Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a comfortable and quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with area of massage unclothed. However, it is entirely up to the client to decide how they are comfortable. Clients are properly draped 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 or blanket.
Will I be covered during the session?
Client will be properly draped at all times to keep 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 bodywork for back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Abdominal massage is not part of a typical full body massage without a request.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
-A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, the 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. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin.
-Deep Tissue massages are slower movements with very firm, sustained pressure. It is often described as a "good hurt" as once blood flow returns there is a feeling of relief.
The massage therapist will always use more than one technique during sessions. The plan for that day's work will be discussed including answering any client questions prior, during and after sessions. It is this massage therapist's goal for clients to feel heard, understood and to foster trust while bodywork is facilitated. Massage therapy is a tool for the client to use in the betterment of health. The massage therapist is there to facilitate but always at the client's discretion. A client should never feel as thought they cannot convey their needs and should always communicate with their massage therapist about sensations and how they are feeling.
Common Post-Massage Sensations
- Muscular Soreness: Similar to the feeling after a tough workout, which usually fades in 24–48 hours.
- Stiffness or Tenderness: It is normal to feel tender in the areas worked on the same day or part of the next day.
- Increased Mobility: A feeling of being looser or having improved range of motion.
As always, speak with your massage therapist about any concerns or questions following a massage.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Very often light stretches and breathwork are incorporated to enhance tension release/movement. We can discuss which massage modalities may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. It is always a good idea to hydrate well, but especially the day before, day orf and day after massage. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, please feel free to ask. Bodywork is a team collaboration.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. Massate therapy assists the body in releasing significant muscular tension, which usually shifts into a deep "rest and digest" parasympathetic state, and processes released metabolic waste.After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Talking with your massage therapist for optimal health strategies during in-between sessions is always a good idea.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. Certain conditions are contra-indicated for massage and a session may need to be postponed or modified. That's why it's imperative that the practitioner asks general health questions prior to beginning a session. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems including those of the skin, and about medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Be advised that depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
