How can it benefit me?

Massage is one of the best known antidotes for stress. The AMTA states, whether seeking relief for a medical condition, searching for a method to help deal with the stresses of daily life or wanting to maintain good health, more and more people are turning to therapeutic massage.
Massage doesn’t just feel good. Research shows it reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion and increases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Massage also stimulates the production of natural lubricants and helps to relieve the pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis.

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms and stress. It also promotes health and wellness. The AMTA defines massage therapy as a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well being of the client.
Therapeutic massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and or applying pressure to the body.

What are the types of massage?

Massage Therapy and Bodywork modalities can be very diverse in nature. The most common and widely known modality is Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a gentle, relaxing stress reducing massage. It is used primarily for full-body sessions and promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension. In answering the FAQ's we will concern ourselves with the Swedish modality.

Shiatsu and Acupressure use finger pressure to different parts of the body. They are based on Oriental healing concepts which treat special points along “meridians,” the invisible channels of energy flow in the body.

There are many other types of bodywork including Cranio-Sacral, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy also known as Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy, Manual Lymph Drainage, and Reiki to name a few.

When should I get a massage?

Anytime is a good time to receive a massage. A regular massage is a great way to help deal with stress, both physical and emotional.

When should I not receive massage?

Massage is contraindicated when the following conditions are present:
(Check with your doctor if you have a question concerning your condition)

• Fever
• Any type of infectious disease
• Severe cold
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Open skin lesions
• Heart disease

What is the first appointment like?

Your massage therapist will ask you to arrive a few minutes early to discuss some general health questions since there are conditions for which massage is not appropriate.

Your session will take place in a peaceful, warm and quiet environment, often with music to set a relaxing mood. Your massage will take place on a table especially designed for stability and comfort.

Your massage therapist will ask you to undress in private to your level of comfort, prior to draping yourself under the sheets on your table. Many clients undress fully and some choose to leave their undergarments on. Your massage therapist will be sure to respect your privacy during your session. The only area of your body that will be undraped will be the area your massage therapist is working on at that time.

A massage usually begins with a light steady touch, followed by broad, flowing strokes. This technique begins to calm the nervous system and release tension in your superficial muscles. Gradually as your body relaxes, your massage therapist works more deeply.

What should I do during a massage?

Make yourself comfortable. Many clients just close their eyes and relax completely during a massage. Focus your attention on your breathing, which should be slow, deep and even. Others feel more relaxed while talking. There are times when you should speak up during a massage. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you should bring it to the therapist’s attention. If the temperature of the room needs to be adjusted, if you prefer the strokes to be lighter or deeper you should bring it to the attention of the therapist. Remember this is your time, so be comfortable. Many clients fall asleep during their session which is an indication that their bodies are letting go of stress and tension. Feel free to nap.

How long is a massage session?

A common time frame for a massage is an hour. This will give enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area.
One and one half hours is great for a full body massage along with extra time to pay special attention to a problem area.
A half hour can be an excellent introduction to massage. It allows time for a partial massage such as the back, neck and shoulders or legs and feet.

How do I choose a massage therapist?

The best place to find a massage therapist is through a referral from a friend. Clients who are happy with their massage therapist are very willing to recommend them to you. Other sources for finding a massage therapist, checking in the yellow pages is a good place to start. Make sure to look under the category of “Therapeutic Massage.” Newspapers may have a listing in their Health and Wellness section. Looking at websites for massage listings. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) will also provide a listing of massage therapists in your area. www.Amtamassage.org

What parts of my body will be massaged?

Generally, the areas of the body that are included in a full body massage are:

• Neck
• Shoulders
• Arms (may include areas of the underarms)
• Hands and fingers
• Upper and lower back
• Gluteals
• Legs
• Feet and toes
• Abdomen
• Rib cage
• Chest
• Face
• Scalp

The area of the body specifically not included in a session is the genital area.
If there are any areas that you would prefer not to be included in your session, be sure to discuss it with your massage therapist.

How often should I receive a massage?

There are many reasons for a client to receive massage. If a client comes due to an injury, or to relieve chronic tightness which may be interfering with their daily living, weekly sessions may be needed initially, to get the situation under control.
For clients looking for preventative care and stress management, once or twice a month sessions may be the norm. During stressful times you may want to increase the frequency of your sessions.
Many clients come more often simply because they enjoy it!