| Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place? |
Most massage appointments are held in our office either in Skyline or in Alexandria.
The Massage Environment: soft relaxing music, comfortable temperature, subdued lighting. A great massage table with a comfortable face rest, comfortable linens, possible heating pads and an additional blanket when necessary.
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| What about a money back guarantee if I am unhappy with my massage? |
Your satisfaction with the massage is guaranteed. If for any reason you are unhappy with the massage, you need not pay. Simply tell the therapist the reasons why you are unhappy for the record and you are free to go on your way. (So far, this has never occurred.)
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| What about hygine? |
Good hygenic practices are firmly in place in our practice. We use only clean sheets and towels for every client, the table and face-rest are cleaned with Clorox swipes after each client, disposable face-rests or clean shees are used, and our hands are thoroughly washed with anti-bacterial soap before and after each client.
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| Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork? |
Your session will be conducted your therapist of choice. All therapists are trained, certified, and licensed professionals who are highly experienced in the area of Swedish massage and potentially many other massage modalities.
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| Must I Be Completely Undressed? |
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped (covered) during the session.
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Will the Massage Therapist Be Present When I Disrobe? |
The massage therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean comfortable sheet - for more info see
Swedish Massage Routine
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| 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.
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What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged? |
You and the therapist 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 scalp, neck,
shoulders, back, legs, feet, arms, hands, chest and abdomen area, face, as well as gluts if desired. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
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Will Lubricant Be Used? |
A light oil, lotion, or creme may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used are natural and should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed.
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What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel Like? |
It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) which will help to 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. 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.
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| Are There Different Kinds of Massage and Bodywork? |
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork - see Other Massage Modalities for a significant listing and explanation ; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more.
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| How Long Will the Session Last? |
The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour plus. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- 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.
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| What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session? |
Make yourself comfortable. Note: The routine is completely passive for the client - the client need not assist the therapist in any way - simple total relaxation during the procedure is recommended. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the therapist questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
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| How Will I Feel After the Massage or Bodywork Session? |
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.
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| 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 - see Benefits of Massage . Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
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| What is the garbage and knots that massage helps to eliminate? |
The garbage and the matter that knots are made of are essentially metabolic wastes, lactic and pyruvic acid build-up and other toxins that get trapped in the layers of muscles in your body. Similar to eddies that form in a current such as a stream or river when water flows around a rock, the eddies in your muscles are formed by the way in which you move your body on a daily basis and from repetitive motions (i.e. mousing, keyboard use, driving a car…). You may simply not be doing exercises and stretches that allow blood flow to properly "wash out" these metabolic waste build-ups. Massage, particularly when applied deep enough to affect all layers of muscle (superficial, medial, and deep), can cause the needed pressure and friction to break up and allow blood flow (the current) to carry off the waste to your lymphatic system where it is then disposed of properly through your kidneys upon drinking lots of fluids after the massage session.
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Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable? |
Yes, please see
Contra-indications to Massage. That's why it's imperative that before you begin your session, the therapist ask general health questions - see Client Intake Form . It is very important that you inform the therapist 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.
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May I bring someone with me to my appointment? |
Of course! Bringing a friend along is a great way for a first time client feel more secure. Better yet, make back-to-back appointments so both of you can experience the benefits of massage. There is plenty of interesting reading material available and comfortable couches and chairs to keep guests comfortable.
Your friend may relax in the reception area, or with your permission, they can sit in the treatment room while you receive your massage. Your therapist will be happy to answer questions as the massage progresses. The massage may not be quite as relaxing this way, but it's a lot of fun.
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Does Massage Hurt
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A massage shouldn't hurt, though it may be uncomfortable if I am working to relieve muscle tension that has been present for a long time. Pain is an important part of the body's defense system, and should not be ignored.
The "No pain, no gain" theory does not apply to massage therapy. When the body experiences pain, the muscles reflexively tense to guard against injury (whether that pain is real, or only perceived in the mind- such as stress.) This is counter productive to massage to have you tense against the pain as I try to have the muscle relax.
As a muscle is kneaded or compressed lactic acid, pyruvic acid, or other products of metabolism are squeezed out of the muscle a dull ache or other discomfort may be felt as those chemicals flood the surrounding nerves.
Everyone's pain tolerance is different. You should always be able to remain relaxed during Deep Tissue work. If you find that you are guarding (reflexively flexing your muscles against pain) or are holding your breath then please let me know I am working too deeply.
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When Should
Massage be Avoided ? |
Massage can help with a tremendous range of medical problems, but there are some conditions where massage can do more harm than good. Generally, one should never massage over a fresh injury such as a bruise or sprain. Massage can cause aggravate a new trauma or injury. After 48 hours, however, massage can speed recovery by helping to reduce swelling and bring healing blood to an injury.
Massage should be avoided in areas of infectious skin conditions like athletes foot, plantar warts, nail bed fungus, or poison ivy. Massage can spread the infection to other areas of the body. Massage should be avoided if a fever is present.
Massage can increase blood circulation dramatically, and so it can affect the rate certain medicines such as insulin enter the bloodstream. See
Contra-Indications to Massage for a more detailed description of Massage Contra-indications
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