Q: What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
A: Before your first session we will ask you to fill out a Confidential Health History Form. This helps us to learn about your goals for your session, your prior experience with massage, and any health conditions that affect you. After we look over your Health History Form, we will ask you some general questions to establish which body areas you would like worked on, any issues or conditions you would like to address, and to determine which techniques are best suited for our session.
During this time, we will also provide you with the opportunity to voice ANY questions or concerns.
Q: What different types of massages and services do you provide?
A: There are a wide variety of massage/bodywork techniques and services we provide. You can find a list of my services here.
Q: Do I have to be naked during my session?
A: No, it is not required, and we tell all clients to undress to their own level of comfort. In fact, during a traditional Thai Yoga Bodywork session, the client remains fully clothed. Massage is a total body experience and you will receive its benefits by working areas of the body through the sheets or directly on the skin. Some people choose to undress completely whilst others keep undergarments on. We only ask that you remove all jewelry (i.e. - rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, etc.) before our session. Your comfort is our main objective, and you must feel comfortable to fully relax.
Q. Will the massage be painful?
A: Your massage should not be painful. Some people respond well to gentle touch while others prefer a deeper massage. A relaxation massage (Swedish) should not hurt. Deep Tissue may access tender points in the body, however we will communicate to monitor the intensity and make sure that you are able to breathe and relax into the tissues. The most effective massage works with the body's natural responses, rather than against them. We pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues from the client, and stress the importance of communication during a session.
Q: How will I feel after the session?
A: Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, awareness, and productivity, which can last for days.
Q: I have heard that some people get headache after massage?
A: Headaches happen infrequently after a massage, but you can prevent them by hydrating yourself before and after massage and by eating a light, healthy snack or a small glass of juice an hour or so before your session. For more information, click here.
Q: How Long Will The Effects of Massage Last?
A: After your first massage, you should feel the benefits for a few days to a week. As you receive massage regularly, your body heals and re-trains itself to relax and function more efficiently, and the benefits of massage last longer!
Q: How often should I receive massage?
A: The answer to this question is very individual. In truth, any REGULAR schedule of treatment that suits your goals and budget is effective. If you are seeking massage treatment for a recent injury, it is recommended that the first two or three treatments be spaced every three to four days, or weekly depending on the severity. For a long-term dysfunction like arthritis, a weekly or bi-weekly treatment is recommended until your condition is stabilized. For therapeutic treatments, many people find that once a month suits their needs, but some come more frequently.