Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get a massage?
When should I arrive?
What can I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
Do I need to disrobe?
What happens during a massage session?
What should I do during the massage?
What should I expect after the massage?
Do you use oil or lotion?
I'm pregnant, can I still receive massage?
Do I get a full 60-minutes if I book an hour massage? How often should I get a massage? What methods of payment do you accept?
Why should I get a massage?
A book could be written about this subject. Briefly, massage therapy can play a very large part in injury recovery, managing stress, easing everyday aches and pains, helping to slow the racing mind, and contributes to a sense of well-being. Besides all of those reasons, massage feels wonderful.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive about 10 minutes prior to your first massage. This gives you plenty of time to fill out any paperwork and to start enjoying the spa environment. You will be offered a beverage of your choice; I recommend either water or herbal tea for hydration.
What can I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
On your first appointment, you will be given a confidential health history form to complete; It usually only takes 5-10 minutes. I will then discuss with you, any pertinent medical history, your experience with massage, as well as what your goals are for that session. For example are you looking for deep relaxation, or more specific work on sore muscles? This is a good time to ask me any questions or concerns that you may have.
Do I need to disrobe?
For many types of massage, the technique is applied to bare skin, using oil or lotion. You only have to undress to your level of comfort. It is always a personal choice. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What happens during a massage session?
The extent of a massage will depend on several factors, including the length of the session, the specific need for treatment, the techniques used, and your comfort level with receiving massage.When there is an injury or condition to be addressed, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need for treatment of other body areas that are affected by an injury. For example, if you have a sprained ankle and are using a crutch, your arm and shoulder muscles may need to be treated, as well as the non-injured leg which is compensating for the injury and temporary loss of function.If you wish to have massage for stress-reduction or relaxation, we will discuss what will best help you accomplish that. A typical full-body session includes work on your legs, back, arms, hands, neck, shoulders, upper chest and feet, with the abdominal and gluteal area as optional. I usually do a warm towel foot cleanse at the beginning of the massage and one at the end to make sure you don't have excess lotion on your feet.If you find you are uncomfortable with being massaged in a particular area, just inform me of your wishes and I will adjust the massage accordingly. All massage I practice is non-sexual, and I have the right to terminate a session in which the client is behaving inappropriately. You, as the client, have the same right.Often there will be gentle music playing in the background to allow your nervous system to unwind. Pressure is based on your comfort, and I will check in with you during the session and adjust as needed. When the massage is complete, I will leave you to slowly get up and dress, opening the door to let me know you are finished. I always like to check in with my clients after the massage to see how they are feeling and if there are any concerns or questions they have at this point.
What should I do during the massage?
Relax! It's your massage. Other than asking you to adjust your position so I can apply a specific technique, you can change your position at any time to make yourself more comfortable.Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask me questions about massage in general, or about the particular technique you are receiving. Your feedback is important, so please speak up if you are cold or have any questions or concerns.
What should I expect after the massage?
Massage can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body's systems. Give yourself a moment to re-orient before you sit up. After an initial "relaxation" period, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes you may not feel a dramatic result right away. Watch for changes over the following days, like pain relief, increased mobility, or better sleep.Sometimes people are sore after massage, especially after deep therapeutic work. If you are not used to receiving massage, it is similar to not being used to working out. Just as you can feel sore after a good workout, you might feel a little sore after a massage. This is normal and should go away in a day or two, especially if you take care of yourself by drinking water, eating well & applying an ice pace as recommended.
Do you use oil or lotion?
Some techniques require the use of oil. Please let me know if you have a preference about oil or lotion, or have sensitivities to essential oils (scent) or nut oils. I have an assortment of oils & lotions on hand.
I'm pregnant, can I still receive massages?
Yes! Massage is a very nurturing thing to do for yourself during pregnancy. It can especially help make the latter stages of pregnancy less stressful on your body, relieving backache, shoulder discomfort and sore feet.During pregnancy we avoid deep abdominal work, for obvious reasons. After the fourth month, general and gentle abdominal massage can be enjoyable for both you and baby. Aggressive stretching is usually avoided too, due to the relaxing of tendons and ligaments caused by pregnancy hormones. If you have certain medical conditions during pregnancy, such as excessive edema, hypertension or preclampsia, I will need a doctor's approval before massage.At any time during pregnancy, you may find it difficult to lie flat on the table. We can position you on your side with pillow support to make you comfortable.If you receive massage during pregnancy, always remember to sit up slowly after the massage to allow your blood pressure to normalize.
Do I get a full 60-minutes if I book an hour massage?
Yes, if you book a massage for an hour, you get a full 60-minutes of "table time." For instance, if you booked a one hour massage, you will receive 60 full minutes of massage time. Please be aware that any time used for paperwork, and dressing and undressing, will be in addition to this and adjust your schedule. If you are late, every effort will be make to accommodate you, but please be aware that lateness could reduce the length of your massage.
How often should I get a massage?
This really depends on what your goals are, and your budget, there is no hard and fast rule. I generally recommend getting a massage at least once a month, as the effects are cumulative. By reducing the amount of muscle tension in your body, you are also reducing your risk of injury. Once a month is more of a preventative type of care. If there is any injury or specific issue you may need to come in either once a week or every other week for a period of time. This is something that we can certainly discuss and find the perfect balance for you. Please check the maintenance plan on this website, which gives information on packages. I offer sessions of 6 or 12 massages at a reduced rate to make regular massage more affordable. What methods of payment do you accept? Payment is made at the end of your visit, at the reception desk. I accept cash, checks, Visa & MasterCard, as forms of payment. Please bring your gift certificate with you if this is your form of payment