F.A.Q's Massage Edition
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room inside of our Columbia office. There are other occasion where you could request a massage at your home, work and/or event. Out of offices services have an additional fee.
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 you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just 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. If you feel like talking, go ahead, most of the time I get so absorbed in my work that I can go a whole session without talking at all. It is whatever makes you comfortable.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and get under the sheet and blanket.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Unless we are doing sport specific stretches or Thai massage we will have discussed this earlier prior to the session
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck glutes, and shoulders. Because we work with in your comfort zone, you will have a consultation with before each session to discuss the goals for the session as well as areas to be worked on.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Massage techniques on healthy tissue usually feel very good. The normal response is to slow down, breathe deeply and relax.
Working in an area of injury or chronic pain may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. I am trained in a multitude of techniques which will work to minimize discomfort and I will work carefully within what feels right to you.
Always tell me if you feel any discomfort so that I can adjust the techniques that I am using. The saying ‘no pain, no gain’ is not precisely true for bodywork! I will ask you for feedback throughout your session to be sure that we are working in a zone of ‘therapeutic tenderness’ – this sensation is described as ‘hurts so good’ – a level of tenderness that you can breathe through comfortably, and that dissipates rather quickly as we work, essentially easing the initial discomfort.
When people have been living in pain for any length of time, it can be difficult to differentiate these sensations, so I encourage you to listen closely to your body and I will meet you where you are in the process. The most effective and deepest massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them.
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. You can find current massages offered here.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to re-orient before slowly getting up from the massage table.
After a session, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up over months of tension or repetitive activity.
After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for several days. Since toxins are released from your tissue during a massage, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water following your massage.
Following a massage, it is possible to have some soreness for 24-48 hours, similar to the sensation experienced after a good workout. This is a normal response within the body when circulation and resulting detoxification is increased.
You will likely feel subtle shifts occurring over the following days as well. Some examples are:
pain relief – less intensity and frequency of the pain in various areas of your body
easier mobility when walking and moving in your daily life
deeper sleep patterns
digestive concerns may subside
stress, irritability and anxiety levels may lessen
energy levels may feel increased
and more…!
As with exercise, the benefits of massage increase with regular treatments. As your body-mind awareness is enhanced, you may find that you experience deeper relaxation and great gains in overall wellness with each massage therapy session.
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. That's why it's imperative that, prior to your session, you fill out the intake form. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
If I’m sick with a cold or the flu should I attend my appointment?
If you have anything contagious, cold or flu, please do NOT come in for your session. Please phone or email me to cancel with as much notice as possible, so that I may be able to fill the spot with a client on my wait-list. Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful consideration of this matter. Please note last minute cancellations will result in a full charge and saved for next appointment visit.