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Preparing for Your Session

How should I prepare?
  • Hydrate well before and after you treatment.
  • Avoid heavy meals two hours before your session.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing – some treatments you may remain partially clothed.
  • Arrive a few minutes early to relax and settle in.
  • Ensure you have filled out the client intake and consent form.
  • Please shower before your session (showers are available on site).

General Questions

How do I know which therapy is right for me?
During your initial consultation we'll discuss your history, goals and any concerns to create a personalised plan. Many clients benefit from combining approaches – sports massage for muscle tension, MLD for swelling, or TCM techniques like cupping for deep fascial release. With over a decade of experience, together, we'll find what works for your body.
What should I expect during my first session at Nueva Vida at Zweet Club?
We'll start with a thorough conversation about your health, lifestyle and what you want to achieve. Then we'll move into treatment based on what we've discussed. Wear comfortable clothing and arrive hydrated. The session is yours – I'll move at your pace.
Do I need to be a Zweet Club member to book?
Not at all. Nueva Vida is open to members and non‑members alike. Just mention you're visiting for a session when you arrive and reception will point you in the right direction.
Are there any reasons I shouldn't book?
Certain conditions – acute infections, blood clots, recent surgery, some skin conditions – may require postponement or modification. Always share your full medical history during intake. Safety comes first.
How long are sessions?
Depending on the treatment, sessions range from 15 minutes (pre‑event activation) to 90 minutes (advanced MLD or deluxe massage). We'll confirm duration when you book.

Sports & Performance Therapy

What's the difference between sports massage and a regular massage?
Sports massage is goal‑oriented. It's not about relaxation – though that often happens anyway. We're looking at how you move, where you're tight, and what's holding you back from performing at your best. Techniques include deep tissue, myofascial release and stretching, all tailored to your activity.
Do I need to be an athlete to book sports massage in Ghent?
Not at all. If you're active – running, cycling, training at the gym, even just staying on top of life – you'll benefit. The techniques work for anyone with a body that moves.
Will it hurt?
Pressure is always adjusted to your comfort. Some work may be intense but it shouldn't be painful. Tell me what you're feeling and we'll adapt. A little soreness after is normal; pain during is not.
How often should I come?
For athletes in heavy training, weekly sessions support recovery and prevent injury. For maintenance, every 3–6 weeks keeps things moving well. Chronic issues may need more frequent visits initially, then taper off.
Can you help with a specific injury?
Yes. We'll assess the area, look at movement patterns, and address the root cause – not just the symptom. Often that means working around the injury to release compensations elsewhere.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

What is manual lymphatic drainage?
It's a gentle, rhythmic massage that stimulates lymph flow – your body's natural drainage system. Unlike deep tissue work, the pressure is light and the movement is wave‑like. It helps reduce swelling, support detox and boost immune function.
How is MLD different from regular massage?
Regular massage works on muscles and fascia. MLD works on the lymphatic system, just beneath the skin. The pressure is much lighter and the strokes follow specific pathways. It's deeply relaxing but works on a completely different level.
Who benefits from MLD in Ghent?
Anyone with swelling after injury or surgery, those with autoimmune conditions, people who feel constantly bloated or sluggish, and anyone wanting to support their immune system. It's also popular before/after flights or intense training.
Can MLD help with post‑surgery recovery?
Absolutely. It's one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling and speed healing after procedures. Always get clearance from your surgeon first, then we can begin.
How often should I get MLD?
For acute swelling, 1–2 sessions a week initially. For maintenance or general wellness, monthly sessions work well. We'll adjust based on how your body responds.

TCM & Integrated Therapies (Cupping, Gua Sha)

What is cupping therapy?
Cups create suction on the skin, lifting the fascia and increasing blood flow to an area. It's excellent for releasing deep tension, breaking up adhesions and moving stagnation. The marks look dramatic but aren't painful – think of them as a deep tissue massage in reverse.
Does cupping hurt?
The suction feels unusual but not painful – a tight pulling sensation. Any marks fade within a few days to a week. Most people find it deeply releasing.
What's gua sha?
A technique using a smooth tool to scrape the skin in specific directions. It breaks down fascial restrictions, improves circulation and clears heat or stagnation from the body. Often used on the face, back, neck and shoulders.
Can I combine cupping with massage?
Yes, and it works beautifully. A massage prepares the tissue, then cupping takes the work deeper. Many clients book the 60‑minute massage and cupping session for exactly this reason.
Is TCM only for physical issues?
No. Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body holistically. Stress, anxiety, poor sleep – all of these have patterns we can address with the right techniques. The approach is always tailored to you.
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