Your First Sports Massage at Club-K Fitness
What to Expect in Hextable, Swanley & Dartford
If you’ve never had a sports massage before, it’s completely normal to feel a bit unsure about what will happen. At Club-K Fitness, my aim is to make your first visit feel calm, clear, and fully under your control.
I’m Luke, and this blog walks you through exactly what to expect when you come to Club-K Fitness in Hextable for your first sports massage therapy, from the moment you arrive to how we choose the right treatment for you.
Arriving at Club-K Fitness
When you arrive, you’ll see the large black doors from the car park, but our main entrance is just to the side. This brings you into our reception area, where you’re welcome to:
- Take a moment to settle in
- Browse our small library
- Pick up a local village newsletter
- Use the toilet before your appointment if needed
From there, we walk through the gym space and into the private massage room.
Before entering the massage room, shoes are placed in a box to keep the space clean, calm, and comfortable.
The Massage Room & Clinical Consent
Once inside the massage room, the first thing we do is sit down and go through some clinical consent paperwork. This is an important part of clinical sports massage and puts you fully in control.
Clinical consent means:
- You choose how much clothing you remove
- You choose where the massage is carried out
- You choose the level of pressure
- You can stop or change the session at any time
Consent can be withdrawn at any point — if you’re uncomfortable, want to stop, or want something changed, you just say so.
Understanding Your Problem Properly
I use a structured SOAP approach:
- Subjective: you tell me what’s going on and how it feels
- Objective: I assess and test where appropriate
- Assessment & Plan: we agree together how the massage will work
This is your opportunity to correct me if I’ve misunderstood anything. The goal is to give you the massage you actually need, not a generic treatment.
Hygiene, Privacy & Comfort
Before the massage begins, the couch is prepared with fresh barrier paper to ensure a clean surface for every client.
You remove only as much clothing as you’re comfortable with:
- Most people keep underwear on
- Some people prefer not to — that’s entirely your choice
- Towels are always used professionally and appropriately
If you’d prefer not to remove clothing at all, massage can be carried out through clothing. Your comfort always comes first.
Pressure, Feedback & Being in Control
One of the most important things I encourage is communication.
If something feels:
- Too much
- Not enough
- Slightly off position
You simply say so. I want you to guide me — it’s your body, and the goal is for you to feel better at the end of the session.
Sports massage can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially if you’re already in pain, but my job is never to hurt you, only to help relieve discomfort safely and effectively.
Treatments Available at Club-K Fitness
Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage works by applying pressure into muscles to help them release, improve movement, and reduce pain. It’s particularly useful for:
- Back pain
- Shoulder and neck issues
- Calf, hamstring and lower limb problems
Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses a vacuum to gently lift the tissue rather than pressing down into it.
Benefits include:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved blood flow
- An alternative for people who find deep pressure uncomfortable
Cupping marks can occur, similar to a love bite rather than a bruise, and usually fade within a few days.
Dry Needling (Acupuncture)
Dry needling can be especially helpful if you’re in a lot of pain or have conditions such as a frozen shoulder.
- Disposable, sterile needles are used
- Needles are very fine and usually feel like a brief scratch
- All sharps are disposed of safely in clinical containers
This technique allows treatment without heavy pressure on sensitive areas.
Hot & Cold Stone Massage
Hot stone massage uses basalt stones to deliver deep warmth into muscles, while cold stones (made from marble) can help calm irritated nerves.
This combination can be particularly effective for:
- Chronic pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle tension
Heat and cold stimulate nerves in different ways, helping to reduce pain signals and promote relaxation.
Appointment Lengths & What to Book
Appointments are structured so you’re not rushed, but also get the most from your time.
- 30 minutes – small, specific areas (e.g. shoulder, calf)
- 45 minutes – medium areas (e.g. back, neck and shoulders)
- 60 minutes – full body massage
- 90 minutes – full body hot stone massage
Appointment time includes consultation, treatment, and getting dressed, so everything is unhurried but efficient.
Booking Your Massage
You can book directly online, choosing a time that suits you without back-and-forth messaging.
You don’t need a separate consultation unless you’re unsure what to book. If needed, treatments like:
- Cupping
- Dry needling
Can be added during your appointment.
The only exception is hot stones, which need advance notice as they take time to heat.
A Calm, Private Setting in Hextable
All massages take place in a private studio in Hextable, easily accessible from Swanley and Dartford. There’s no busy gym environment, no feeling rushed, and no judgement — just focused, professional care.
Ready to Book?
If you’re dealing with pain, tension, or restricted movement and are looking for sports massage therapy in Hextable, Swanley or Dartford, you can book online and come straight in.
If you have questions first, feel free to get in touch. Otherwise, book a session and let’s get you feeling better with the approach that works best for you.