FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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  • Recommendations for First time clients ?

    Please allow yourself a 15 min lead way from appointment time for any paperwork and it’s recommended to soak the night before your scheduled appointment. Usually in warm Epsom salt (one cup) bath for at least 30 min.

    First time Clients should fill out Massage Intake Form Online as this will help to expedite the initial process at your first visit.

  • Benefits Of Massage ?

    Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

    Massage benefits can include:

    • Reducing stress and increasing relaxation
    • Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension
    • Improving circulation, energy and alertness
    • Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
    • Improving immune function

     

    Some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

    • Anxiety
    • Digestive disorders
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Headaches
    • Insomnia related to stress
    • Low back pain
    • Myofascial pain syndrome
    • Nerve pain
    • Soft tissue strains or injuries
    • Sports injuries
    • Temporomandibular joint pain
    • Upper back and neck pain

    Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.

    Despite its benefits, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.

  • Some Contraindications of Massage ?

    Most people can benefit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you have:

    • Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
    • Burns or healing wounds
    • Deep vein thrombosis
    • Infections
    • Broken bones (fractures)
    • Severe osteoporosis

     

  • What you can expect during a massage ?

    You don’t need any special preparation for massage. Before a massage therapy session starts, your massage therapist should ask you about any symptoms, your medical history and what you’re hoping to get out of massage. Your massage therapist should explain the kind of massage and techniques he or she will use.

    In a typical massage therapy session, you undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. Undress only to the point that you’re comfortable. You generally lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet. Your massage therapist will leave the room when you undress before the massage and when you dress after it. You can also have a massage while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. Your massage therapist should perform an evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply.

    Depending on preference, your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.

  • Why Massage Therapy?

    Consumers are looking beyond pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine for complementary treatments to ease the pain and stress of skeletomuscular and neuromuscular conditions. Aside from general relaxation, massage therapy has been found to ease the pain of conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic low-back or neck pain, and cancer. Massage has been found to reduce anxiety, depression, blood pressure, heart rate, and pain. The primary reasons for receiving massages include pain management, relaxation/stress relief, injury rehab, and pampering.

  • What’s The Standard Tip ?

    Although a tip is not required, most standard tipping for massage is between 18 and 25 percent as well as it depends on the appreciation of the session.

  • Do I have to be completely undressed ?

    You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that’s fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.

    Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.

  • How often should I get a massage ?

    An individual plan of care will be discussed with your therapist to determine the frequency of massage maintenance.  Periods are usually 2-4 weeks

  • When should I not get a massage ?

    In my opinion there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.

    There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn’t mean you can’t get massage. But its always better to err on the side of caution.

    Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.

  • What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

    Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward, the therapist will begin by asking you general questions –  what areas need attention, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

    It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

  • Is It Okay to Talk During a Massage Session ?

    You should always feel free to express any discomfort when undergoing a massage. However, avoid intense chatting with your massage therapist during your session; this can lead to increased muscular tension and limit the effectiveness of your massage experience.

    The amount of communication you should engage in during your massage depends on your goals for the session. If you want a relaxing massage, talk as little as necessary and let your mind and body enter a meditative state. You can even practice mindful breathing, which lowers muscular tension and increases the benefits of your massage. On the other hand, if you’ve asked your massage therapist to use increased pressure and deep-tissue techniques to help you recover from an injury, communication is key. Be sure to give your practitioner regular feedback on the amount of pressure you need and which specific areas feel painful or tight.