Common Questions About Massage

Who Will Give Me My Massage?
Your massage will be given by a licensed Massage Therapist with many hours of training, often in several types of massage. A growing number of states license Massage Therapists to ensure basic competence in massage techniques, anatomy & physiology, and knowledge of when massage is and is not appropriate.

What Kinds of Massage Can I Get?
Swedish massage is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It uses long, light strokes, deep kneading, small friction-type motions, light tapping, and movement of the joints. Other specialized techniques are described on this site. Generally, your session will be a combination of various massage techniques. If you are not sure what "type" of massage to request, after your initial consultation,your massage therapist can determine what will be the most effective treatment for your session.

Will a Massage Ever Hurt?
Massage on healthy tissue feels good, and the saying "no pain, no gain" is not true for massage. The most effective and the deepest massage works with the body's natural responses, rather than against them. Always tell your Massage Therapist if you feel any discomfort so he or she can adjust your treatment to the right level. Massage to treat a painful injury may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens noticeably in the first few minutes. Your Massage Therapist knows ways to minimize pain, and will work carefully within what feels right to you.

What Should I Do in a Massage?
Make yourself comfortable. If your Massage Therapist wants you to adjust your position, he or she will either move you (for instance, move your arm) or will tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people just close their eyes and relax completely during a massage. Others prefer to talk. It's your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is certainly the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions about what your Massage Therapist is doing, or about massage in general. If you are ticklish, tell your Therapist so he or she can work carefully or avoid the most sensitive areas altogether. However, because the quality of touch is completely different from tickling, even extremely ticklish people are often surprised that a massage does not tickle. The most important thing you should do in a massage is communicate to your Therapist if you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or need of any kind of adjustment in pressure or position. The desire to sigh or take a deep breath is a sign that you are relaxing. In fact, deep natural breaths can actually help you relax.

 

Will my hair and makeup be disturbed?
Massage of the face, scalp or neck may result in disturbing your makeup or hair style. Let your Therapist know if this is a concern. They may either modify their technique, be especially careful, or skip an area altogether.

What Do I Do After the Massage?
When your massage is finished, your Therapist will leave the room while you dress. Be aware that massage can be profoundly relaxing, and it affects all of your body's systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up from the table. It is recommended that you drink extra water after your massage to replenish your fluids and help to remove toxins from your body.

How Will I Feel After My Massage?
After a massage, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up from months of tension or repetitive activity in their daily life. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes the immediate effects of your massage may seem mild. Watch for further change over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or reduced stress. Should you have any additional concerns, a therapist will be glad to answer any questions.