📍 20 Ainsdale Close, Worthing BN13 2QX
📞 07947502512
jan@zendenworthing.com
Frequently Asked Questions

Massage therapy in Worthing — your questions, answered

Consultation at Zen Den Worthing — client and Jan Bugar discussing treatment options before a massage session in the clinic's calm private treatment room.

Clear, honest answers from a Level 5 FHT-registered therapist

Twenty-eight practical answers covering booking your first appointment, what each treatment does, prices and packages, health and safety, and your therapist's qualifications. Written by Jan Bugar — the sole practitioner at Zen Den Worthing — and reviewed in May 2026. If your question isn't here, message me on WhatsApp.

  • ★★★★★ 5.0 · 66 Google reviews
  • Level 5 FHT-registered
  • Fully insured & DBS-checked
  • Worthing · since 2021
Book a massage Ask me on WhatsApp
Jan Bugar, Level 5 FHT-registered massage therapist at Zen Den Worthing

Written & reviewed by

Jan Bugar

Level 5 FHT-registered Sports & Remedial Therapist · About Jan → · LinkedIn ↗

Last reviewed May 2026

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Group 1 of 5

Booking & First Visit

How to book, where the clinic is, what to wear, how to pay — the practical questions before your first appointment.

How do I book a massage at Zen Den Worthing?

Single sessions are booked via the online booking calendar, which shows two months of availability across six days a week. Packages, memberships and gift vouchers are arranged by WhatsApp or text on 07947 502512.

If you’re in pain and can’t find a suitable slot online, message me and I’ll try to fit you in.

Where is Zen Den Worthing located?

The clinic is at 20 Ainsdale Close, Worthing BN13 2QX — in Durrington, a few minutes from Worthing seafront and a short drive from Goring, Tarring, Salvington and Findon Valley.

Free on-street parking and an EV charger are directly outside. Bus routes 5, 9, 16 and 700 all stop within walking distance. Open in Google Maps →

Is there parking at the clinic?

Yes — free on-street parking directly outside the clinic, with an EV charger also on the road. Ainsdale Close is residential and quiet; finding a space is rarely a problem.

How do I let you know I’ve arrived?

Ring the doorbell beside the main door of the bungalow, or text me on 07947 502512 letting me know you’re here and I’ll come out to meet you.

How long will my appointment be?

Plan for 10–15 minutes on top of your booked treatment time. We use that to chat about what’s troubling you before the massage, and to let you come off the table slowly afterwards. A 60-minute booking typically takes 70–75 minutes door to door.

What should I wear, and how many clothes do I take off?

Wear whatever you’re comfortable arriving in. For the treatment, I’ll ask you to remove clothing only from the area being worked on — most clients are in underwear under the towels.

Modesty towelling is used throughout the session, only the area being treated is exposed, and you will never have to remove anything you’re not comfortable removing.

What payment methods do you accept?

Cash, debit and credit cards, bank transfer, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Payment is at the end of your session — no upfront deposit required. Packages, memberships and gift vouchers are paid in advance by card or bank transfer.

If you need an invoice for self-employed tax records, company expenses, or a private health insurance claim, just ask.

What’s the cancellation policy?

More than 48 hours’ notice: free cancellation, no charge. Within 48 hours: a 50% charge may apply. Within 24 hours: a 100% charge may apply.

Genuine emergencies are handled flexibly — please let me know as early as possible. Full policy at /cancellation-policy.

Group 2 of 5

About the Treatments

What each modality does, how long sessions run, what to expect during and after — the practical detail behind the techniques.

What types of massage do you offer?

Six therapies and a flexible Customised option:

Sports Massage · Deep Tissue · Remedial · Swedish · Myofascial Release · Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

If you’re not sure which fits, book a Customised Massage and we’ll combine techniques on the day based on your goals.

How long can I have a massage for?

Sports, Deep Tissue, Swedish and Customised are 60 or 90 minutes. Remedial and Myofascial Release also offer a 30-minute option for short focused work. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is 30 or 60 minutes (no 90-min option, because the technique stops being beneficial past about an hour).

Full duration matrix and prices on /massage-pricing.

What is a Customised Massage?

A flexible session for clients who aren’t sure which treatment fits. We’ll discuss your goals at the start, then combine techniques — deep tissue, Swedish, remedial, myofascial release — to address them.

Available in 60 minutes (£60) or 90 minutes (£80), at the standard hourly rate.

What’s the difference between a sports massage and a Swedish massage?

Swedish is a relaxing full-body massage focused on circulation, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. The strokes are flowing and the pressure is moderate.

Sports massage is timing-led — sessions planned around your training and event calendar, using deeper techniques on specific muscle groups for recovery, performance, and injury prevention. Different aims, different techniques. If you’re between the two, a Remedial or Customised session often fits better.

Is massage painful?

Most treatments shouldn’t be painful. I check pressure with you near the start of the session — “good discomfort” on knotted tissue is fine, but sharp pain isn’t.

Deep tissue and deep sports work can feel intense in places. One word from you and I’ll ease off.

Will I feel sore the next day?

Possibly — especially after deep tissue or deep sports work. Post-treatment soreness usually feels tender to touch and eases within 24–48 hours.

The improvement in range of motion, stiffness and muscular pain that follows is worth the brief tenderness. Stay hydrated and move gently.

Is there any aftercare I need to do following my treatment?

Yes — three simple things: drink plenty of water in the 24 hours afterwards, move gently rather than sitting still for hours, and avoid heavy training the same day.

You’ll receive an aftercare email 24 hours after your appointment with practical tips. If you experience anything unexpected, message me on WhatsApp.

I’m allergic to massage oil — can I still receive a massage?

It depends on what specifically you’re allergic to. I use two massage oils: a standard oil that contains nut oil, and a nut-free alternative for clients with nut allergies. If you have a nut allergy, just mention it when booking and I’ll use the nut-free oil for your session.

If you’re allergic to oils in general — rare but possible — please WhatsApp me on 07947 502512 before booking so we can talk through whether I can safely treat you. Either way, please flag any allergies up front so I can plan accordingly.

Group 3 of 5

Pricing & Packages

What it costs, how often to book, the loyalty packages, the annual membership, and gift vouchers. Detail at /massage-pricing.

How much does a massage cost?

From £25 for a 30-minute MLD to £80 for a 90-minute sports, deep tissue, remedial, Swedish or myofascial release massage. Most standard treatments are £60 for 60 minutes or £80 for 90 minutes.

Same hourly rate across all main therapies — no hidden fees or upselling. Full breakdown on /massage-pricing.

Do you offer packages or memberships?

Yes — three options, all saving money for regular clients:

Silver Package £200 — four 60-minute sessions, saves £40 versus pay-as-you-go.
Gold Package £280 — four 90-minute sessions, also saves £40.
Annual Membership £50/year — £10 off every 60- and 90-minute session for 12 months. Pays for itself after 5 sessions.

All three are paid in advance and non-transferable. Packages last 12 months from purchase. Order via WhatsApp on 07947 502512.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes — in five fixed amounts: £30 (30 min), £60 (60 min), £80 (90 min), £200 (Silver Package), or £280 (Gold Package).

Sent digitally by email or WhatsApp, usually the same day. Valid for 12 months from purchase. Order via WhatsApp on 07947 502512.

How many sessions will I need?

Varies by person and condition. Most clients see significant improvement within 3 or 4 treatments. Chronic issues may need more; acute issues sometimes resolve faster.

We’ll discuss realistic expectations after your first session based on what we find. If something needs onward referral to a GP or physio, I’ll tell you.

How often should I have a massage?

Depends on your goals and lifestyle. Maintenance: fortnightly or monthly is common. Active training cycles: weekly to fortnightly during peak weeks. Relaxation and stress: monthly works well for most.

The best signal is your own body — when the benefits start wearing off and the niggles come back, it’s probably time to rebook.

Group 4 of 5

Health & Safety

Pregnancy, chronic pain, conditions where massage isn’t suitable, and private health insurance — honest, non-medical answers.

Important: Massage therapy is complementary, not a replacement for medical care. If you have a serious or undiagnosed condition, consult your GP before booking. I’ll always refer you on if I think you need it.

Is massage safe during pregnancy?

I don’t treat pregnant clients. Pregnancy massage requires specialist training and certification that I don’t hold, so I refer pregnant clients to therapists who are properly qualified.

If you’re pregnant and looking for massage in the Worthing area, message me on WhatsApp and I’ll point you toward a certified pregnancy massage therapist. Once you’re past the postnatal period, you’re welcome to book a standard session with me.

Can massage help with chronic pain?

For many people, yes — research supports massage as a useful adjunct for chronic conditions like lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension, fibromyalgia, and tension headaches.

It works best alongside other treatments — physiotherapy, prescribed exercise, GP-led care — not as a standalone cure. If pain is severe, recent, or undiagnosed, see your GP first. I’ll happily work with your physio or consultant’s plan if there is one.

Are there any conditions when I shouldn’t book a massage?

Skip massage if you have:

Acute infections or a high temperature · recent (under 48 hours) acute muscle or tendon injuries · deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a clotting disorder · severe uncontrolled heart conditions · active cancer (unless your oncologist has approved oncology-trained massage) · pregnancy at any stage · uncontrolled epilepsy.

Check with your GP first if you’ve had recent surgery, are on blood thinners, or have a condition you’re unsure about. I’ll ask about your health on arrival — please be honest, even about things that feel embarrassing. It helps me give you the safest, most effective treatment.

Can I claim massage on private health insurance?

FHT membership is recognised by some private health cash plans, but coverage varies significantly between providers and policies. Always check your individual policy before booking.

I’ll happily provide a receipt or invoice for your claim — just ask after the session and I’ll send it by email.

Group 5 of 5

About Your Therapist

Qualifications, insurance, and professional memberships — the trust signals you’d expect from any qualified practitioner.

What qualifications do you hold?

Five FHT-accredited qualifications, all from Brighton Holistics:

  • Level 5 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy (FHT)
  • Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage (FHT)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Body Massage (FHT / ITEC / VTCT)
  • Diploma in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (FHT, Dec 2024)
  • Diploma in Oncology Massage (FHT, Dec 2024)

Level 5 is the highest sports qualification the Federation of Holistic Therapists accredits in the UK. More on /about-me.

Are you fully insured and DBS-checked?

Yes — fully insured through the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and DBS-checked. Both certifications are current. Happy to show documentation if you’d like to see it before your first appointment.

Are you a member of any professional associations?

Yes — Full Member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), the UK’s leading professional body for complementary, holistic, beauty and sports therapists. You can find my profile on fht.org.uk.

I’m also a member of the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce.

What clients say

Still got questions? These reviews answer the ones FAQs can’t

Every review on the clinic’s Google Business Profile is from a real client. If you’re weighing up your first appointment, these reviews speak to the things people most want to know — quality of care, professionalism, and whether it actually helped.

★★★★★
I've seen many sports massage therapists over 25 years — Jan ranks at the top. His expert deep tissue and sports massage helped with pain relief and flexibility. Highly recommend Zen Den Worthing.
David M
25 years of sports massage experience · September 2025
★★★★★
Jan is amazing at what he does! I went to see Jan for my surgery recovery as I had some swelling — I had a lymphatic drainage massage with him. I had 4 sessions with Jan and the results are showing, I can feel the effects! I can't recommend Jan enough, he's so knowledgeable and caring.
Sarah Weale
MLD post-surgery client · 4 sessions · May 2026
★★★★★
Jan is AMAZING! I've had back issues for years and 2 slipped discs previously. Jan never fails to reset my back and get me into a good state each time. The setting is also top tier — perfect temperature, relaxing music, perfectly cleaned and highly organised.
Ian Roy Local Guide
Recurring remedial client · January 2026
Read all 66 reviews on Google
Pricing kept current

Last reviewed and updated: 29 May 2026 · Next scheduled review: November 2026 · Pricing held since 2024 — no increases planned for 2026

Question not here? Just ask.

If something I haven’t covered is on your mind — about a specific condition, a session, or anything else — message me on WhatsApp or book online. Level 5 FHT-accredited massage in Worthing, from £25 per session.

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★★★★★ 5.0 from 66 Google reviews

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