Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which massage style is right for me?
How often should I get a massage?
How much time should I schedule?
What is a massage usually like?
Do I wear anything during the massage?
Why should I get a massage?Professional massage improves your health and well being by releasing muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing the effects of stress, and can even alleviate pain.
Massage therapy is also used to compliment chiropractic treatments, speed recovery from injuries, help problems associated with postural dysfunction, and in conjunction with activities such as yoga, pilates and weight training.
Most people get a massage because they are interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, experiencing new methods of relaxation or alleviating the stress, aches and pains that are a part of everyday life. The benefits of therapeutic massage are widely recognized.
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Which massage style is right for me?
A brief consultation will help determine the type of massage therapy required to meet your particular needs. Whether you prefer one specific style of massage or a combination of different treatments, personalizing each session is an important part of attaining the best massage possible.
You can choose to relax with a basic Swedish massage or try a more invigorating experience like an exfoliation spa treatment. On the other hand, some people prefer a much more specific focus such as Deep Tissue massage. One day you may find that you want to experiment with a new massage style or spa treatment, while another day you will simply select your favorites and enjoy.
Brief summary of some massage styles:
STYLE PRESSURE
Relaxation Massage ................... Soft & Gentle
Swedish ....................................... Medium to Firm
Integrative .................................. Soft or Medium (full body)
Sports Massage .......................... Medium to Hard (stretching included)
Deep Tissue ................................. Very Hard (focused on specific areas)
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How often should I get a massage?
If it is simply for stress relief and relaxation, we recommend that you get a massage once or twice a month. Pick the days when you have a lot of stress and schedule your appointment around that time.
If you have something that requires more attention such as back pain, tight muscles, or significant levels of stress, it is a good idea to get a massage about once a week.
People who want to feel a significant difference in their body should schedule two or three massages every week for about three weeks. After five or six massages in a relatively short period of time, you will begin to feel the full impact of the treatments.
The real answer to this question depends entirely on what is going on in your life. A person may want a lot of massage while they are in training for an upcoming sporting event, during pregnancy, or after a recent injury. These people may come in a few times a week, while others might wait a month or more before treating themselves again. It best to find a rountine which addresses your specific circumstances.
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How much time should I schedule?
Most people request at least one hour for a standard session. Occasionally a client will ask for a specific time such as a twenty minute chair massage or a two hour spa package, depending on their particular needs and preferences.
It is recommended that you schedule at least 90 minutes for your first massage. This allows a little extra time for any questions you may have, any necessary discussions about your health history, and an explanation of different types of massage techniques.
Having more time also gives you the opportunity to experience a variety of massage styles. From there, we can develop a treatment plan to best suit your specific needs.
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What is a massage usually like?
During one massage, you may want to simply relax and drift away while in another session you may prefer to focus on tight areas, sore muscles or even a recent injury. Each session will incorporate the styles of massage and spa treatments that you want to experience.
Whether in an office or during a house call, your massage should be in a comfortable setting. The focus of the massage and the atmosphere is catered to your preferences. A variety of oils, lotions, and musical selections are usually available to choose from. Candles, relaxing music and a soothing waterfall are often used to provide an oasis of blissful relaxation and healing.
Before the massage begins, there is normally a bit of paperwork to fill out concerning your health history and personal preferences. You should then take some time to talk about any specific aches, pains, or tight muscles you may have. This is also a good time to mention any questions, concerns, or specific requests to your massage therapist. After a brief consultation, your massage will be tailored to address your specific needs.
You will then be left alone to undress to your level of comfort, get on the massage table, and lay down under a large sheet or towel to cover your body until the massage begins. When you are ready, the massage therapist will come back into the room after washing his hands and taking care of any extras like turning on a heater, setting up a spa treatment, or getting a special kind of massage oil you have requested.
The massage will often begin with you lying on your stomach because many people have tight muscles in their neck and back. This means your face will probably be in a cushioned cradle at the end of the massage table. You can choose not to use the face cradle, but many people find it very relaxing and it is important for allowing access to your neck and shoulder muscles. You may also choose to lay on your back or side if you prefer to start in a specific position. This may even be mandatory if you have a special need such as an injury or if you are a woman near the end of her pregnancy.
The massage itself usually begins on the back and shoulders since these areas are commonly tight and most people want relief from the pain or discomfort this creates. But if there are other areas that you have mentioned specifically that you want the massage therapist to focus on, they may begin there instead. It is recommended that you begin on the areas that need the most attention. From there the massage can move on to other areas of your body with the possibility of returning to the primary areas now and then throughout the session if necessary.
Each area that the massage therapist works on will be uncovered while oil and pressure are applied to your body. Some people prefer to have any areas that are not being worked on recovered with the sheet or towel. Other people prefer to have their body uncovered a little more with each area that is worked on so that the massage strokes can be connected rather than broken up into smaller parts. You should discuss this with your massage therapist before you begin so you are clear about which style you prefer. This is especially important for anyone that does not want to have a specific area of their body uncovered (stomach, breasts, or buttocks) and if there are any areas of the body that should not receive contact (ticklish feet, the face, etc.).
Approximately halfway through your massage, you will be recovered with the sheet or towel and asked to turn over. The massage will then continue with the rest of your body until the end of the session. Some massage therapists will include subtle stretches, rocking, tapping, or various other techniques for treating muscular tension. If there is anything that you do not like or feels a little uncomfortable, be sure to mention it right away. The massage therapist will adjust the pressure or style to accommodate your preferences.
After the massage, you will be left alone to relax for a few minutes before getting up, wiping off any excess oil, and putting your clothes on. You will then pay the massage therapist, drink some water, and talk about your next session. Be sure to mention the things that you liked the most and anything that you did not like. This will help make each session a little better than the last one. Please note that it often takes at least 5 massages completed within just a few weeks before your body feels the full effect of the treatments.
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Should I bring anything?
All of the basic items needed for a massage are already provided at the spa or massage office. However, some people like to bring their own music, scented candles, or a special massage oil they found in a local store that they want to try. Occasionally, a client may want to try a massage tool such as a portable back massager that they recently bought before deciding to keep it or not.
Since it is your massage session, you should feel free to bring anything you like. Just mention the items to the massage therapist and talk about why you brought them. Most massage therapists will be absolutely thrilled to have some new music to listen to or a new massage tool to work with. As long as your request isn't too unusual, there should be no problem working it into your massage.
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What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Since there is no reason to put on make-up or get dressed up before a massage, you can keep it simple with fairly casual clothing. Some people wear a t-shirt, jeans, shorts or other similar types of clothing. But there are also times when you may come in during your lunch break or after a long day at the office. In that case, there is no need to go home and change or worry about your clothes since they will be off to the side away from the massage oil or lotion. We do ask that you please leave any jewelry or other accessories at home, in your car, or put them in a purse or pants pocket during your massage. This makes it less likely that such items will be left behind.
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Do I wear anything during the massage?
That is totally up to you. Some people take off all their clothes before lying down under a sheet or towel on the massage table. Other people wear something that covers certain parts of their body because that makes them feel more comfortable. You can wear shorts, a sports bra, a bathing suit, or whatever else makes you feel relaxed. If your feet are extremely ticklish, you might want to wear socks. Wear whatever you think will make your massage completely stress-free.
There are also several styles of massage that are done while the client is fully clothed. These include options such as Shiatsu, Thai Massage, and Breema. Each of these types of massage is usually performed on a mat that is placed on the floor. The client wears a long sleeved shirt, sweat pants and socks. This helps the practitioner make contact with your body without slipping off the area or chaffing the skin.
Depending on the style, the massage may include acupressure points, soft stretches, firm pressure over broad areas, and specific work on areas that are tight or cause pain. The massage therapist may use their hands, elbows, knees, or even their feet during these types of massage. If you feel hesitant about removing your clothes, you may also want to consider getting a chair massage.
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What is a Chair Massage?
This style of massage is done fully clothed while sitting in a special chair designed specifically for massage therapy. You may have seen one in airports, grocery stores, book stores, or a local health fair. You simply sit down in the chair, tuck your legs under you, and lean against the face rest. Now you are ready for a massage on your neck, shoulders, back, hands, arms or even your head (you pick the areas you want the massage therapist to work on). A chair massage can last anywhere from a quick 5 minute pick-me-up to 30 minutes or more.
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What happens after the massage?
You will be left alone for a few minutes to relax and let the full effect of the massage totally sink in. Some people feel a little dizzy for a while, so wait until you are fully awake before trying to get up. Then you can slowly get off the massage table, wipe off any excess oil or lotion with a towel, and get dressed.
Sometimes there is a shower located at the massage studio or spa so you can clean off and remove the extra massage oil from your body. A shower feels great right after a massage because your skin usually seems a little more tingly and sensitive than usual. Spa treatments like a Salt Glow or other forms of exfoliation often require a shower to get all the salt off your body. However, some people prefer to simply use a towel to wipe off the oil before getting dressed and then take a shower later on.
Try to take it easy for the next few hours if you can. Taking a bath or going on a long walk can be an excellent compliment to a massage. Some people will make a special effort to eat fruits and vegetables, do a soft form of exercise like yoga, or focus on other types of self-care which pampers their physical being and spirit.
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Why do I need to drink water after a massage?
The body tends to build up metabolic waste and various toxins that get trapped and stored in-between the soft tissue areas. These wastes and toxins are often pushed into the blood stream and the lymphatic system during a massage (where they belong).
If you drink a lot of water, then most of it will be flushed out of the body as waste or broken down into usable elements. But if you don't drink enough water, you may get a headache from all of the toxins in your blood stream once it reaches your brain or it will simply resettle within your body as internal waste once again. Be sure that you drink at least 2 eight ounce glasses of water after your massage.
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Call for appointments: 713-208-8840