Frequently asked questions

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. 

 A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help 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. Biotone oils and lotions will be used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. 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 calm and not resisting.
 

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. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you. We specialize in relaxation, sports, deep tissue and therapeutic massage. We may also reccomend specialized techniques like cupping (decompression) therapy, hot stone massage or other enhancements to help you relax and heal.  

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. 

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders, but each session is different and is guided by client's goals and current body conditions. We typically include gluteal work (lower back, butt, and thigh) for athletes or clients with lower back and hip pain in most sessions unless otherwise requested to avoid those areas. This work is done with a closed fist with a sheet between the practitioner’s hands and clients gluteal area. 

If there are no focus areas of the body indicated in the intake portion of the session, it will be possible to complete a full-body massage that includes full back, posterior and anterior legs, arms, hands, shoulders and neck in a 50-minute session. When there are focus areas which require additional attention, the practitioner will make recommendations on which areas of the body should be included/excluded during your session. Alternatively, you can choose an 80 minut session so that the entire body can receive attention. 

Prior to the beginning of your session, we will discuss what areas will be worked to customize each session to your needs. 

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, 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, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. We use a medical pressure/pain scale of 1-10 during all sessions based on direct feedback from clients to deliver the pressure levels that are best for you. Periodically, your therapist will check in with you to determine if the level of pressure is appropriate. If you experience more pressure than you would like during the session, you should feel comfortable letting your therapist know so that adjustments can be made quickly. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask. 

Yes. We have invested in custom designed body cushions that cradle the mother so that her body and the baby are properly supported while in a face-down position. It very common that mothers will fall asleep during the session. We will perform pre-natal massage through all stages of pregnancy up to the 32nd week. All pre-natal clients will be required to complete an additional form and provide consent prior to each session. An additional approval from your doctor may be required for high-risk pregnancies.  

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. 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. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required. 

 You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. The table will have a fitted sheet for you to lay on directly as well as a top sheet and blanket for your warmth and comfort during the massage. Properly regulating the temperature of the body during massage helps promote relaxation of the muscles. 

Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. Your therapist will be able to discuss any questions you have about draping to meet your comfort and privacy. Chair massage sessions are done with you completely clothed.

 The practitioner will leave the room for a few minutes while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel. Your therapist will knock prior to re-entering the room.