Common Questions
For many people it can be intimidating to book your first session of massage. To help with this problem I would like to answer some common questions and allow you to ask any of your own

So What Is It Exactly?
Massage and bodywork  are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Skilled Theraputic touch. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.

Must I Be Completely Undressed? 
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. Remember the more skin showing, the more complete of a massage you will receive and the less likely it is for oil to get into clothing. You will be properly draped during the entire session. The area being worked on will be undraped and secured in a comfortable way, and the area is then redraped when finished.You will be kept modest. Let your therapist know if there are areas you would rather be avoided completely. . 

You should undress as far as you feel comfortable. 

For most people that means undressing all the way, For some it means keeping on a pair of underwear.

How Long Will the Session Last? 
The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.

I feel 80 Minutes is a perfect ballance.

What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session? 
Before a massage, feel free to ask any questions about the session, medical concerns you might have, or anything you would like to discuss. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I 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. Let me know if the pressure needs to be adjusted, communicate any pain or discomfort felt, if you need another blanket or if you have any questions. I might ask some general questions as I work on the tissues and evaluate how it response to touch, this is to help plan the technics used to get the most benefit for the session. 

The main thing to remember is to "Relax and breath. But above all else remember this time is for YOU! So relax"

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. 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.

Why do some areas feel more tender than others? 
Anytime you get a massage the practitioner is mechanically going into the tissue, breaking up adhesions, increasing blood flow, and assisting the lymphatic system to remove toxins and other metabolic wastes from the body. This is why some strokes feel wonderful; as the tissue warms up and oxygen and nutrition reach areas that had been restricted before. And some areas are painful; as damaged tissue is being worked on. 
The tenderness is a result of tightness in the tissue.  It usually means that the muscle is not getting enough blood going through it to clean the area of toxins.  The pain levels should be reduced as you receive more treatments and relax the tightness in the area

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 anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Click here for more details on the benefits of massage.

What if I have a medical condition?
Massage can be adjusted for many medical conditions and is often benifitial to the recipiant. Please let your bodyworker know of any medical condition of any health problems or medications you are taking. For some conditions a physician’s approval is required.  

  • Discuss: high-risk pregnancy, any form of cancer, blood clots/cardiac conditions/circulatory problems, lymphatic problems, advanced diabetes, infections, and recent injuries or surgeries.
  • Don’t see your therapist: when you have an infectious skin diseases, fever, or are still contagious. 

General rule: Use common sense and tell your massage therapist if during a session if your experiencing an undue amount of pain or discomfort so they can adjust the technique.