FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
Q: Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place?
A: Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax, if you wish. You will lie on a softly padded table specially designed for your comfort.
Q: Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork? A: Your session will be conducted by a professional who has received proper training from an accredited massage school. Your massage therapist is a member of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), an organization of more than 40,000 massage therapists and bodyworkers. As a condition of membership, ABMP verifies the training and credentials of every one of its practitioners. Some massage and bodywork practitioners are licensed by the state, while others are locally regulated. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality.
Q: Must I Be Completely Undressed?
A: Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you choose to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Q: Will the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?
A: The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.
A: You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
A: You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
A: It depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your 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. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Q: Are There Different Kinds of Massage and Bodywork?
A: There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, stretching, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. See the SERVICES link or ask the practitioner about the methods she uses.
A: The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Most people prefer a 60-minute 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.
Q: What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session?
A: Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm or turning over). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, some even dose off during the massage.
A: 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.
A: 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 muscle 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. See the BENEFITS link for more information.
Q: Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable?
A: Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or 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. Your practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
Q: What if I am late for or miss an appointment? A: The time of your appointment is reserved exclusively for you. If you are late for your appointment by 20 minutes or less, the session will be adjusted to perform as much of the treatment as possible within the remaining time and the fee will not be adjusted. If you are more than 20 minutes late, the appointment will be cancelled and you will be charged for the time you had scheduled. If you miss an appointment without giving 30 hours notice, you will be charged in full for the appointment. Emergencies will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What if I am ill, have a cold or feel like I may be coming down with an illness?
A: Please notify me as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. When you are ill or coming down with an illness, getting a massage can actually make you sicker. Massage increases your blood flow, which is usually a good thing, but if an infection is present, the increased blood flow can spread it throughout your body -- making you sicker quicker! So please, take care of yourself, get the rest you need and be respectful of my well-being and that of my other clients by calling to reschedule your appointment. I do not charge for appointments cancelled due to illness.
Q: What preparations do I need to make?
A: Please arrive on time, freshly bathed and with little or no make-up. It is recommended that your alcohol intake be limited within 24 hours of your session. It is also recommended that you do not eat a heavy meal right before your massage.
Q: How frequently should I schedule massage appointments to feel the greatest benefit?
A: Massage is most beneficial when it is received on a regular basis. As the therapeutic effects of massage are cumulatative, regular sessions allow the body to maintain a more relaxed and healthy state. This can help prevent the negative affects of repetitive motion and overuse patterns, less than optimal posture, physical overexertion, mental and emotional stress and the demands of a busy lifestyle. With regular sessions of massage, relaxation begins to deepen over time and the body learns to release chronic physical and mental holding patterns. The regular client of massage often becomes more attuned to his/her body and has greater awareness of movement patterns, activities and postures that are contributing to muscle tightness or pain. This awareness allows the opportunity to make positive changes to prevent injury. If you are receiving massage to address issues of chronic muscle tension and pain or if you are recovering from a soft tissue injury, more than one session of massage is generally needed to provide you with the most beneficial results. |