Your questions answered
Here are a selection of the most common questions from our clients (by treatment area). If you cant find an answer then please call our friendly reception team.
Chiropody and podiatry
What is the difference between a chiropodist and podiatrist?
There is no difference “Podiatrist” is the most common and up-to-date as chiropody was given a new name in 1993. Chiropodists and podiatrists have the same qualifications and experience. And both can help you with minor or more severe foot issues.
I have been putting cream in-between my toes as well as on my feet is this sensible?
Using cream in between your toes can cause too much moisture to build up in between the toe clefts.This in turn can lead to wet fissures, infection and athletes foot.
How can I dry in between my toes properly?
It is always a good idea to dry in between your toes as well as you can; using cotton wool ear buds is a thorough way of doing this.
Alternatively, a hairdryer is a good way to dry between toes.
A towel isn’t always recommended as towels can be rough and quick in nature. This can cause the delicate skin interdigitally to crack, split and then can feel sore. This method is not always effective in drying in-between the lesser toes.
I cannot reach my feet to cream them on a daily basis, any ideas?
It is a good idea to either:
- Use a spray so less bending.
- Put cream into a carrier bag, then sit down and place your feet into the cream and move your feet gently around in the bag.
- Alternatively use cream on a long handled loofa /sponge and gently massage in.
What is a verrucae?
A verrucae is caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus. They can be passed on or lay dormant for many years appearing when the bodies immune system is weak.
What is the best treatment for a verruca?
Depending on a few factors, if you are not having any pain it is best to let your own immune system fight the virus first but if they start to multiply or become painful there are several different treatments ranging from applying duct tape, to treating with salicylic acid which should be carried out with care
Here at the centre we have had very good results with paring the site and then using electrolysis to shock the bodies immune system to work on the affected area
What is Chronic inflammation of the heel pad?
A dull ache maybe present in the heel when weight bearing which can increase throughout the day. Caused by a heavy heel strike this can sometimes due to loss of fat padding in the herl area and can normally be relieved by using a gel cushion pad.
What is Calcaneal bursitis?
A central heel pain which is sometimes mistaken for plantar fascitis but unlike plantar fascitis the pain will worsen throughout the day. Under the heel bone is a Bursa a fibrous dsc which is filled with fluid which has become inflamed. Ultrasound and medications can alleviate symptoms but an orthotic maybe needed long term.
Beauty therapy
What is a hollywood wax?
What is a Brazilian?
What's the difference between a pedicure and Chiropody?
What does a facial include?
Do I need a patch test before a lash tint?
Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the longest established forms of healthcare in the world. Acupuncturists are trained to use subtle diagnostic techniques that have been developed and refined for thousands of years. The focus is on you as an individual, not your illness, and all symptoms are seen in relation to each other. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to affect the flow of your body’s qi, or vital energy.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncturists insert very fine needles at precisely located points to connect with your body’s qi. Your Practitioner will decide which points are right for you after a detailed consultation covering every aspect of your health and lifestyle. The aim is to direct the flow of qi to trigger your body’s healing response and to restore physical, emotional and mental equilibrium. Treatment is designed to affect your whole being as well as your symptoms so, as the condition being treated improves, you may notice other health problems resolve and an increased feeling of wellbeing.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are so fine that most people don’t feel them being inserted. It is normal to feel a mild tingle or dull ache as the acupuncturist adjusts the needle to direct Qi. While the needles are in place most people feel deeply relaxed which can continue after they are removed.
Counselling
Do I need counselling?
I think the majority of adults and young people I have worked with have asked themselves this, perhaps over a period of time, before they eventually have their first session.
Talking therapies can be very successful in helping with a wide range of issues from anxiety and trauma, to school exams and relationships. It may be helpful to think of it less in terms of counselling, and more around having the opportunity to dedicate some time for yourself to off load, and share your thoughts and feelings. Counselling is purely for you and I will always have your best interests at heart.
What happens in counselling?
Starting counselling can feel daunting and a bit like stepping into the un-known. I understand this, and I always aim to provide you with the time and space where you feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts, without being judged in anyway.
My sessions are relaxed and I believe honesty is the best policy. I will ask where you would like to start and then follow your lead. I will not pretend to be the expert on your life, and nor will I tell you what I think you should do. I will work with you, and together we explore what is causing you concern. I may offer you a different perspective and notice particular behaviour patterns, but only if I think it would be beneficial for you in terms of reaching your therapy goals.
How many sessions will I need?
As well as choosing the content of each session, the duration of our work together is also your decision. Counselling does require a commitment from both parties, and I would suggest having 6 sessions in mind as a starting point. This isn’t fixed in stone however, and I work both short and long term. Once we have worked together, if ad-hoc sessions are needed this can be arranged. I believe that counselling is something that you can access as and when you need it, depending on your current circumstances. I also provide on-line and telephone counselling if this would be more suited to your needs.
Reflexology & Reiki
How can reflexology help me?
Reflexology is a very individual treatment which is tailored to meet your needs as a whole, taking into account physical, emotional and mental factors that may be affecting your wellbeing.
Is Reflexology ticklish?
Never ticklish! Always therapeutic.
How will I feel after a Reflexology / Reiki treatment?
Most people feel a sense of deep relaxation and wellbeing.
With ever increasing levels of stress in everyday life its important to take responsibility for our own healthcare needs. Reflexology and Reiki can help reduce stresses of modern life.
Sports Massage
What is that knot in my muscle?
A ‘knot’, known to sports therapists as ‘trigger points’, are the areas of a muscle that become hyper-irritable, especially upon compression, some of which can refer pain elsewhere. These trigger points can build up through over use, impact, repetitive movements, or trauma to the area.
How long before i can exercise again?
Sometimes, most commonly in customers who have not had treatment on a regular basis, you may experience tenderness in the muscles for up to 3 days. During the treatment, I am manually breaking down the tight spots in the muscle, and as a result of this, you may experience soreness. This will settle in time. Keep hydrated and treat your massage as a hard training session, therefore having a few easy days to recover before any further intense sessions. Gentle exercise is advised after 24 hours, unless you are still experiencing tenderness.