FAQs

Tips for enjoying your massage

If it is your first time having a massage, please be sure to arrive 10 -15 min early to fill out paperwork. Being in a rush is not the best way to start your relaxing experience.
Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.
Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.
If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.
Drink extra water after a massage. Massage causes stores toxins to be released into your bloodstream ,and the water helps to flush them out.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one's body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

What is a typical massage session like?

A typical massage therapy session is between 30-60 or 90 minutes. Your massage will begin with a brief consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Please alert the massage therapist with any questions or body areas you are not comfortable with being touched.

You will be asked to undress while the massage therapist is out of the room (most people keep their underwear on), and lie face up under a sheet and a blanket on the massage table. The massage therapist will knock on the door to make sure you are ready just reply with a "yes" or "I'm ready". The massage therapist re-enters the room and will then adjust the pillows to ensure that you are comfortable and properly positioned. Tell the massage therapist if you are too warm or cold. The massage therapist uses a light oil or lotion on the skin and begins the massage.

A full body massage usually begins on the head and neck and then moves down to the shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. You will then be asked to turn over so you are face down and scoot forward till your face is comfortably in the face rest. The massage continues on your neck, shoulders, back, and legs. You are underneath the sheet at all times, and in North America, only the part of the body being treated at any one time is uncovered. After the massage, the massage therapist leaves the room so you can get changed.

Will Massage Therapy Hurt?

Massage therapy shouldn't hurt. Occasionally there is mild aching when the massage therapist applies pressure over "knots" and other areas of muscle tension. If the pressure is too strong for you, let the massage therapist know.

How will I feel After my massage?

Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. Occasionally, people experience mild temporary aching for a day. Drink lots of water to help flush your body of any toxins that may have been released during your massage.

Precautions

Massage therapy is not recommended for certain people:

infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
immediately after surgery
immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.