Frequently Asked Questions:
This is YOUR session. Speak up!
Why is this so important? If you want anything changed: pressure, areas worked, position or if you are too hot or too cold ... speak up!
You will not hurt my feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable.
My overall goal is for you to be able to feel at ease knowing that you are getting most of your therapeutic or relaxation time.
Also, what you requested in one session may be different in another.
If you had all over relaxation work last time you had a session, but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders/arms worked, it's perfectly fine to ask.
I promise you will enjoy your sessions so much more!
I have a disability or need mobility accommodations.
Will I be able to navigate my way to your office easily?
What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
When you arrive you’ll be asked to fill out a few brief pages of paperwork, which includes things like any previous injuries or surgeries, any medications that you take that might be affected by the massage, and the type of work you do. {This helps me get an overall sense of what types of massage techniques will be appropriate, as well as the types of movements you might do repeatedly throughout the day.}
We’ll take 5-10 minutes to discuss any relevant information on the paperwork you completed and what your goals are for the session that day, whether it be relaxation, more mobility, less pain, or a combination.
Afterward, I’ll leave the room for a few minutes to allow you to get undressed to your level of comfort, and lie down on the table, under the top sheet, so that you’re covered, warm, and comfortable. I’ll give you enough time to do all of this, but I’ll also knock to make sure you’re on the table, and that it’s okay for me to enter.
If you have mobility issues and think you might need assistance getting on and off the massage table, please let me know. You are welcome to leave clothing on, but there are also ways to assist you that allow for your modesty.
What do you mean by “Get undressed to your level of comfort?”
Do I have to take everything off?
You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage (back, shoulders, hips, legs, feet, arms, hands, neck, and head), some people get completely undressed.
However, if you feel that you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that's perfectly fine. I will workaround the clothing left on as best as I can.
Just note that if removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. So please decide how you are most comfortable, and I will be okay with that. I want you to get the most out of your time to relax on the table.
So will I be covered during the session? Do you use a towel or sheet?
In the state of North Carolina, it is required by law that the genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) must stay covered at all times. (*The only exception being post-mastectomy massage, for medical reasons and as instructed by a doctor, for the treatment of scar tissue and lymphatic drainage.) Laws surrounding “draping”, or keeping a massage therapy client covered can vary from state to state.
In my office, I have my massage table covered using a bottom fitted sheet, and a flat top sheet. You will lay on the fitted sheet, and I will use the top sheet to “drape” or cover you.
Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, I will knock on the door before coming back into the room. I will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
If you are female, and if during our initial interview we decide to do work on your abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts, so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.
What if I’m really self-conscious about my body, or an area of my body?
That’s common for a number of people. Just know that as massage therapists, we work with a lot of different body types and are very comfortable with the human body. Chances are, you aren’t the first person we’ve worked on, that has whatever issue you’re concerned about.
In all honesty, I don’t know a single massage therapist who has an issue with body fat, or hairy legs, or spider veins, or big feet, or stretch marks. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Judgement has no place in the massage treatment room. It should be a place where you feel safe and supported. In my practice, I welcome people from all walks of life, of all body types; female, male, and transgendered. What matters most to me is that you are able to let yourself be just as you are, and be taken care of in that moment.
How long will a massage treatment last?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour.
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.
What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable. If I need you to adjust your position, I will let you know and gently move your arm, leg, etc. Or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk.
It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time, or to request more pressure or less pressure at any time.
Can I talk during my session?
Absolutely, if you'd like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.
In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.
The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. For example, if I am doing anything that makes you uncomfortable, you should let know immediately. Also, let me know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you - speak up! It's okay!
My friend gets “deep tissue” massage, & said that’s what I should get, but I’m worried that it will hurt.
Many people, including some misled massage therapists, mistakenly believe that a Swedish-type massage that is applied with very firm pressure is a "deep tissue massage," But this is not necessarily an effective deep tissue technique, and this use of the term is misleading.
Deep tissue can include heavy pressure, but most accurately deep tissue refers to using techniques that focus specifically on the deeper muscles and fascia. Ideally, this work should be done gradually, slowly working toward the deeper tissues. Deep tissue techniques work on breaking down adhesions caused by injury or chronic muscle tension and can help to relieve pain, increase mobility, and aid in injury recovery.
With that being said, these massage sessions can be more intense as a result of deliberate and focused work on a specific area. But there is a 'feels good' type of ache or hurt, and an 'ouch, stop it' hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the 'hurts so good' range.
Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the message. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.
Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes during my massage?
No. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
While many therapists play slower, quieter, "new age" type music, you can choose to have different music or no music at all. Studies have shown that music at under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and therefore can enhance your experience.
However, while this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a message. If it relaxes you and you enjoy it at home, why wouldn't it do the same during your treatment?
How will I feel after my massage treatment?
Most people feel very relaxed. But it can also depend on your goals for the massage.
Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a more at ease for a period after the session and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.
If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness, but you know your body best.
How often should I get a massage?
"Some is better than none."
What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you.
However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.
How many sessions will I need?
Honestly, it's hard to say. Every person is unique and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session to address an issue, or it may take several. Again, we should be able to discuss this more specifically after your first session.
When should I not get a massage?
In my opinion, there are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying a massage.
You should not book a massage (or you should reschedule) if you have a fever, cold/flu, contagious skin infection, are in acute pain due to an injury in the last 72 hours, or are experiencing acute inflammation or “flare up” of any sort of systemic illness like rheumatoid arthritis. I these cases, you probably would not feel like being massaged anyway
There are many other conditions in which I can and may need to adapt my techniques to treat (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns).
With some conditions, it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (for example - cancer, certain heart conditions, 1st trimester or higher risk pregnancy).
This doesn't mean you can't get a massage. But it's always better to err on the side of caution.
If you have questions about whether or not you should receive a massage that day or week, you are always welcome to contact me beforehand to ask.
The Benefits of Professional
Massage Therapy
There’s no denying the power of bodywork.
Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
The incredible benefits of massage are doubly powerful if taken in regular “doses." Professionals at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami explain the more massage you get, the greater benefits you reap.
Here’s why:
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.
This translates into:
• Decreased anxiety. • Enhanced sleep quality. • Greater energy. • Improved concentration. • Increased circulation. • Reduced fatigue.
In addition, massage has been shown to:
• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• 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.
• Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles. • Reduce spasms and cramping. • Relieve migraine pain.
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Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
----Courtesy of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals