Women-only studio · Stoke-on-Trent
Your questions, answered
Everything you need to know before your first visit, or your next one. Treatment-specific questions are answered on each treatment page.
Visiting the studio
Essential Massage is women-only because massage is personal, and many women find they can relax more fully in a space that is just for them. It is not a busy spa with mixed company in the waiting area. It is a private studio where every appointment is yours alone.
Yes. The studio is a private log cabin in my garden at 8 Withies Road, Stoke-on-Trent. There is one treatment table, one therapist, and no waiting room. Nobody else is on the premises during your session.
The studio is at 8 Withies Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 5QR. There is a driveway outside; if it is taken, Withies Road is a quiet cul-de-sac with plenty of free street parking. Look for the green gate at the side of the house, come through the drive, and I will meet you at the gate.
I see women Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, and Saturday 10am to 4pm. The studio is closed on Sundays. You can call on 07929 150246 during those hours, or book online any time.
Booking and payment
Book online at essentialmassage.uk/book. Choose your treatment, a date, and a time that suits you. I ask for at least 24 hours notice when booking so I can prepare properly for your session.
No. There is no online payment. You pay at the studio on the day, by card or cash. Keep it simple.
I ask for 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. If you are feeling unwell and cannot give that much notice, please message me as soon as you can and I will always find a way to rearrange.
Full-body treatments start from £60. Shorter treatments such as Indian Head Massage start from £25. There is also a 30-minute pregnancy massage taster for first-timers at £35. Packages of six sessions are available from £330. Full pricing is on the treatments page.
Not online yet. If you would like to arrange a gift voucher, get in touch via the contact page and I will sort something out for you.
Your first visit
Before we start I will ask you to fill in a short intake form covering your health, any areas to focus on, and any essential oils you want me to avoid. Then we talk through what you are hoping to get from the session. The massage itself starts when you are ready.
Wear anything comfortable for the journey. During the session you undress to your own level of comfort while I step out of the room. You are covered by towels throughout, with only the area being worked on uncovered at any time. There is nothing special to bring.
Nothing elaborate. Avoid a heavy meal in the hour or two before your appointment. Drink water before and after your session. The intake form is part of your booking; fill it in as fully as you can and that is the preparation done.
That depends on what you are coming for. For general stress and tension, once or twice a month is a common rhythm. For something more specific like ongoing back pain or recovery from sport, we can work out a schedule that suits your body and your budget. There is no pressure to commit to anything up front.
Yes, from 12 weeks onwards. I hold FHT-accredited pregnancy massage training and adapt every session to the stage of pregnancy. For the full answer, including what to expect trimester by trimester, visit the pregnancy massage page.
About your therapist
Francia Gregory, known as Fran. I am the only therapist at Essential Massage. Every session is with me, so I build up a picture of what works for your body over time.
Yes. I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies (VTCT, 2010), a Level 3 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (VTCT, 2012), and FHT-accredited pregnancy massage training (TEACH Therapy, 2022), among other qualifications. I have been practising since 2008 and am a current member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. You can verify my FHT registration at fht.org.uk.
Yes. Essential Massage is a one-person business. Fran is the only therapist, so there are no handovers, no surprises, and no having to explain your preferences from scratch each time.
Something not covered here?
Send me a message and I will get back to you. Or call during studio hours.
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm
Ready to book?
Choose your treatment and a time that suits you. Pay at the studio on the day.