Frequently
Asked Questions
What is Therapeutic
Massage?
Who Will Perform the Massage?
Where Will My Massage 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 Feel Like?
Are There Different Kinds of
Massage?
How Long Will the Session Last?
What Should I Do During the
Massage?
How Will I Feel After the
Massage?
What Are the Benefits of Massage?
Are There Any Medical
Conditions That Would Make Massage Inadvisable?
What
is Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic Massage is the systematic manual manipulation
of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose
of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph,
relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the
restoration of metabolic balance.
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Who
Will Perform the Massage?
Your massage will be performed by a professionally
trained therapist who is a member of AMBP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals).
AMBP is a professional organization that verifies
the training and credentials of each one of its
members. AMBP requires and verifies that therapists
have graduated from an approved massage training
program and have achieved any state certification/licensing
that are required, meeting both vocational and
ethical standards.
Where
Will My Massage Take Place?
Your massage session will take place in a comfortable,
quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you
relax. You will lie on a table designed for your
comfort.
For On-site
massage, we bring a massage chair that is
designed to seat you comfortably in an upright
and forward facing position.
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Must
I Be Completely Undressed?
Most massage 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
draped during the entire session.
Will
the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you
undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself
with a clean sheet or towel.
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 practitioner 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 back,
arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
You will not be touched on or near your genitals
(male or female) or breasts (female).
What
Will the Massage Feel Like?
It depends on the techniques used. Many massage
therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which
is often a baseline for practitioners. 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.
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Are
There Different Kinds of Massage?
We offer different techniques of massage: Swedish,
Deep-Tissue, Shiatsu, and On-site massage. For
an explanation of each technique, go to our Massage
Services web page. We welcome the opportunity
to discuss our massage techniques with you.
How
Long Will the Session Last?
The average full-body massage or bodywork session
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. Hot tubs,
steam baths and saunas can assist in the relaxation
process.
We also offer On-site massage
for busy business people. An On-site massage usually
lasts about 15-20 minutes.
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What
Should I Do During the Massage?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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. Others like to talk during their session.
Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about
massage and bodywork in general or about the particular
technique you are receiving.
How
Will I Feel After the Massage?
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?
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. Click here for more details on the benefits of massage.
Are
There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage
Inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you
begin your session, the practitioner asks general
health questions. It is very important that you
inform the practitioner 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. Your practitioner
may require a recommendation or approval from
your doctor.
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