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 always ultimately up to you to decide what to wear and what allows you to feel comfortable. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
For Fascial Stretch Therapy sessions, you will always be fully clothed, and should wear comfortable clothing such as sweat pants, yoga pants, and a comfortable shirt or sweater that you can easily move in.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe? +
The practitioner will always leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.
Will I be covered during the session? +
During a massage session you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
During a Fascial Stretch Therapy session you will remain clothed, and can be covered with a warm blanket depending on your comfort.
What parts of my body will be massaged? +
A typical, full body session will include work on a combination of your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. For clients coming in with specific injuries or areas of focus, more time and focus will be spent in those locations.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like? +
The kind of session booked will determine how the bodywork will feel. However, each session begins with a short assessment of the soft tissues and some joint range of motion, and soft pressure will be applied to 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. During a massage session, natural, unscented lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing friction to the skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage therapy and Fascial Stretch Therapy 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 your body or tell you what is needed throughout the session (for example, lifting your arm to activate certain muscles in the shoulder). Many people 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.
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, Fascial Stretch Therapy, and other movement practices 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. Bodywork, intentional movement and essentail oils are 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, you communicate honestly with the practitioner your general health history. 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.