Vital Connections
Frequently Asked Questions

Vital Connections Massage & Bodywork is located at 130 Central Ave in Dover, NH 03820.

Our office is conveniently located in Seacoast NH, just off the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) Exit 7. Our building is next to the Cleary Cleaners/ CVS Pharmacy parking lot and directly across from the Dover Cemetery.
 
We are only 10 minutes from the Portsmouth area and convenient to downtown Dover as well. We have plenty of free off-street parking.  Please enter at the street level and have a seat in the reception area. We will be with you shortly.

Driving Directions

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. 

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!

Massage and bodywork have numerous and far-reaching benefits for body, mind, and spirit.  The simple act of releasing excess tension from the body allows energy to flow more freely within ourselves.  This improves physiological functioning, removes stress, promotes peace of mind, and encourages the body's natural ability to heal itself.  Here are some benefits you can look forward to:

• Decrease stress levels
• Heal strained muscles & tendons
• Relieve headaches and chronic pain
• Improve range of motion in joints
• Strengthen the immune system
• Improve circulation
• Sleep more soundly
• Encourage energy flow
• Improve focus & concentration
• Relax body and mind

• Tendonitis
• Back Pain  
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  
• TMJ  
• Headaches   
• Shoulder Pain  
• Strained muscles  
• Sports Injuries  
• Golf & Tennis Elbow
• Arthritis
• Knee and hip replacements
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression

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.

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.

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.

There are a wide variety of massage/bodywork techniques and services we provide. You can find a list of our services in the menu.

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.

Drink LOTS of Water
Massage releases metabolic wastes and toxins from your muscles and tissues. It is important to flush these from your body by drinking at least an extra 1 liter of water after your massage (other beverages do not substitute).  This will prevent post-treatment soreness and improve the efficiency of your body's healing process.

Reduce Soreness with Ice
Deep tissue work creates therapeutic inflammation to promote healing in the tissues. You may experience soreness the next day, but the soreness will subside and is followed by improved muscle function. At home, use ice packs and ice massage on areas where deep work was applied to help prevent soreness.
 
Follow Your Massage Therapist’s Guidelines
We often give our clients recommendations and therapeutic exercises that will help their conditions to improve and to maintain good health. Always listen to your own body as you implement my suggestions, and never continue to do something if it causes pain

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.