Common Questions and What to Expect!

Where Will My Massage Session Take Place?
Your massage will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. My Massage room is attached to my home with a separate entrance and its own bathroom. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I Be Completely Undressed?
Most massages 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?
I leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

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?
We will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).

What Will the Massage Feel Like?
It depends on the techniques used. I use a form of Swedish massage. 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. 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 is most effective when your body is not resisting and you are comfortable.

Are There Different Kinds of Massage?
Yes, there are numerous types of massage; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more.

Modalities I offer...Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Compression work, Pre and Post Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Infant and Child Massage, and Hot Stone Massage.

How Long Will the Session Last?
The average full-body massage session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back, one side or the other. Many people prefer a 60 minute session for optimal relaxation but is not required for therapy or spot treatments. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.

What Should I Do During the Massage?
Make yourself comfortable. I will 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. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask questions about massage or about the particular technique you are receiving.

How Will I Feel After the Massage?
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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

What Are the Benefits of Massage?
Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain,
increase joint flexibility,
reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress,
promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue,
improve posture,
reduce blood pressure,
promote better sleep,
improve concentration,
reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being,
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion,
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays,
Ease medication dependence,
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system,
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles,
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts,
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin,
Lessen depression and anxiety,
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks,
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling,
Reduce spasms and cramping,
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles,
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller,
Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally! There’s no denying the power of massage. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage.

Research shows that with massage...
Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing massage and is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the benefits with frequent visits. Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of massage. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with me to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage Inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, you fill out all the questions on the questionnaire. It is very important that you inform me 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 prior to any session. I require an approval from your OB doctor if you are pregnant.

I welcome my clients, at their freewill to leave feedback here about the care they receive from me. (Please know that if you leave your name, you will be forfeiting a part of your confidentiality agreement only in that people will know you come to my practice). All clients have a confidentiality agreement with me...everything disclosed during the session, on questionnaires etc is CONFIDENTIAL.

General Massage information provided by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.