All massages provided are totally and completely NON-SEXUAL in nature. This also means NO work in the groin area and NO “happy endings”. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music will be played, the lighting will be dimmed, and essential oils for aromatherapy in the air diffuser to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort which includes heat, clean flannel sheets, a clean, soft blanket, and bolsters for your knees/ankles.
Must I be completely undressed? Will I be covered during the session?
Most massage techniques are performed on the skin with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. Your therapist will be able to make accommodations to meet your needs. You will be properly covered (draped) during the entire session to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked will be exposed.
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
The therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with the clean flannel sheet and soft blanket. They will knock on the door and confirm that you are ready to begin the treatment before entering the room.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A full-body session will include work on your neck, head, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back. The buttocks may be included depending on your comfort level and specific needs (for example, low back issues or thigh issues, depending on the muscles involved in the issue), which will be massaged over the sheet. Depending on your specific needs, the therapist may recommend focusing on specific areas. The therapist will discuss these recommendations with you prior to the session and will get your agreement before proceeding.
What will the massage feel like?
A Swedish massage is often the baseline for clients. Your session usually starts with broad, flowing strokes that will help warm your muscles, calm the nerves, and relax the exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscle tension. A massage cream, oil, or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. This also helps hydrate your skin and may have essential oils added if requested. You should communicate immediately if you feel discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massages are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different types of massage?
There are numerous types of massages with various techniques utilizing different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movements, kneading, cross fiber friction, stripping of the muscle, application of pressure to specific points, and more. The therapist can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage session?
Feel free to ask the therapist any questions about the technique or the session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The therapist 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; communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, the table heat adjusted, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience relief from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After the initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.
What are the benefits of massage?
The most common benefits are to help lower or release chronic muscle tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscle tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being, to name a few.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that your health information is completely disclosed and discussed with the therapist before you begin your session. It is very important that you inform the therapist 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 prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required prior to receiving a massage.