FAQ

IMPORTANT - This is your massage! To have the best experience, please communicate your preferences with us. Tell us if you're too cold or warm; if you want more or less pressure. Tell us if anything that is making you uncomfortable. We are highly trained and able to discuss any concerns or questions. Give us a call.

What can I expect during my first massage?

Pre- Visit: Please complete and submit your health form and be detailed and honest. This form helps us understand your goals and conditions you may have to determine what could be helpful or harmful for you.

Arrival: Your therapist will walk you back to the treatment room to discuss the health form with you and ask questions to understand your needs. They may do postural assessments or muscle testing. HINT | Please be sure to share all diagnoses, medications, allergies, injuries, surgeries, or any other health concerns to ensure we help and not harm.

Getting Started: The therapist will guide you on how to situate yourself on the massage table. Most commonly, a "full body massage" is best with the client fully undressed (see question 2), but we can quickly adapt to each person's preference. The therapist will exit the room while you disrobe and return after you've settled on the massage table.

The Massage: A full body massage typically includes the face, scalp, neck, shoulders, arms/hands, legs/feet, glutes, and back. HINT | As this is your massage, ask your therapist to focus on or omit any of these areas. Massage therapists use either massage cream, lotion, or oil to manipulate and lengthen muscle fibers while avoiding drag on the skin.

Completion: The therapist will exit the room, allowing you time to get dressed. Your follow up recommendations will be discussed in the room before your departure.

Do you undress for a massage?

We follow an "undress to your comfort level" approach. Massage therapy is best performed with no clothing because skin contact is the best way for the therapist to feel the intricate layers of skin and underlying muscle tissues. We use a method of "draping" a sheet when working on a specific area (i.e., the leg) so you are never exposed. The sheet provides a border for the therapist and ensures the client is securely covered.

If you are uncomfortable being completely undressed, leave your undergarments on. The therapist can either avoid the area or work over the sheet the best they can (agreed upon prior). We ask females to remove their bra before situating themselves on the table (unless there is a snap closure in the bac)to access the back's musculature.

If the therapist performs a modality that works better with clothing, they will communicate that to you in advance. (i.e., bring shorts and a sports bra with you).

What do I do during the massage? Can I talk?

Your only job is to breathe and relax! The therapist will adjust you or communicate if they require your assistance (e.g., rolling over to lie face down). HINT | It is best to fully relax and be limber while the therapist works, like a wet noodle. They may move your arm but don't help because you are then contracting the muscles where we are working.

You may talk if you'd like, but we encourage a quieter session for your benefit. HINT | We encourage you to use this time to step away from your everyday stress. How many times do you get to be silent or just connect to your own body during the day? Most people relax more when they are quiet and can focus on their breath. Conversation can sometimes distract the mind or elevate blood pressure/excitement or stress.

Will massage therapy hurt?

No. massage should never hurt. Each person perceives "pain" differently, so it's essential to communicate with your therapist. Sometimes it hurts and feels good at the same time, which is normal. We gauge discomfort on a scale of 1-10 (10 being extreme pain or discomfort). Typically, we don't want you beyond a seven on your scale. HINT | If you are cringing and curling your toes or holding your breath, the pressure is too much, and ask your therapist to lighten up a bit.

How often should I get a massage?

Each person is unique and has different circumstances. Typically for general maintenance, once every 4-6 weeks is recommended. If you are recovering from an injury, we recommend more frequent intervals spaced out for longer as you heal and start to feel better. HINT | Some is better than none. It is vital to listen to your body, and your therapist can help give recommendations after your massage session.

How will I feel after my massage?

Most people feel "floaty" and in a profoundly relaxed state immediately after the massage. Some are sleepy and require a nap. Some may feel "lighter" on their feet and have a sense of freedom from their aches. HINT | After your session, re-hydrate. We recommend not over-exerting yourself after your massage, and allow the bodywork to settle and restore you. You may experience a slight increase in energy and productivity. It is common for people to want to do more because they're happy and they just feel good.

If you received a therapeutic massage focused on an area, you might experience a slight soreness for the following 1-3 days. This soreness is common and not a worry. It should never be painful but more like soreness after a good workout. HINT | To help with this effect, be sure to hydrate after your massage! Light stretching, soaking in a bath, or taking a hot shower may help decrease the impact.

Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.