What to expect from your massage:
What is massage therapy?
Therapeutic massage is a systematic manual approach to releasing
tension and waste products from the soft tissues of the human body,
which include the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and
joints. Massage benefits include relief from muscular pain, increased
range of motion and flexibility, improved circulation, and
psychological stress reduction. All of these elements combined help to
achieve an overall feeling of well-being.
I’ve never had a massage. What should I expect?
Once you arrive at my office, your first step is to take a really deep
breath and relax – life just seems easier here. After spending a few
minutes providing me with some details of your health history and
preferences for the massage, I will customize the session for you and
to your specific needs. Techniques and methods will be determined as to
what kind of session you would most benefit from based on your
objectives. I will then leave you in privacy to disrobe to your level
of comfort and to get onto the massage table. From there, you can
completely relax and enjoy the calming music and therapeutic benefits of the massage.
Will I be covered up?
Yes, regardless of whether you choose to completely disrobe or leave
some clothing on, you will always be professionally draped, except the
area that I am working on. You are only asked to disrobe to your level
of comfort.
What should I wear?
Most people prefer to receive massage either wearing their bottom
underwear or unclothed, as you are covered the entire session. Some
clients also find that dressing in comfy clothes before and/or after
their session helps them ease into and out of their treatment.
Does massage hurt?
Typically, massage does not produce pain. If you are treating yourself
to a deeper form of massage that focuses on specific areas of
discomfort in your body, you may feel a sensation that many clients
describe as "hurts so good." Another way to describe this is “good
pain”. This sensation happens when I locate a tender or tight area
within your muscle. Otherwise, your massage will feel very comforting
and relaxing if you are here to simply unwind.
Will I be sore after my massage?
If you are receiving a deeper form of massage, there may be a form of
mild residual soreness after your treatment depending upon the current
state of your muscle tissue. This sensation feels similar to
post-workout soreness, and usually lasts about a day. If this occurs,
it means that your body and muscles responded to the techniques
performed during the session. To minimize this effect, drink a lot of
water after your massage, take a hot bath with Epsom salts, and do some
gentle stretching.
How does massage therapy work?
Massage therapy affects the body as a whole, primarily your soft
tissues, nervous system and circulation. Massage helps to loosen
contracted, shortened muscles and stimulate weak, flaccid ones. This
muscle balancing helps restore posture and promote more efficient
movement. Massage also provides a gentle stretching action to both the
muscles and connective tissues that surround and support the body,
helping to keep these tissues soft and elastic. All forms of massage
help to deactivate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby relieving
stress while improving digestion, sleep, and immune function. Massage
also increases the circulation of both blood and lymph, supplying fresh
oxygen and nutrients that assist in eliminating toxins and waste
products.
When should I avoid receiving massage?
The
list below are guidelines, so when in doubt, please phone your doctor.
Massage should not be given if you have congestive heart failure, liver
or kidney failure, infection of the superficial veins (phlebitis) or
soft tissue, blood clots, varicose veins, bleeding disorders, high
fever or any type of contagious condition.
Should I be silent or engage in conversation during my massage?
You may talk as little or as much as you like. Most people are
comfortable remaining quite as they drift into a deep state of
relaxation while others find that chatting helps them calm down. Feel
free to do what comes natural, including falling asleep. Certain types
of massage require occasional feedback regarding pressure and
technique, but most people achieve the greatest therapeutic benefits by
limiting their conversation and quieting their mind so that they may
completely focus on their body.
What if I am self-conscious about my body?
As a professionally trained Massage Therapist, I have worked on every
type of body, from young to old, to large and small. Your session is
based completely on your preferences, so feel free to let me know if
you would rather me work through specific areas of clothing, or avoid
an area all together.
What areas of my body will be massaged?
For a typical full body treatment, your back, front and back arms,
front and back legs, and neck and shoulders are massaged. Depending on
areas of tightness and your goals for the session, your upper
pectorals, stomach and glute muscles can be included. Additional areas
based on your post-massage activities are your facial area and scalp.
Do I need to shower before my massage?
A warm shower helps to relax tense muscles if you have been exercising
or doing strenuous activity prior to you massage; otherwise, showering
is not necessary.
Do I have to shave before a treatment?
Shaving is optional for a massage.