Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for a massage?
- Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and fill out any informational forms. You'll want to be on the table at the start of your scheduled time to maximize your massage time.
- Try not to eat right before a massage, but drinking water throughout the day is recommended
- Please shower and take care of personal hygiene prior to your massage.
How long does a massage session last?
- The time begins when you are on the table, and I am in the room to begin the session. Arrive with enough time to consult, undress, receive the massage, and redress.
Should I take my necklace off?
- Yes. It's best to remove earrings, necklaces, and other non-essential jewelry before the massage. This way none of your jewelry gets ruined with oils and creams and you are able to receive a much more fluid therapeutic experience.
What do I wear during a massage?
- Most people choose wear nothing during their massage as most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed. However, it is entirely up to you what you choose to wear. This is a matter of personal preference and you should undress only to your level of comfort. You will be completely covered and properly draped at all times during the session and only the body part being worked on will be exposed. Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
- No. I will leave the room, giving you as much time as you need to undress to your comfort level, get on the table, and cover yourself with the clean sheet and blanket. Don’t rush! I will knock and ask if you’re ready before I enter the room.
Will I be covered during the session?
- Yes. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
- Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I 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, completely relax, and communicating if 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.
Should I talk during the massage?
- It’s your call. Some people talk, some do not. Don’t feel like you have to make conversation. This is YOUR session. Do what’s comfortable.
What if I fall asleep?
- Most people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage. It is also very common to snore or drool. It's ok!
What if I get aroused during the massage?
- It is normal for some men to become aroused during massage. Touch can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes the arousal. Don’t worry if this happens, it will be ignored.
The pressure isn’t deep enough – or its too deep! What should I do?
- Communication is important to a great massage so feel free to communicate freely with me, especially in regard to pressure. You are the master of your own body. You know and understand your body better than anyone else so letting me know what works and doesn’t will only increase the therapeutic effects of your massage. It is a myth that massage has to hurt to be effective. Using a pain scale of 1 is NO pain and 10 is extremely painful, a massage normally should always be 7 or less. You will NEVER insult me or hurt my feelings by telling me what you like or dislike. It’s your session, and I want you to relax & enjoy it!
Be sure to speak up and communicate if:
- You are too cold or hot
- Experience any pain or discomfort
- You have any questions related to massage
- There’s anything you forgot to share during the consultation
What about after the massage or bodywork session?
- Try not to jump up too fast after massage. Give yourself some “re-entry” time to fully come back into your body.
- Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom and relief from long-term discomfort and tension. After an initial period of feeling relaxed and mellow, 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.
I’ve been told to drink lots of water after a massage. Why?
- Being well hydrated is always best. You should try to drink plenty of water before a massage as well as after. Prior to a massage, it is beneficial, because a well-hydrated muscle is easier to manipulate and perform deep work on. Since massage is a manual draining of your lymphatic system, which is partially responsible for removing toxins and waste within your body, drinking water after a massage helps the body flush out any waste materials, like lactic acid, that have been released during the massage. Drinking water for 24 hours after a massage can help relieve any soreness, aches, or headaches you may experience, especially after a deep tissue massage.
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. Before we begin the session we will go over general health questions to make sure we customize a session that is right for you. It is very important that you inform me 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.