Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a cushioned table especially designed for your comfort.
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. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly covered during the entire session.
Will anyone be in the room with me when I disrobe?
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and get under the covers. I will knock before entering the room again.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders, your face may be massaged gently if you wish. In a focused session, I will work only on your areas that may be involved in the overall issue.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. 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.
When I'm working on a specific issue you have, you may feel some tenderness on the spot, or radiating to another area. This tenderness could mean that I've found a problem area that could benefit from the bodywork. The tenderness you feel should dissipate as I work, however, I do not want it to be get to a point that you can no longer relax, and this is where your communication with me is very important. I will listen to your feedback and adjust my pressure or technique as needed. Some people say "no pain, no gain", but we do need to be careful in these situations to ensure no damage is done.
If you are receiving fascial release therapy, you may feel a stretching sensation in the area I'm working on, much like it feels when you stretch your own muscles. Again, your feedback is always important to me.
I may also use very gentle techniques where you feel very little at all. These techniques include Positional Release and Dermoneuromodulation where I shift your body to a new position or gently stretch your outer fascia and hold it for a couple minutes
We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions you have. 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, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience relief from 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. After a session that is focused on a particular area, it is common to feel a bit sore or achy for up to two days, but usually this is followed with a feeling of relief and possibly greater flexibility and range of motion in the area addressed. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT. Massage of any kind can dehydrate you a bit, and you could end up feeling ill if you don't take care to re-hydrate yourself, especially immediately following your session. I will have water for you after your session to get you started.
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.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, you inform me of any health problems you may have. 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. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
