What should I expect during my first massage therapy session?
I will ask you to fill out a health history form. It is important that you list all your concerns, medications and allergies so I can adapt the session to your specific needs without causing any harm. Then I may proceed to certain assessments and testings. Please always feel free to ask any questions.
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During the massage, you will lay on a special massage table. It has a heating pad to keep you warm and I will use bolsters to keep your knees and back comfortable. You will be draped to keep you warm. Most people just close their eyes and completely relax; others prefer to talk. Your massage is about you and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Please ask at any time in case you need more or less pressure, another blanket or if you have a question about a particular technique. After the massage, I will give you after-care advice.
Do I have to remove my clothing for massage?
Feel free to undress according to your comfort level. During treatment, you will be properly draped to ensure that your privacy is completely respected, and I will only uncover the part of you body being worked on. Any private area will not be exposed. Also, I will leave the massage area while you dress/undress.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
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A typical full-body massage includes work on your head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, glutei, legs and feet. However, you can choose to have a targeted session where only certain areas will be worked on. Also, during intake you will be asked if there are any areas you want me to avoid, for example the face or feet.
How long should my massage be?
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The first thing to consider is whether you want a full body massage or only part of the body. Also, specific, deep tissue work is more time consuming. After your first massage, we will establish an treatment plan that will include recommended frequency and duration of following treatments. But to give you an idea, you will need approximately:
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30-45 minutes for neck and shoulders massage
60 minutes for a targeted session if you need a deep and/ or specific work on your neck, shoulders and back
60 minutes for a full body relaxation massage
90 minutes for a full body deep tissue
110 minutes for occasional luxurious relaxation or a deep tissue experience
How often should I get a massage?
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This depends on what you are looking for and on what issue needs to be addressed:
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Once a month: if you want just an occasional relaxation or for maintenance after an issue that has been resolved.
Every two weeks: If you have stress or specific issues, getting a massage every other week helps alleviate your pains and aches before they get worse.
Every week or twice a week: If you have a chronic pain or are going through a stressful period, a more frequent massage will help you to get things under control more quickly.
Does massage hurt?
A light, relaxing massage won't hurt at all and a good, deep tissue massage should still be within the "feels good" pain range. Sometimes, pain can be an indication that there is a trigger point, or that a muscle is injured or inflamed and pressure will need to be adjusted.
When should I not get a massage?
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You shouldn't book a massage if you have a fever, cold, contagious skin condition or high risk pregnancy. In some cases, I may need to adapt techniques, for example with arthritis, osteoporosis, or avoid some areas (cut, burns, varicose veins). In other cases, I may require a written approval from your physician.
What if I fall asleep during my massage?
Very often clients get so relaxed during a massage that they fall asleep. Don't feel embarrassed, I take it as a compliment :-)