Why should I get a massage?
Almost everyone will enjoy the positive effects from receiving a massage. The benefits are numerous for people of all ages and activity levels. Therapeutic massage feels wonderful and is very healthful. In addition, touch is a physical need like oxygen and nutrition. People require touch to truly thrive and massage provides a safe and caring way to receive the contact we all need. Massage is fast becoming a viable means of healthy, preventative maintenance for the body, just as diet and exercise. It is a fabulous stress reducer and wonderful treat for anyone at any age and can become an integral part of a person’s total health, beauty and fitness regime.
What is the purpose of massage?
Massage is the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Many situations cause a metabolic imbalance with the soft tissues, and most of these can be treated with massage. Massage brings about physiologic, mechanical or psychological effects. Relaxation, relief from pain, reduction of certain types of edema and increased range of motion can be accomplished through massage. Massage will not only physiologically relieve pain and metabolically prepare the injured or involved muscles for exercise to their fullest capacity, but it will also encourage the confidence of the client.
Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a private room in our office. You will lie on a massage table in a comfortable, warm room and are fully draped with a clean sheet or towel. Only the area being work on is uncovered.
Must I be completely undressed?
You choose the level of undress that is comfortable for you. Your modesty and comfort are a priority at all times. Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped during the session.
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
The therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.
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?
You and the therapist 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, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
Will lubricant be used?
A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. A gentle toweling off after the massage by your therapist helps to absorb any excess remaining.
What will the massage feel like?
In a Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to 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. 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. Pillows are available to adjust your position on the table as needed. One can usually count on the massage getting better with each visit, as your therapist becomes more familiar with you and your needs.
Are there different kinds of massage?
A treatment plan for this session is designed to provide the greatest benefit to your particular concerns. 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. As your body relaxes, your practitioner focuses on specific areas where muscles are tense.
How long will the session last?
The average full-body massage session lasts approximately one hour. Many people prefer a 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
What should I do during the massage session?
Make yourself comfortable. The therapist 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. Others like to talk during their session. It’s perfectly normal to fall asleep during a massage and conversation is always welcome. Just do whatever makes you relax and enjoy the experience. Feel free to ask the therapist questions about massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
How will I feel after the massage session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Many people report emotional as well as physical benefits from their experience, including reduced levels of stress. 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.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session, the practitioner ask 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 prior to any session.
How does massage lower blood pressure?
First, moving blood through the vascular system prohibits its pooling and adhering to the walls of veins and arteries, which creates an increase in pressure. Continued high levels of stress increase blood pressure, so by relieving this stress blood pressure too may be affected. There are physiological and psychological responses to therapeutic massage that enhance our abilities to adjust, cope and gain control over stimuli that would otherwise be overwhelming.
How does massage effect the immune response?
Prolonged stress also negatively affects the immune system. Therefore, developing ways to control stress will in turn cause the immune system to function more effectively. The lymphatic system also works very hard all the time to rid the body of toxins, infection and debris such as dead cells. The manual aspect of therapeutic touch serves to push toxins and debris out of muscle tissue and into the lymph system faster, thereby increasing its efficiency.
What is the normal/customary amount to tip a massage therapist?
Massage services are the similar to other services for which tips of 15-20% are often given, if the service meets your expectations. For us though, what’s even better than a tip is just to have you come back for another session or to send a friend to us.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes we do! Gift certificates are a delightful way to introduce someone to the benefits of massage. They are valid for up to one year from the purchase date, and they can be made out for any service or dollar amount. You can pick them up in person or you can order them over the phone or on-line and we can mail them to you or directly to the recipient.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
We understand the occasional need to cancel; however, we ask that you do so at least 4 hours in advance. Unlike many massage therapy centers, we do not charge you for appointments missed without a cancellation. It means more to us to know that we eliminate stress from your life in every way we possibly can and that you only pay for what you get.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Checks and cash are all gladly accepted. Payment is expected at the time of treatment. We’ll soon be accepting Visa and MasterCard.
Do women see female therapists and men see male therapists?
It all depends on what you want. Some men prefer seeing female therapists and some prefer the strength of a male. The same holds true for women. All of our therapists are licensed, certified professionals, and there’s no reason to feel threatened or uncomfortable with any of them.
What do the girls look like and what do they wear?
If you’re asking this question, you are not looking for therapeutic massage and would be advised to check the adult section of the yellow pages or newspaper.