Frequently Asked Questions

• Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
• Who will perform the massage or bodywork?
• Must I be completely undressed?
• Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
• Will I be covered during the session?
• What parts of my body will be massaged?
• Will lubricant be used?
• What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
• Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
• How long will the session last?
• What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
• How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
• What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
• Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
• Is there anything I should do after the massage?
• How often should I receive a massage?

Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. [ back to top ]

Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork?

A trained professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques, will conduct your session. Some massage and bodywork practitioners are licensed by the state, while others are locally regulated. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality. You may also request your preference as to a male or female therapist. [ back to top ]

Must I Be Completely Undressed?

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped during the session. [ back to top ]

Will the Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel. [ back to top ]

Will I Be Covered During the Session?/p>

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. [ back to top ]

What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?

You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female). [ back to top ]

Will Lubricant Be Used?

A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed. Please let the therapists know in advance if you could have any allergies to either the oils or extracts (such as those made with nuts). Also, let your therapist know if you do not want oil around your face or hair.

Oil applied during the massage will be wiped off when the work on that area is complete unless you request that it be left on. [ back to top ]

What Will the Massage or Bodywork Feel Like?

It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Many changes occur in your body's systems during a massage. For example, your body temperature may change or you may drift off to sleep. [ back to top ]

Are There Different Kinds of Massage and Bodywork?

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. Ask the practitioner about the methods he or she uses. [ back to top ]

How Long Will the Session Last?

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. [ back to top ]

What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session?

Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. Also, please let the practitioner know if you experience any discomfort during the massage. [ back to top ]

How Will I Feel After the Massage or Bodywork Session?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.

There may be some soreness or slight bruising with the deep tissue/sports massage techniques for up to 48 hours. Also, athletes should allow 48 hours after a sports massage treatment before doing a sports event (except pre-event massage). [ back to top ]

What Are the Benefits of Massage and Bodywork?

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. See our benefits page for a more complete listing. [ back to top ]

Are There Any Medical Conditions That Would Make Massage or Bodywork Inadvisable?

Yes. That's why it's imperative that before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions and/or have you fill out a medical questionnaire. It is very important that you inform the practitioner 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 or bodywork prior to any session. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor. [ back to top ]

Is There Anything I Should So After the Massage?

Depending on the kind of massage you've received, your body will feel a variety of different ways after a session. You might feel completely relaxed from a traditional Swedish massage, energized by a sports or chair massage, or you could feel utterly spent after a Rolfing session. It's a good idea to drink water after a massage, because a successful session will loosen many toxins in your body and water can help eliminate them. And if you've had deep-tissue work or had a particular part of the body worked on extensively, you may want to take a mild pain reliever in order to prevent inflammation and soreness that can accompany a vigorous muscle workout. [ back to top ]

How Often Should I Receive a Massage?

Like exercise, the greatest benefits of massage therapy are achieved through regular participation. Though an occasional massage is certainly better than none at all, it is recommended that people evaluate their needs and their budget to determine if massage on a regular basis is appropriate for them. For some clients, regular massage means every 2 weeks, once a month, every 2 months, etc. [ back to top ]