FAQ's
Q: What
should I expect during my first massage therapy session?
A:
Your massage therapist will have you fill out an intake form with
questions about your health history, what kind of massage you would
like, and what areas you would like worked on. The therapist will ask
some questions to establish if you have any conditions that could be
affected by massage that need to be addressed, and to determine that
the massage is the right one for you. Certain assessments and testing
may be done to evaluate your condition and determine if you have any
current complaints. You should arrive ten minutes prior to your
appointment time to fill out paperwork and have the consulation.
Q: Where will my massage
session take place?
A:
Your massage session will take place in a quiet, comfortable massage
studio on a specially designed massage table for your comfort. Soft
music will be played and the lights will be dimmed to assist in your
relaxation.
Q: How do I dress for
the massage session?
A:
For a full body massage you will need to remove all articles of
clothing, or you may leave on your underwear if you choose. The
therapist will give you privacy to undress and dress and your body will
be covered at all times except the body part that is being worked on.
Client modesty is always respected.
Q: What do I do during a
massage therapy session?
A:
Make yourself comfortable. If the therapist needs to readjust you they
will do so or ask you to readjust what is needed. Many people close
their eyes and relax completely during a massage, some even fall
asleep, and others prefer to talk. Whatever you prefer is up to you, as
it is your massage. Do whatever comes naturally and feel free to ask
any questions you may have during the massage session. The therapist
does not expect you to talk during the massage, so do not feel like you
have to, but you are welcome to do so if you like.
Q: How will a massage
feel?
A:
This depends on the modality used during the session. A standard,
baseline massage is Swedish massage, which will begin with long flowing
strokes to reduce surface muscle tension and calm the central nervous
system. As the massage progresses, firmer pressure will be used
depending on what is needed and the comfort levels of the client. A
massage creme is used to reduce friction against the client's skin.
A massage can be relaxing to reduce stress, in which lighter
pressure is used, or it can be used therapeutically to break up muscle
tension and adhesions, releasing toxins that are trapped in the muscles
to be flushed from the body allowing increased bloodflow into the
muscles. A deep tissue massage can be somewhat painful at times due to
muscle tension
that needs to be reset and trapped toxins being released from tight
muscles. However, a deep tissue massage is very beneficial and leaves
the muscles cleaner and healthier after the massage, and many clients
experience any pain as what they refer as a "good pain" but this all
depends on tolerance and the current state of your muscles. Quite often
deep tissue may be needed in some areas of the body while other areas
require only moderate pressure.
Q: How
long of a massage treatment do I need?
A: The most common length of a massage is one hour for a full body.
However, if you only need one area worked on you may only need half an
hour, or if you want a full body but want extra attention in a
troublesome area of the body, an hour and a half would be more
appropriate. For a full body deep tissue, I would in general recommend
a full hour and a half as a deep tissue is more involved and can be
completed more thoroughly in that allotted amount of time.
Q: How
will I feel after the massage?
A: Most likely very relaxed. You may feel sudden relief from long-time
tension and pain, and more flexible. Taking it easy for the rest of the
day after a massage is recommended, as well as drinking plenty of
water. Toxins are often released from tight muscles during massage and
drinking water dilutes them in your system making it easier for the
kidneys to flush them out. An epsom salt bath can also assist in
drawing out toxins from the body. You could feel a bit woozy after the
massage due to toxin release as well, especially if you have recently
been on medications. For areas that were especially tense prior to
massage, some soreness can set in later that day or within the next day
or two. This is normal and will pass, but heat applied to any sore
areas for at least fifteen minutes twice per day will help relieve the
soreness, as well as gently stretching the muscles.
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