Q & A and Information

The Intake Form:  You will be asked to fill out a health history form. This is the time to let your massage therapist know about any past or present injuries, medical conditions, skin sensitivities, odor sensitivities, allergies or any other pertinent information that will ensure that you have the most pleasant and successful session possible. If you are under a doctor’s care approval may be required prior to your session.

What should I expect during my massage? Although no two massages are alike, there are some things typical to each session. Your session will take place in a quiet, comfortable, room that is dimly lit. Soothing music is played to help you relax.

What do I wear during my massage treatment? Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed, however it is entirely up to you what you wear. You will be draped properly throughout the entire session and only the areas being worked on will be exposed. For Shiatsu, chair massage and Reiki the client is fully clothed.

What to expect during the massage: 

A 30 = 45 minute massage allows time for a partial massage and will usually focus on the back & shoulders. or specific focus area.

A 60 and 90 minute massage may include legs, gluteus, feet, arms and hands, with some focus on specific problem areas.

Types of pressure: Although all massages begin with a lighter stroke to warm up the skin and muscles, the pressure will gradually increase according to your preference.

Light pressure is a gentle stroking and smoothing which many people find calming.

Medium pressure is a firm stroke used to flush metabolic waste from sore muscles. Many people opt for medium pressure with a small bit of deep, focused work on tightly contracted muscles or knots, if any areas are found during the session.

Deep pressure: uses very firm compression and slow focused work.

Let the therapist know if any adjustment to the pressure or technique is needed at any time during your massage

After the massage: Most people feel very relaxed. Since toxins are released during the massage it is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your massage treatment. You may experience soreness (as you would after a strenuous gym workout) if you requested a deep tissue massage. Let your therapist know about any discomfort you experience at your next appointment.

The Benefits of Massage:

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.