WHERE WILL MY MASSAGE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
MUST I BE COMPLETLY UNDRESSED?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
WILL THE PRACTITIONER BE PRESENT WHEN I DISROBE?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with the sheet and blanket.
WILL I BE COVERED DURING THE SESSION?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
WHAT PARTS OF MY BODY WILL BE MASSAGED?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
WHAT WILL THE MASSAGE FEEL LIKE?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BODYWORK?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING MY MASSAGE?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER MY SESSION?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
ARE THERE MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD MAKE MASSAGE INADVISABLE?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST MASSAGE?
Remember that some days, weeks, and months don't go as smoothly as others life happens to the best of us. Just show up ready to take the time to relax and focus on getting the therapeutic relief you need.
That said, comfortable clothes are a lot easier to get back into at the end of your session.
DO PEOPLE SLEEP DURING SESSIONS?
Absolutely!! I also have clients who stay awake and or talk for entire sessions. This is your time to relax, sleeping, drooling, snoring, and talking are all perfectly acceptable during your session.
WILL YOUR THERAPIST TALK DURING THE MASSAGE?
I will speak to check in on your pressure tolerance and comfort level at times during the session. Any further conversation is client lead! I will not be offended if you tell me you do not want to talk during your session.
IS MASSAGE SUPPOSE TO HURT?
Typically NO! There is a concept of therapeutic discomfort or the good hurt that may take place in deeper more focused massage sessions but at no point should you be in pain. IF IT HURTS SPEAK UP!!
I do not feel what you are feeling there may be a point where the pressure that felt great is simply too much for another area. Your communication of discomfort is essential to ensure you get what you need from your massage.
IS IT OKAY FOR YOU AS A CLIENT TO ASK ME QUESTIONS DURING YOUR MASSAGE?
Professional and respectful inquiries are expected and appreciated. You should always feel welcome to break the silence for a moment and return to it at any point during your session.
