If you have not downloaded and completed the health form, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.  While some of the questions may seem irrelevant to you, please complete your health form with as many details as possible so that we may better serve you.   Your therapist will review the information you have provided and may ask you further questions or ask for you to walk around the room or make certain movements if you are looking for specific work for injuries or other conditions.

The therapist will instruct you regarding how to position yourself on the table and will leave the room while you undress to your personal comfort level.  Some undress completely while others leave on their bottom underwear.  It is your choice regarding how much of your clothing you will remove.  We will adjust our techniques to your boundaries.  Your modesty is always protected and you will be covered with a sheet and/or blanket.  The therapist will drape your body while working specific areas.  Please always talk to your therapist if you have concerns in this area.  You always have the right to instruct the therapist to stop at any time during the massage if you are uncomfortable, either with the draping or the techniques.

While we encourage our clients to give us useful feedback (about pressure or other factors) we also encourage you to close your eyes and quiet your mind through the relaxing music and the silence.  Do not feel as if you have to make conversation with your therapist.  Much healing takes place in these quiet moments when you make the choice to take advantage of this opportunity for silence.

Subsequent sessions may vary in techniques used as your needs change.  Be sure to advise of any health or life-style changes at each session.  Most people are amazed when they become more aware of their bodies during and after massage.  Relaxing becomes easier with each session.

Q:  What if I need to go to the bathroom during the massage?

It happens!  No problem.  We keep robes in the room for that eventuality.  Simply tell your therapist.

Q :  What does massage feel like?

While each person's experience of massage may differ, massage on normal tissue feels good.  Most everyone will become aware of tender areas in their bodies; these are most often the tense muscles and/or trigger points which will benefit from massage.  Massage to injuries may be uncomfortable, but your therapist will work with you to reduce any discomfort.  ALWAYS communicate with your therapist.  Each person is unique and individual and different types of massage are used for your best results.  Talk to your therapist about the results you are looking for and she will plan a treatment best suited to your needs.  While not all inclusive, following are some types of massage.  Swedish and Polarity are best known for relaxation.  Deep Tissue is used for detoxifying and to work the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.  Some find it relaxing.  Others do not.  Sports massage is used to enervate rather than relax; or as a post-event treatment to flush the tissues of metabolic waste.  Most therapists use a combination of techniques.   A therapist should always welcome your questions and be willing to explain techniques to you.  Remember that it is YOUR body and no one knows it better than you do.  Trust your instincts, listen to your body's signals and you will become adept at helping your therapist to give the best massage possible for your needs.

Q:  Should I do anything in particular before or after my massage?

If at all possible, leave your jewelry, makeup and  dress clothes at home!  And if you can't because you are coming from work, remove your jewelry, including your earrings if you want the wonderful ear massage!  Some people plan their massage ahead of time and bring more comfortable clothes to change into after their session if they have on their dressy clothes from work.

While facial massage is absolutely wonderful (as is scalp massage) tell us if you don't want us to work those areas.  Perhaps you are going out after your massage and would prefer us to skip those areas.

Do not drink alcohol before or after a massage.  If you do, you may develop a headache because the increased circulation will send the alcohol to your brain much faster.  Alcohol is also a toxin and dehydrates your body.  Drinking pure water is great!

Do not exercise for at least 6 hours before or after your swedish or deep tissue massage.  Plan accordingly.  Ask for sports techniques if you plan to work out before or after.

Drink plenty of pure water after your massage to help flush the metabolic waste from your system. 

Q:  How will I feel after my massage? 

Each person is a snowflake and individual results vary greatly.  It also depends on the type of massage you received and how often you receive massage.

Some people find that they sleep better and their aches and pains are diminished or gone.  Others experience a slight soreness for a day or so.  (Soak in a warm tub with your favorite bath salts if you like, but not a hot tub!)  If you experience more than a slight soreness (similar to how you would feel if you work out), call your therapist to advise her so that she can note it in your file.  It might be that your body is detoxifying rapidly and you will need to increase your water consumption.  Many therapists have noticed a connection between emotional stress and the amount of post massage soreness.  If you are experiencing an unusual amount of stress, talk to your therapist before your session.  It is to be noted that caffeine is both a pain enhancer and a diuretic, so cut back on these as well.  Most people who experience soreness find that it diminishes with each massage as their tissue becomes more healthy. 

Q:  Can I request specific work or products to be used?

Absolutely!  We want to know where you need extra attention.  Some clients request an hour on just their backs.  Some want to spend 20 minutes on their feet.  It is YOUR session.  If you want specific products, we will be happy to supply them if we have them.  Some may be at an additional charge (such as special aromatherapy lotions and creams or pain relief lotions such as MSM/Glucosamine).

Q:  Can you tell me what is wrong with me?

Massage Therapists do not diagnose illness, disease or any physical or mental disorder; nor do they do spinal manipulations or prescribe any medical treatments or pharmaceuticals.  Massage is NOT a substitute for medical treatment. 

What we CAN do is tell you where we find tight, tense muscles, connective tissue, tendons, etc.  This may be part of the problem you are experiencing, but we cannot know whether or not you have other problems or conditions.  If your pain persists, you will want to consult a medical doctor. 

We may share with you articles or anecdotal information from other sources, including information from magazines and other sources, including individuals with similar conditions.  These are for you to review if you wish and reach your own conclusions and are not to be construed as professional advice for yours, or any,  specific condition.

Q:  Are there contraindications to massage?

Yes there are, which is one of the reasons we have you complete a health form prior to receiving massage.  Some contraindications are local (like not massaging a leg with an unknown rash) while other contraindications are for the whole body.  For instance, if you are having a Lupus active inflammatory episode you should not receive massage at all.  However, if you have Lupus but it is not active, then massage is great for your circulation.  If you are in doubt, tell us about your concerns or conditions on the phone as you are scheduling.  We do not want you to receive massage if it is not in your best interests!  But remember that most conditions can benefit from massage therapy.  This is also why we impress upon you that we need to know any changes in your lifestyle or health at subsequent sessions and to give us details of any medical condition.