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									The Massage London Forum - Recent Topics				            </title>
            <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/</link>
            <description>The Massage London Discussion Board</description>
            <language>en-GB</language>
            <lastBuildDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:08:45 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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                        <title>CPD and professional development</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/techniques-and-cpd/cpd-and-professional-development/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:40:39 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[With so many massage courses, workshops and online training options available, it&#039;s not always easy to decide what&#039;s worth investing in.
We&#039;ve already had some interesting discussions about...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span>With so many massage courses, workshops and online training options available, it's not always easy to decide what's worth investing in.</span></p>
<p><span>We've already had some interesting discussions about deep tissue techniques, myofascial release and advanced massage training.</span></p>
<p><span>But there's another side to CPD that can easily get overlooked: keeping proper records of what you've learnt.</span></p>
<p><span>Some professional bodies and insurers have their own CPD requirements, so it's useful to have everything organised, particularly if you're working independently.</span></p>
<p><span>We've added a </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/free-templates/"><span>free CPD log</span></a><span> to the website. It's available as a printable PDF or editable Word document, so you can record courses, workshops and other relevant learning.</span></p>
<p><span>We'd also love to hear which training you've found genuinely worthwhile.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>What's the most useful course or workshop you've completed this year?</span></strong></p>
<p><span>It doesn't have to be an expensive qualification. Sometimes a short practical workshop can make a real difference to the way you work.</span></p>
<p><span>If you've found a good training provider in London, feel free to share their name too.</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Caroline Davies</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/techniques-and-cpd/cpd-and-professional-development/</guid>
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                        <title>Insurance, licences and client records: is your paperwork up to date?</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/insurance-qualifications-licensing/insurance-licences-and-client-records-is-your-paperwork-up-to-date/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:36:45 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Something that doesn&#039;t get discussed enough is the paperwork therapists need to keep on top of, particularly when working independently.
Insurance is one thing, but there are also consultat...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span>Something that doesn't get discussed enough is the paperwork therapists need to keep on top of, particularly when working independently.</span></p>
<p><span>Insurance is one thing, but there are also consultation forms, treatment records, qualifications and, depending on the treatments and borough, local licensing requirements.</span></p>
<p><span>It's worth reviewing these things regularly rather than waiting until there's a problem.</span></p>
<p><span>For example, does your insurance cover every treatment you're currently offering? Have you checked whether additional qualifications are required for specialist techniques?</span></p>
<p><span>And if you're renting a room, do you know which responsibilities belong to you and which belong to the premises operator?</span></p>
<p><span>We've put together two guides that may help:</span></p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/massage-therapist-insurance/"><span>Massage therapist insurance</span></a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/special-treatment-licence-london/"><span>Special treatment licences in London</span></a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span>There's also a </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/free-templates/"><span>free client consultation form</span></a><span> available for members to download and adapt.</span></p>
<p><span>Licensing requirements can differ between London boroughs, so it's always worth checking directly with the relevant council.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>How do you manage your client records?</span></strong><span> Do you still use paper forms, or have you moved everything online?</span></p>
<p><span>And has anyone found a particularly straightforward system for keeping their paperwork organised?</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Caroline Davies</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/insurance-qualifications-licensing/insurance-licences-and-client-records-is-your-paperwork-up-to-date/</guid>
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                        <title>Room hire in London: what are therapists actually paying?</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/jobs-and-room-rentals/room-hire-in-london-what-are-therapists-actually-paying/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:26:43 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[We&#039;ve had a few discussions about the cost of working independently, and treatment room rental seems to be one of the biggest expenses.
It would be useful to get a better idea of what thera...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span>We've had a few discussions about the cost of working independently, and treatment room rental seems to be one of the biggest expenses.</span></p>
<p><span>It would be useful to get a better idea of what therapists are actually paying across London.</span></p>
<p><span>Are you renting by the hour, booking a room for a full day or paying a fixed monthly amount?</span></p>
<p><span>Hourly rental sounds convenient when you're starting out, but once you've built up regular clients, I wonder whether a monthly arrangement works out better.</span></p>
<p><span>Location obviously makes a difference too. A treatment room in central London is going to be a very different proposition from somewhere further out.</span></p>
<p><span>We've recently published a </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/massage-room-rental-london/"><span>guide to massage room rental in London</span></a><span>, and the </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-price-calculator/"><span>free price calculator</span></a><span> can help compare different rental costs.</span></p>
<p><span>If you're happy to share, let us know roughly which area you're in, what you pay and whether you're happy with the arrangement.</span></p>
<p><span>It might help someone who's currently looking for their first treatment room.</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Caroline Davies</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/jobs-and-room-rentals/room-hire-in-london-what-are-therapists-actually-paying/</guid>
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                        <title>Free templates for massage therapists: consultation, aftercare, cancellations and CPD</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/client-care/free-templates-for-massage-therapists-consultation-aftercare-cancellations-and-cpd/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:24:36 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[We&#039;ve added four free templates to The Massage London, which members can download and adapt for their own practice.
They&#039;re designed to help with some of the paperwork that comes with runni...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span>We've added four free templates to The Massage London, which members can download and adapt for their own practice.</span></p>
<p><span>They're designed to help with some of the paperwork that comes with running a massage business.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>What's available?</span></strong></p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><span>Client consultation form, including health questions, consent and treatment notes.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>Aftercare sheet with general advice for clients following a treatment.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>Booking and cancellation policy covering deposits, notice periods and missed appointments.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><span>CPD log for keeping track of courses, workshops and professional development.</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span>Each template is available as a printable PDF and an editable Word document, so you can add your own business details and make changes where needed.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/free-templates/"><span>Download the free templates here</span></a></p>
<p><span>You'll need to be signed in to access the downloads.</span></p>
<p><span>These are starting points rather than one-size-fits-all documents, so please check that they suit your treatments, insurer's requirements and professional standards.</span></p>
<p><span>We're also happy to improve them based on feedback.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>Is there another form or document you think would be useful?</span></strong><span> Perhaps something you've had to create yourself that other therapists might benefit from?</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Caroline Davies</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/client-care/free-templates-for-massage-therapists-consultation-aftercare-cancellations-and-cpd/</guid>
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                        <title>Free massage price calculator: are you charging enough?</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/rates-and-getting-clients/free-massage-price-calculator-are-you-charging-enough/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:23:21 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[We&#039;ve just added a free massage price calculator to the website, particularly for therapists who are self-employed or thinking about working independently.
One of the hardest things about s...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span>We've just added a free massage price calculator to the website, particularly for therapists who are self-employed or thinking about working independently.</span></p>
<p><span>One of the hardest things about setting your prices is knowing whether you're actually earning enough once all the expenses are taken into account.</span></p>
<p><span>Room rental, insurance, laundry, oils, travel and those gaps between appointments can make quite a difference.</span></p>
<p><span>Our calculator lets you enter your expenses, how many treatments you expect to provide each week and what you'd like to earn. It then works out an estimated minimum price per treatment.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-price-calculator/"><span>Try the free massage price calculator</span></a></p>
<p><span>We've also published a </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/massage-prices-london/"><span>guide to massage prices in London</span></a><span> if you're comparing rates.</span></p>
<p><span>It would be interesting to hear what everyone thinks.</span></p>
<p><span>Have you worked out your actual costs per treatment, or do you mostly base your prices on what other therapists in your area charge?</span></p>
<p><span>And if you've recently increased your prices, how did your regular clients react?</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Caroline Davies</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/rates-and-getting-clients/free-massage-price-calculator-are-you-charging-enough/</guid>
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                        <title>Free tools and templates - community for massage therapists</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/introductions/free-tools-and-templates-community-for-massage-therapists/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:01:52 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Alongside the forum, we&#039;ve put together some free resources to help with the practical side of working as a massage therapist.
Free tools and templates


Massage price calculator - Work ...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><span>Alongside the forum, we've put together some free resources to help with the practical side of working as a massage therapist.</span></p>
<p><strong><span>Free tools and templates</span></strong></p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-price-calculator/"><span>Massage price calculator</span></a><span> - Work out what you need to charge to cover your costs and earn a living.</span></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/free-templates/"><span>Free templates</span></a><span> - Download a client consultation form, aftercare sheet, booking and cancellation policy, and CPD log.</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span>Guides for massage therapists</span></strong></p>
<p><span>You can browse </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/"><span>all our guides</span></a><span>, including:</span></p>
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/massage-prices-london/"><span>Massage prices in London</span></a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/massage-room-rental-london/"><span>Massage room rental in London</span></a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/massage-therapist-insurance/"><span>Massage therapist insurance</span></a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/special-treatment-licence-london/"><span>Special treatment licences in London</span></a></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/guides/get-massage-clients-london/"><span>Getting massage clients in London</span></a></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span>Before joining the discussions, please take a moment to read our </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community-guidelines/"><span>community guidelines</span></a><span>. You can also visit our </span><a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/faq/"><span>FAQ</span></a><span> if you need help.</span></p>
<p><span>New members' first few posts are reviewed to keep spam out of the forum.</span></p>
<p><span>Looking forward to getting to know everyone.</span></p>
<p><span>Caroline</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Caroline Davies</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/introductions/free-tools-and-templates-community-for-massage-therapists/</guid>
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                        <title>New: 12 practical guides for London therapists</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/site-news/new-12-practical-guides-for-london-therapists/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:15:23 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[We&#039;ve added 12 new guides to the site, written for therapists working in London and for clients who want to understand a treatment.For therapists:- Special treatment licences:Renting a treat...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We've added 12 new guides to the site, written for therapists working in London and for clients who want to understand a treatment.<br /><br />For therapists:<br />- Special treatment licences: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/special-treatment-licence-london/<br />- Renting a treatment room: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-room-rental-london/<br />- Insurance: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-therapist-insurance/<br />- Massage prices in London: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-prices-london/<br />- Getting clients without ads: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/get-massage-clients-london/<br />- Avoiding burnout: <a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/london-massage-therapist-burnout/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/london-massage-therapist-burnout/</a></p>
<p>- Why therapists need a community: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/self-employed-massage-therapist/<br />- Massage trends 2026: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-trends-in-london/<br /><br />For clients:<br />- Sports massage: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/sports-massage/<br />- Pregnancy massage: <a href="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/pregnancy-massages-in-london/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/pregnancy-massages-in-london/</a></p>
<p>- Hot stone massage: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/hot-stone-massage/<br />- Indian head massage: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/indian-head-massage/<br /><br />Spotted something out of date, or think we've got something wrong? Tell us here. And if there's a topic you'd like us to cover next, suggest it below.</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Jessica</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/site-news/new-12-practical-guides-for-london-therapists/</guid>
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                        <title>Pregnant clients: how do you adapt, and when do you say no?</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/client-care/pregnant-clients-how-do-you-adapt-and-when-do-you-say-no/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 13:01:08 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Pregnancy massage raises lots of questions, especially from newer therapists. When do you start treating? What positions do you use? When do you ask a client to check with her midwife first?...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pregnancy massage raises lots of questions, especially from newer therapists. When do you start treating? What positions do you use? When do you ask a client to check with her midwife first?<br /><br />Please share your approach and any training you'd recommend. This thread is for therapists sharing practice; any client with a health concern should always speak to their midwife or GP.<br /><br />Our client guide to pregnancy massage: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/pregnancy-massages-in-london/</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Jessica</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/client-care/pregnant-clients-how-do-you-adapt-and-when-do-you-say-no/</guid>
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                        <title>How do you protect your thumbs, wrists and back?</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/techniques-and-cpd/how-do-you-protect-your-thumbs-wrists-and-back/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:51:39 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Sore thumbs and aching wrists come up again and again among massage therapists. Some of the best fixes are small: couch height, using forearms, a stretch between clients.What&#039;s worked for yo...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sore thumbs and aching wrists come up again and again among massage therapists. Some of the best fixes are small: couch height, using forearms, a stretch between clients.<br /><br />What's worked for you? And if you've had a hand or wrist problem, what helped you get back to work?<br /><br />We wrote about making a massage career last: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/london-massage-therapist-burnout/</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Jessica</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/techniques-and-cpd/how-do-you-protect-your-thumbs-wrists-and-back/</guid>
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                        <title>Which insurer do you use, and have you ever had to claim?</title>
                        <link>https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/insurance-qualifications-licensing/which-insurer-do-you-use-and-have-you-ever-had-to-claim/</link>
                        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:45:30 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Insurance is one of those things we all buy and hope never to use. But it&#039;s worth knowing how insurers actually behave.If you&#039;re comfortable sharing:- which insurer or professional body sche...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Insurance is one of those things we all buy and hope never to use. But it's worth knowing how insurers actually behave.<br /><br />If you're comfortable sharing:<br />- which insurer or professional body scheme you use<br />- roughly what you pay, and what's covered<br />- whether you've ever made a claim, and how it went (no client details, please)<br /><br />Here's our guide to the cover massage therapists need: https://themassagelondon.co.uk/massage-therapist-insurance/</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/"></category>                        <dc:creator>Jessica</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://themassagelondon.co.uk/community/insurance-qualifications-licensing/which-insurer-do-you-use-and-have-you-ever-had-to-claim/</guid>
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