If you’re new to massage therapy, we understand you may have questions you’d like answered before you request an appointment with us. You’re welcome to contact us any time, but we also encourage you to look below for answers to the questions we hear most often.

• Why do I need to fill out a health form before I get my massage?
• What are the benefits of massage therapy?
• Does it hurt?
• Do I need to remove all of my clothing?
• Are all of your massages full-body massages?
• Do you use oil or lotion?
• Does everyone receive the same treatment?
• How should I expect to feel after my massage?
• What are the differences between reflexology and massage?
• Are there times when I should not have a massage?

Q. Why do I need to fill out a health form before I get my massage?

We ask you to fill out a health history form for your own benefit and to ensure that massage is not physically inadvisable. Basic information regarding your personal health history and activities also help give our therapist an overview of where stresses may be occurring in your body.

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Q. What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage therapy:

• Calms the nervous system, which can aid in restoring your body to normal function, such as with digestion. It can also promote better sleep.
• Aids recovery from injuries. It may even shorten your recovery time so you can get back to normal activities sooner.
• Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue, which can help your muscles function more normally.
• Reduces tension in tight muscles and elongates shortened tissues.
• Relieves the pain of muscle spasms.
• Increases blood flow and lymphatic flow, which will allow your body to eliminate waste from your system faster.
• Increases range of motion and movement in joints.
• Relieves stress and tension.
• Leaves your body feeling wonderful!

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Q. Does it hurt?

Although some areas of your body may be tender at times, any pain you feel during your massage session should be minimal. In fact, you may only experience some “feel good” pain as tension is released. A good massage can give you a similar feeling to having exercised. No matter what type of therapy is being used to treat you, it should always feel good and provide relaxation. However, if the therapist’s stroke is painful, please tell them immediately so they can adjust the pressure or stop using that technique.

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Q. Do I need to remove all of my clothing?

Depending on the massage technique you are receiving, you may or may not need to undress. For example, many people undress completely for a full-body Swedish massage. Other clients wear their undergarments and some prefer to wear their outer clothing. No matter how you are clothed, you will always be fully covered with a sheet during the entire session; only the area being worked on will be uncovered. Please note that some massage techniques are difficult or impossible to apply through clothing, but we will be happy to work around this and treat only the areas where you feel comfortable.

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Q. Are all of your massages full-body massages?

A typical massage session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders.  How many areas are included will depend on the length of your session, your specific treatment needs, the techniques used, and your comfort level. If you wish, your therapist can also massage your abdomen or gluteals. You are encouraged to let the therapist know if you are uncomfortable with being massaged in any particular area. Please note that we have the right to terminate a session in which a client is behaving inappropriately. You also have the same right.

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Q. Do you use oil or lotion?

Our therapists use both oil and lotion to help their hands glide easily over your skin. To ensure their techniques are as comfortable for you as possible, they only use as much lotion or oil as is necessary. If you have a preference for oil or lotion, or if you have sensitivities to essential (scented) or nut oils, please let your therapist know.

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Q. Does everyone receive the same treatment?

Although each massage is similar, every treatment will subtly differ. This is because each or our clients have unique needs and preferences, and may require different techniques throughout their session.

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Q. How should I expect to feel after my massage?

Massage can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems. After your session, you should allow yourself a few moments before slowly getting up to stand. Doing so will allow you to adjust to the changes in your body. We also recommend drinking extra water to help your body flush the waste products from your tissues after your session. Although you may not feel a dramatic results immediately, over the following few days you may notice changes, from pain relief to increased mobility to better sleep. Keep in mind that deep therapeutic work may result in some soreness, but this is normal and should disappear within a day or two.

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Q. What are the differences between reflexology and massage?

Reflexology works on complete reflex maps of the feet and hands. This treatment can profoundly affect the inside of your body, such as whole organ systems. During a reflexology session, only your shoes and socks will be removed. Massage therapy, alternatively, deals with touch over your entire body, with major emphasis on the muscular, circulatory and lymphatic systems.

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Q. Are there times when I should not have a massage?

Yes. Massage stimulates the body, so when you feel "under the weather" or are suffering from a cold or flu, massage can increase your symptoms and make you feel worse. If you are sick with a cold or flu, are running a fever, or have had diarrhea in the past 24 hours, you should reschedule your massage. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic for a contagious disease (eg. tonsilitis, bronchitis etc.), we ask that you please postpone your massage until you have taken your prescribed medication for at least two days. Additionally, some areas of your body may not be able to receive massage if there are areas of inflammation, burns, open wounds or broken bones.

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