)
• Free parking on nearby residential streets — check signs as restrictions vary
• Putney Exchange car park on Lacy Road
• East Putney tube station is just a 2-minute walk (District line)

• You'll be welcomed and shown to the treatment room
• We'll have a 5-minute consultation — your therapist will ask about your health, goals, and preferences
• Your therapist steps out while you undress to your comfort level and get settled on the table under the towels
• When you're ready, knock or call out and the session begins
• You're in charge throughout — speak up at any point about pressure, comfort, or anything at all
• At the end, your therapist steps out again so you can take your time getting up and dressed

You undress to whatever level you're comfortable with. Most clients remove all clothing for a full-body massage, but keeping underwear on is completely fine. Some treatments (like Indian Head or Face & Head) can be done fully clothed. There's no right or wrong — this is your session, and your comfort is the only thing that matters.

Yes, always. You'll be covered by towels throughout the entire session. Only the area being actively worked on is uncovered at any one time — so if we're working on your back, your legs remain covered, and vice versa. We never uncover the chest, groin, or buttocks without your explicit prior agreement.

Not at all — and you're far from alone in feeling this way. Your therapist sees muscles, tension patterns, and areas that need care. Bodies of all shapes, sizes, and with all kinds of marks, scars, and histories come through here, and every single one is welcomed without judgement. You do not need to look or feel a certain way to deserve this.

Yes, absolutely — before or during the session. We'll work around it without question or comment. You don't need to explain why.

Please tell us. Adjusting pressure is part of the job, not an inconvenience. A massage that's too intense or too light isn't doing what it should. You can say something at any point and we'll adjust immediately. If you find it hard to speak up in the moment, you can agree a simple signal with your therapist at the start of the session.

Entirely up to you. Some clients like to chat, others prefer silence from the moment they lie down. Your therapist will follow your lead. The only communication that really matters is speaking up if something doesn't feel right — everything else is optional.

Falling asleep is one of the best signs that your nervous system has fully let go — we take it as a compliment. Your body will still benefit from the treatment throughout. We'll wake you gently at the end.

Yes, absolutely. Many clients find massage particularly helpful during their cycle — it can ease cramping, lower back pain, and tension. Just let your therapist know if there are areas you'd prefer to avoid or if you'd like lighter pressure on the abdomen. Use whichever sanitary product you'd normally use.

It varies, and all of the following are completely normal:

• Deeply relaxed or sleepy — your nervous system has down-regulated
• Lighter and clearer — especially after a relaxation treatment
• Slightly emotional — bodywork can release stored tension; this is a healthy response
• A little sore — common after deep tissue work, similar to post-exercise soreness, settles within 24–48 hours

• Drink plenty of water — hydration supports the body's recovery
• Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day if possible
• Keep the evening gentle — rest, a warm bath, an early night
• Avoid alcohol immediately after your session

Yes to both. Muscle soreness after deeper work is normal and usually fades within 48 hours. Emotional responses — feeling tearful, unexpectedly calm, or processing something — are a recognised reaction to bodywork. It's a sign your body is releasing things it was holding. If you ever feel concerned about how you feel after a session, please reach out and we'll talk you through it.

• General wellbeing: Once a month is a solid baseline
• Stress or poor sleep: Every 2–3 weeks makes a noticeable difference
• Chronic tension or pain: Weekly or fortnightly to start, reducing as things improve
• Pregnancy: Monthly from the second trimester, more frequently as comfort needs increase

Your therapist will suggest a rhythm that suits your body and your life at the end of your first session.

We'd suggest leaving at least a few hours, and ideally waiting until the next day — especially after deep tissue work. Your muscles have just been worked and need time to settle. Light walking is fine; an intense session right afterwards can undo some of the benefit and increase soreness.

Yes — we offer a dedicated Pregnancy Massage adapted for each trimester. It's designed to ease lower back and hip pain, improve circulation, reduce swelling, and support relaxation. We do not work on clients in their first trimester (up to 12 weeks). If you have any pregnancy complications, please check with your midwife or GP before booking.

In many cases, yes — but please let us know in your consultation form so we can adapt the session appropriately. Conditions that may require modification or postponement include: recent surgery (within 6 weeks), active infection or fever, blood clots or DVT, severe cardiovascular conditions, and active cancer treatment. If you're unsure, contact us before booking and we can advise.

We use professional massage oils suited to most skin types. Please let us know about any allergies or sensitivities — especially nut allergies — in your consultation form and we'll ensure we use an appropriate alternative. You're also welcome to bring your own preferred oil or lotion.

Just tap "Book Now" at the top of any page, or visit cocoontherapy.co.uk/book. Choose your treatment and duration, pick a date and time, fill in your details, and pay securely online. You'll receive a confirmation email straight away.

Yes — you can also find and book us on Treatwell. It's a great option if you already use the platform or want to read reviews there before booking.

We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. This gives us time to offer your slot to someone else. Cancellations under 24 hours, or no-shows, may be charged the full session fee. Life happens — if something unexpected comes up, please let us know as early as you can.

Payment can be made online at the time of booking via SumUp — we accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also pay in person at the venue by card or cash.

Yes — many clients reclaim the cost of their treatments through workplace health cash plans. Invoices are available on request — just get in touch after your session and we'll send one over. Plans that commonly cover massage and complementary therapies include Medicash, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health, and Health Shield. Check your policy for eligibility and the documentation required — most just need an invoice from a qualified therapist.

Yes — gift vouchers make a wonderful present for birthdays, Mother's Day, or any occasion where someone deserves a proper rest. Text or call 07933 274028 or email hello@cocoontherapy.co.uk and we'll sort everything for you.

We're open Friday and Saturday, 9am–9pm. All appointments are by booking only — we don't accept walk-ins. Check availability and book at cocoontherapy.co.uk/book.