Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a dim, quiet room on a soft, warm table. Calming music is played to help you relax.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client wearing only underwear, however, it is entirely up to you to wear as much as you feel comfortable. You will be properly covered 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 a clean 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 includes work on your face, head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back. Glutes are optional. You can tailor the massage to your preference if you'd like to skip some areas in order to spend more time elsewhere.
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. A light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin, and it helps hydrate your skin. The practitioner will also lightly stretch your neck, arms, legs, wrists, and ankles. 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.
Does a massage have to be painful to be beneficial?
Absolutely not. If your muscles are tensing up in pain, that counteracts the benefits of massage. Everyone's pain tolerance is different and your tolerance often changes as you receive more treatments. Even a gentle massage has numerous health benefits.
Are there different kinds of massage?
There are numerous types of massage therapy from soft relaxation to deep tissue therapy. We will discuss what type best suits you at your first visit.
What should I do during the massage 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 moving your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax or fall asleep, communicating if they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else. Some find it more therapeutic to talk throughout the session. You can do whatever you feel most comfortable with.
How will I feel after the massage session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains and stress 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 and bodywork?
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 headaches, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Can I get a massage while pregnant?
Absolutely! Massage therapy is a wonderful aid for the aches and stress during pregnancy. Please be sure to tell your therapist when scheduling an appointment if you are pregnant. If you are considered a high risk pregnancy, please first consult your physician to ensure massage is a safe option for you.
