Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Must I be completely undressed?
  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.

*contrarily, loose comfortable clothing is appropriate for stretching sessions

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 and blanket.

Will I be covered during the session?
  You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. 

What parts of my body will be massaged?
  A typical full-body session will include work on your face, scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, stomach, feet, legs, buttocks, and back. The client may choose to leave any of these out of their session if they like. 

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
  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. Often, a light oil or lotion is 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 not resisting.

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. We can discuss which methods may be most  appropriate for you. 

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
  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. If you have any questions  regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask. Good hydration prior to the session is highly recommended.

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.

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. 

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. 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.