FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE FIRST APPOINTMENT LIKE?
Since there are some medical conditions for which massage is not appropriate, we ask that you fill in a form to answer some questions about your general health.  Your massage therapist will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your body’s health and the appropriateness of massage.  You should feel free to ask questions at any point during your visit. Your therapist will then show you to the massage room.  She’ll talk with you about the kind of massage you’re receiving, answer any questions you may have, and then leave for a few minutes.  At this time, you will make yourself ready by undressing and relaxing into the massage table.  We use fresh, clean sheets for each massage.

For a full body massage (Swedish style), you should undress as much as possible, to your comfort level. Most people remove all of their clothes, though many choose to leave their underwear on.  This makes little difference to your therapist.  You will be securely draped at all times.  Your therapist will expose only those areas of your body she’s massaging.  Modesty should not be an issue, since sensitive areas are not exposed.  However, if you feel uncomfortable, just speak up.  Your comfort is your therapist’s primary concern.   During your massage, your therapist will use a light oil (we use grapeseed oil or olive oil) to rub into your skin.  The oil is natural and easy for your skin to absorb. Massage usually begins with a light, steady touch, followed by broad, flowing strokes.  This should feel very relaxing, as it calms nervous stress and releases tension in superficial muscles.  Gradually, as you body relaxes, your therapist will work more deeply for impact on specific areas of tension.  

WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE MASSAGE?
The simplest answer is NOTHING.  Please, just relax and enjoy! During the course of your massage, your therapist may need to move your limbs around.  This is much easier for her if you relax the limb she’s working with.  If she needs you to turn over or move yourself, she will tell you.  Otherwise, lay in whatever position is most comfortable for you, and feel free to move around if you need to.  In other words, if you have an itch, scratch it! If you have trouble relaxing, it can help to close your eyes and take some deep breaths.  On the other hand, some people prefer to talk.  Its your massage, so whatever feels natural for you is the best way to relax.  Again, please don’t hesitate to ask questions, or to speak up if something is painful or uncomfortable.  Your therapist wants you to have a wonderful, relaxing experience.  Honest communication on your part will help you both to achieve that.

WILL IT HURT?
Massage on healthy tissue feels good.  Sometimes areas of tension may feel achey when massaged, but it shouldn’t be painful.  Always speak up when you feel discomfort so that your therapist may adjust to a more appropriate level of pressure. When massage is used to address a painful injury, there may be some discomfort at first.  There will usually be a noticeable decrease in that disomfort in the first few minutes of the massage.  Your therapist is educated about different methods for reducing pain, and will work carefully within your limits.

WILL IT TICKLE?
Ticklish people are often surprised to find that massage doesn’t tickle. However, if you are extremely ticklish, tell your therapist so she can work carefully, or avoid your areas of sensitivity altogether.

HOW LONG IS A MASSAGE?
An hour is a common length of time to devote to a standard table massage.  It is usually enough to cover the whole body, providing a deeply relaxing experience.  If you are larger than average, or if you have a lot of specific needs, you may find 90 minutes works better for you.  A half-hour massage makes an excellent first-time experience, and is also great if you’re coming in to work on one specific area of tension, like the shoulders and back.

HOW WILL I FEEL?
You will feel very good!  Most people come away from a massage feeling relaxed and free of aches and pains. You may feel a little tired or lethargic at first, but many also experience an increase in energy that lasts for several days.  The feeling is one of general well-being.