FAQs
Questions, answered straight
The things people ask us most, before and after they book. If yours is not here, ring or message us and we will answer it properly.
About us and qualifications
Who will I be seeing?
You’ll be seen by a Level 5 qualified sports massage and rehabilitation therapist, William Appleby, with additional legal qualifications in acupuncture. Every appointment is delivered personally, not passed to a junior or a trainee.
What’s the difference between a Level 5 Sports Therapist and a BSc Hons Sports Therapist?
A Level 5 qualification is a diploma-level award, typically completed in 1–2 years, that provides solid practical training and is enough to work professionally as a sports therapist. A BSc (Hons) is a full university degree, usually 3 years, that covers the same practical skills but goes deeper into anatomy, physiology, research, and clinical theory. Both are legitimate routes into the profession — the degree simply involves a higher level of academic study alongside the hands-on training.
Are you insured?
Yes, fully. Public liability and professional indemnity insurance are held as standard. Copies available on request. We are not HSPC qualified.
Before your first appointment
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in. For sports massage, you may need to remove some clothing to allow proper access to the treatment area, you’ll always be draped with towels and only the area being worked on is exposed. If it’s a lower body treatment, shorts are helpful. For the upper body, a strappy top or vest is ideal.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. If you have any recent scans, letters from a GP, or notes from a previous therapist or physio, feel free to bring them, they can genuinely help with the assessment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No. You can book directly.
What happens at the first appointment?
We start with a proper consultation about what’s brought you in, your medical history, your training or activity level, and what you want to be able to do again. That’s followed by a physical assessment where relevant, looking at range of movement, strength and specific tests. Then treatment begins, based on what we’ve found. You’ll always be told what’s happening before it happens, and you’re in control of the pace.
How long is the first appointment?
Typically 60 minutes. That gives us enough time for a proper conversation, a full assessment, and hands-on treatment. Follow-up appointments are usually 45-60 minutes depending on what’s needed.
During treatment
Will it hurt?
Sports massage can be uncomfortable at times, especially on tight or reactive areas. But it should never feel like something you’re gritting your teeth through. Feedback during the session is welcome, if pressure is too much, tell us and we’ll adjust immediately.
Acupuncture involves fine needles that most clients don’t find painful. Some points feel like a small pinch, some feel like nothing at all. If you’re nervous about needles, tell us, we can talk you through it before starting.
Will I be sore afterwards?
Some soreness after sports massage is normal, similar to how you might feel after a hard training session. It usually settles within 24-48 hours. Drinking plenty of water, applying heat and gentle movement afterwards helps. If soreness lasts longer than that, let us know.
Can I still train the same day?
For light training or activity, usually yes. For a heavy session or a competition, we’d recommend leaving 24-48 hours between treatment and heavy load. We’ll always give you specific guidance based on what we’ve treated.
Injuries and recovery
I’m not an athlete, is this for me?
Yes. We work with clients across the full range, competitive athletes, weekend runners, gym-goers, people rehabbing from injury or reconstructions, and plenty of people whose bodies are just stiff and sore from work, desk hours, or general life. You don’t need to be sporty to benefit from proper treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
Honest answer: it depends on the injury and how long it’s been going on. Something acute and recent might resolve in 2-4 sessions. Something chronic and long-standing can take longer. We’ll always give you a realistic sense of the timeline at your first assessment, and we’d rather be honest upfront than string sessions out.
Will it come back?
That’s often down to what happens between and after your sessions. Manual treatment addresses the immediate problem, but proper rehab, building strength, movement, and control in the injured area, is what stops it recurring. That’s what our rehabilitation plans are for. Do the rehab work, and most injuries stay resolved.
What do you treat?
We treat a wide range of soft tissue injuries, sciatica, muscle and joint issues, sports-related conditions, and general muscular tightness. For anything specific, ring us and we’ll be honest about whether we’re the right fit, and if we’re not, we’ll usually be able to point you toward someone who is.
Practical bits
How much does treatment cost?
Prices are shared clearly on our pricing page, no surprises. Give us a call or drop us a message and we’ll confirm pricing for the treatment you’re after.
How do I book?
You can book by phone, email, on Facebook or Instagram and through the contact form on the website. Full contact details are on the Contact page.
What if I need to cancel?
Let us know as soon as you can. Cancellations 24 hours or more in advance are always free. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee, full details shared at the time of booking.
Where are you based?
We work from two locations. Feels Good Studio & Gym, Belvoir Way, Fairfield Industrial Estate, Louth LN11 0LQ. And A Class Above Clinic, Mccue House 70, Wilton Road Industrial Estate, Humberston, Grimsby DN36 4AW.
Opening and closing times are different at each one, so please check the times on the Book Now page or in the footer before you travel.
Do you do home visits?
No, we do not do home visits.
Still got questions?
If your question isn’t answered here, just get in touch. We’re happy to have a quick chat before you book, no obligation, no pressure. Ring, email, or drop us a message.