Frequently Asked Questions

Soft Tissue and Massage Therapy FAQs

  • I am based in London, N1 area.

    I am a mobile therapist, so I travel to you. Distance and travel methods will affect if I am able to reach you (as I bring my massage couch with me and it is not small). If in doubt, please ask!

  • Please get in touch with me to book. As I am a mobile therapist with no fixed therapy room and as there are many variables for a booking (location, date and time, length of appointment, focus of treatment), it is best to discuss details in advance.

  • Your preferred treatment changes what you wear.

    Traditional: wear loose, comfortable clothing. Depending on the areas being treated, you may be asked to remove clothing to allow access (e.g. top to access the back and shoulders). Appropriateness and professionalism are key to my treatments; your comfort and privacy are a priority and any clothes removed will always be for the express purpose of the therapy treatment. You will always be appropriately draped with towels.

    Clothes on: wear close-fitting clothing e.g. leggings, long-sleeved top. I treat as often traditionally as with clothes on, and for this treatment type, I will get more traction the less I have to content with excess clothing (making techniques easier and more effective).

    You are welcome to choose which treatment style you prefer and are able to change your mind.

  • For your first session, I will need more context. Your first session may include a discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, current symptoms, and recovery goals. It may require an assessment before treatment begins.

    Some of this discussion may be possible beforehand, usually in a phone call. An assessment is only possible in person.

    Each subsequent session may require any reassessment or mention of relevant changes.

  • This depends on your personal context. Some clients feel improvement after one session, while others benefit from a series of treatments.

    The more complex a condition, the greater the likelihood of multiple sessions.

    One-off, relaxing massage sessions are also available to book.

  • Soft tissue and massage therapy is a targeted treatment to help reduce pain and muscle tension, build healthier muscle tissue, improve mobility and recovery, and address dysfunction caused by injury, chronic conditions, sport/exercise, hobbies, habits, work, and everyday life.

    It helps to support the musculoskeletal system to perform more efficiently and comfortably.

  • Soft tissue and massage therapy targets the musculoskeletal system.

    Symptoms from: sport/exercise, gym, general aches and pains and stresses, pregnancy, surgery (pre or post), chronic illness, terminal illness, and much more can be helped with soft tissue and massage therapy.

    I’ve helped people with dysfunctions arising from: hypermobility, IBS, complete ACL tear, overdoing the gym, age, and more.

  • Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with 24 hours+ in advance: no fee.

    Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice: charged at 100% of the appointment fee.

    Rescheduling with less than 24 hours notice: may incur a fee. Please intend to provide a brief explanation for any last-minute rescheduling.

    I will not entertain frequent cancellations and reserve the right to not progress any future booking with those who frequently cancel appointments.

    This approach is to best support my schedule for both myself and my other clients.

  • BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in soft tissue and massage therapy from LSSM (London School of Soft Tissue Therapy), a member of ISRM (The Institute of Sport & Remedial Massage).

    This course provides advanced training in assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions.

Zumba FAQs

  • You can find my classes on my Zumba page here: https://www.zumba.com/p/Alison-Isherwood/3857136

    I host all Zumba class, pricing and further information on the Zumba website; this allows participants to browse and book easily, and it keeps updates relevant.

  • Comfortable clothes: clothes you can move in. Although Zumba isn’t about sweating to the max, you can sweat, so wear clothing that is comfortable for that scenario. E.g. what you might wear to the gym.

  • Focus:
    Zumba: the focus is on energy, impact, and movement. Shake it to the max!
    Zumba Gold: the focus is on working balance, coordination and range of movement. Exercise impact and cardio levels are reduced to help achieve a full range of movement in each move.

    Suitability
    Zumba: Suitable for many, but not necessarily all (age, mobility, etc. all come into play and may affect accessibility).
    Zumba Gold: Suitable for all ages and particularly for older generations.

  • Zumba and Zumba Gold, provided by Zumba® following in-person training per specialism.

  • Absolutely! There are lots of online and on-demand classes on the Zumba website, and I am working on some of my own as well.

  • Absolutely yes; the more the merrier! Zumba with friends is a great way to engage with the class and have fun. Remember, they will need to register and pay the same way that you do; either in advance or onsite, depending on the class.

  • You are always welcome to join my classes. Please do note that my current classes are designed for standing participation and this may not provide the inclusive environment you need to enjoy the exercise.

    There are specific Zumba classes for wheelchair and mobility impaired participants. Look for Chair Zumba, or Zumba Gold Seated classes. It is a small but growing space, so there may be classes in your area. If not, there are classes online also (on the Zumba website and on YouTube).

    If I know of a growing demand for a seated classes, I will see how I can organise one in the London area. So, please let me know if you’d like one to join!