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Massage Frequently Asked Questions
I have never had a massage before, what do I do?
In my practice this is pretty much how I explain it:
- Call and make an appointment with me : )
- I would suggest eating something within 4 hours of your massage and take a shower.
- Arrive a little early to fill out a general information form.
- I will than take you into the massage room and we will go over some of the general questions from the form, answer any of your questions and find out more about what you want to gain from the massage.
- I will explain how to lay on the table and how you will be draped (covered up) throughout the massage.
- I will ask you to disrobe, some people take off everything and others take off nothing, it makes no difference to me, whatever is the most comfortable for you. I look at it as, if you are not at ease the massage is going to be less effective. I will mention that the less you have on the smoother the massage is and that some people feel better just leaving their underwear on. (Note: If you choose to stay fully clothed please wear cottons, such as, a T-shirt and sweats or gym shorts. For women I would suggest removing your bra from under your T-shirt).
- I will leave the room for you to disrobe or change clothes if needed and get on the table. The massage room is dim and has relaxing music playing in the background. During the winter months the table is heated, and hot towels and stones may be used.
- I will knock on the door to see if you are ready, if so let me know and I'll enter.
- As I start the massage I will ask for some feedback to establish a comfortable amount of pressure. I will usually start with a medium pressure, if this is comfortable to you I will stay the same, if not, I will go lighter or firmer. If you choose one pressure at the start and later you want the pressure to be changed, you are welcomed to let me know.
- Now is your time to relax and enjoy. Some people talk throughout the entire massage, others ask questions every now and then, other may lie silently enjoying every minute of it and other drift off into a deep relaxation. (Note: snoring is allowed in the massage room.) Since this is your first massage it is normal to feel nervous. Not knowing what the massage is suppose to feel like, what's going to happen next is always a little uncomfortable at first and this is normal. You are always welcome to ask questions and it is my intention to make it as relaxing and comfortable as possible.
- At the end of the massage I will let you know that we have finished. I will leave the room and you can take your time getting off the table and get dressed. You will then exit the room and I'll meet you in the lobby area.
- You'll receive a bottle of water, pay for the session and reschedule. (Note: Make sure you drink plenty of water after a massage. Toxins get built up in your body from exercise and everyday movement, when massage is applied it may move those toxins, water will help flush those toxins from your body.You may also feel sore for a couple of days after the massage, this sensation is so random even with myself after having massage for years there are times after a massage I'm sore for a couple of days).
How long are massages?
In my practice the session is the given time stated, example 60 minutes is a 60 minute session that includes disrobing and getting on the table. As far how long is the right length of time for you? If you just want your neck, shoulders and back massaged then a 30 minute massage will work, if you want a full body and you're under six feet tall an hour massage is good, if you want a full body and want a deep tissue massage or you are over six tall and muscular a 90 minute massage would be the best. The most common length is 60 minutes.
How often should I reschedule for a massage?
Over the years what I have noticed, in general, is people start to feel the stress and soreness creeping back into their body at about three weeks. Here's my suggestion, if you would rather not have that built up feeling of stress and soreness reschedule before the three weeks. If you would like to ride it out longer than that I would say no longer then six weeks. Yet, for optimum health and wellness once a week is best.
I'm pregnant, is it alright to get a massage?
Yes, but I personally like to wait until you are through your first trimester before providing massage.
Why do you wait until after the first trimester?
Your body is going through a lot of changes within this time period and the baby is in it's first development stages. It is my preferrence to wait because massage of the fact and one of the benefits that massage pushes toxins out of the muscles, this is why some people may get sick after a massage. To me since your body is already going through so many changes as it is, I would rather not add extra stress to it or your baby.
So I wait until after my first trimester, how do you do the massage?
I use a body support cushion for pregnany massages, this cushion allows you to lay face down, the cushion is cut out for your belly so no pressure is being placed on the baby.
You said that sometimes people may get sick, is there certain times when I shouldn't get a massage?
Yes, when you are sick I suggest not getting a massage at that time. I know that is the time when a massage sound like it would feel the best, but the body is in overload mode, it is fighting off the ailment. Like I said before massage pushes out toxins these toxins are going to overload the body even more, it's a 50 - 50% chance your going to get worse or get better. Even if you feel like it's worth the risk, I would rather you stay home a few more days and not spread it around, or find a lymphic drainage massage therapist in town and find out if they can help.
I should mention that if you have just had a surgery within the last six week, I do not recommend massage and I will not provide a massage until after the six week period. It doesn't matter if it was a major or minor surgery, the body is going through it's natural healing process and it needs to heal. By doing massage it may increase the chances of disrupting the body's natural healing process and increasing the chance of a delaying that healing time.