Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Q: What is FST™ (Fascial Stretch Therapy)?

A: FST™ (Fascial Stretch Therapy) is an assisted stretching technique designed to downregulate nervous system, improve flexibility, mobility and movement quality. Unlike traditional stretching, your therapist gently guides your body through pain-free stretches while working with the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles and joints. Many clients report feeling calmer, looser, moving more freely and recovering faster after treatment.

Q: What conditions can FST™ help with?

A: FST™ may benefit people experiencing:

Tight muscles
Limited mobility
Sports-related stiffness
Reduced flexibility
Recovery after training
Desk-related posture issues
General movement restrictions

Everyone responds differently, so your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs.

Q What is the difference between sports massage and a relaxation massage?

A Sports massage focuses on improving muscle function, reducing tension and supporting recovery and performance. Techniques are more targeted and may involve deeper pressure, trigger point work and specific treatment plans.

Relaxation massage is designed primarily to reduce stress and promote overall relaxation.

Q Do I need to be an athlete to book a sports massage?

A Not at all. Sports massage is suitable for anyone experiencing muscle tightness, repetitive strain, physically demanding work or an active lifestyle. Many office workers, tradespeople, parents and gym-goers benefit from sports massage.

Q What happens during my first appointment?

A Your first appointment includes:

Discussion of your goals and symptoms
Health history
Movement assessment (if appropriate)
Hands-on treatment
Advice for recovery and self-care if needed

Q Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

A No. Although both use fine needles, dry needling is based on modern Western anatomy and focuses on treating muscles and trigger points to reduce pain and improve movement. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.

Q Does dry needling hurt?

A Most people experience only mild discomfort. You may feel a brief muscle twitch or aching sensation, which is often a desired response. Some soreness afterwards is normal and usually settles within 24–48 hours.

Q Is dry needling safe?

A Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner. Your therapist will explain the procedure, discuss any risks and determine whether it is appropriate for you. I am registered with Blood NZ as dry needling provider in case you donate blood.

Q What is cupping therapy?

A Cupping therapy uses specialised cups to create gentle suction on the skin. It may help reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation and support recovery. Temporary circular marks are a normal response and usually fade within several days.

Q What are the benefits of hot stone massage?

A Hot stone massage combines therapeutic massage with warmed basalt stones to help muscles relax more quickly. This can allow deeper work with less discomfort while promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension.

Q How often should I get a massage?

A This depends on your goals, reaction to an appointment and affordability. For pain management or injury recovery more frequent treatments may be recommended initially, but it depends on situation. For maintenance, many clients benefit from treatments every 4–6 weeks.

Q What should I wear?

A For massage wearing underwear or comfortable shorts are appreciated however draping is always used to ensure your privacy and comfort. FST is performed fully clothed - wear loose pr stretchy pants and top that feels comfortable.

Q Will the massage be painful?

A A treatment should never feel painful, you might experience some discomfort, but not pain. Level of discomfort varies and should be discussed and adjusted with therapist.

Some techniques used in sports massage or FST™ may feel intense, but your therapist will always work within your comfort level and adjust pressure based on your feedback.

Q Can massage help with back pain or neck pain?

A Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension, improve movement and relieve discomfort associated with muscular back and neck pain. If symptoms are severe, persistent or related to injury, you may also need assessment from another healthcare professional.

Q Do you work with gym injuries and runners?

A Yes. Treatment can help people participating in:

Strength training
CrossFit
Running
Cycling
Martial arts
Team sports
General fitness

Sessions are tailored to your activity and goals.

Q is FST™ suitable if I'm not flexible?

A Absolutely. Many people seek FST™ because they feel stiff or have limited mobility. Treatments are adapted to your current range of movement.

Q How long does it take to notice results?

A Some people notice improvements after one session, while others benefit from a series of treatments. Results depend on factors such as your condition, activity level, consistency and overall health.

Q Can I claim massage through health insurance?

A You should check with your insurer regarding eligibility. I am NOT registered with Massage New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Q: What is FST™ (Fascial Stretch Therapy)?

​

​

Q: What conditions can FST™ help with?

​

A: FST™ may benefit people experiencing:

Tight muscles

Limited mobility

Sports-related stiffness

Reduced flexibility

Recovery after training

Desk-related posture issues

General movement restrictions

Everyone responds differently, so your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs.

​

Q What is the difference between sports massage and a relaxation massage?

​

A Sports massage focuses on improving muscle function, reducing tension and supporting recovery and performance. Techniques are more targeted and may involve deeper pressure, trigger point work and specific treatment plans.

Relaxation massage is designed primarily to reduce stress and promote overall relaxation.

​

Q Do I need to be an athlete to book a sports massage?

​

A Not at all. Sports massage is suitable for anyone experiencing muscle tightness, repetitive strain, physically demanding work or an active lifestyle. Many office workers, tradespeople, parents and gym-goers benefit from sports massage.

Q What happens during my first appointment?

​

A Your first appointment includes:

Discussion of your goals and symptoms

Health history

Movement assessment (if appropriate)

Hands-on treatment

Advice for recovery and self-care if needed

Q Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

​

A No. Although both use fine needles, dry needling is based on modern Western anatomy and focuses on treating muscles and trigger points to reduce pain and improve movement. Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.

Q Does dry needling hurt?

​

A Most people experience only mild discomfort. You may feel a brief muscle twitch or aching sensation, which is often a desired response. Some soreness afterwards is normal and usually settles within 24–48 hours.

Q Is dry needling safe?

​

A Dry needling is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner. Your therapist will explain the procedure, discuss any risks and determine whether it is appropriate for you. I am registered with Blood NZ as dry needling provider in case you donate blood.

​

Q What is cupping therapy?

​

A Cupping therapy uses specialised cups to create gentle suction on the skin. It may help reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation and support recovery. Temporary circular marks are a normal response and usually fade within several days.

​

Q What are the benefits of hot stone massage?

​

A Hot stone massage combines therapeutic massage with warmed basalt stones to help muscles relax more quickly. This can allow deeper work with less discomfort while promoting relaxation and easing muscle tension.

Q How often should I get a massage?

​

A This depends on your goals, reaction to an appointment and affordability. For pain management or injury recovery more frequent treatments may be recommended initially, but it depends on situation. For maintenance, many clients benefit from treatments every 4–6 weeks.

​

Q What should I wear?

​

A For massage wearing underwear or comfortable shorts are appreciated however draping is always used to ensure your privacy and comfort. FST is performed fully clothed - wear loose pr stretchy pants and top that feels comfortable.

Q Will the massage be painful?

​

A A treatment should never feel painful, you might experience some discomfort, but not pain. Level of discomfort varies and should be discussed and adjusted with therapist.

Some techniques used in sports massage or FST™ may feel intense, but your therapist will always work within your comfort level and adjust pressure based on your feedback.

Q Can massage help with back pain or neck pain?

​

A Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension, improve movement and relieve discomfort associated with muscular back and neck pain. If symptoms are severe, persistent or related to injury, you may also need assessment from another healthcare professional.

Q Do you work with gym injuries and runners?

​

A Yes. Treatment can help people participating in:

Strength training

CrossFit

Running

Cycling

Martial arts

Team sports

General fitness

Sessions are tailored to your activity and goals.

​

Q is FST™ suitable if I'm not flexible?

​

A Absolutely. Many people seek FST™ because they feel stiff or have limited mobility. Treatments are adapted to your current range of movement.

Q How long does it take to notice results?

​

A You should check with your insurer regarding eligibility. I am NOT registered with Massage New Zealand.