Frequently Asked Questions
(Please scroll to the bottom to see the important differences between a 'Massage Therapist' and a 'Masseuse.')
1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
I will ask you to fill out a health history form and ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you.
2. Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Relaxing music will be played to help you relax. I will give you privacy to undress to your level of comfort. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. The 30, 60 or 90 minutes for your massage session begins when I come into the room to start treatment, not sooner. Water will be offered after the session as a courtesy and reminder to drink well.
3. What do I wear during the massage?
You should undress to your level of comfort. Some patients leave their underwear on while others undress completely. Either way there is absolutely no exposure of private areas. I will give you privacy to undress and redress, and you are covered with a sheet and/or blanket at all times except for the area being worked on.
4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable and relax. If your position is needed to be adjusted I will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
5. How will a massage feel?
This is very subjective and often depends on the techniques used. Massage on healthy tissue usually feels good. Massage around injured, painful, or tense areas can cause discomfort. Always let me know how much discomfort you are willing to tolerate. NEVER let me work deeper than you are comfortable with. It’s important to realize that everybody is different. Some people want intense, deep work. Some prefer lighter, relaxing work, and others want something in between. The pressure level tolerated may vary over different areas of the body. Everything depends on what you need and what feels right for you.
6. What areas of the body are worked on?
A typical massage session includes work on the back, arms, hands, legs, feet, neck & shoulders, upper pecs, scalp and face. Some people need work on their glutes or abdomen, or they need additional time on a certain area. Other people don’t want certain areas to be worked on, such as feet, face or scalp. Prior to the session we will discuss what areas need more focus, if any, and what areas you do not wish to have massaged.
7. How does massage help muscle pain?
At a minimum therapeutic massage therapy releases nerve compression by relaxing muscle tissue, and realigns muscle fibers that are either stagnant from sustained contraction or injured or scarred by injuries. This is extremely helpful in aiding the recovery of muscle fibers. For more study-proven benefits, please visit both: The National Touch Institute and Myssage.
8. How long do the effects of massage last? How often should I receive massage?
The duration of the effects of a massage vary greatly from person to person depending on your physical and mental condition, activities, ability to relax, and ability to heal. If you are receiving massage to help heal injury or to get rid of chronic pain, you usually need to receive weekly or bi-weekly massage until you reach that goal.
If you are receiving massage for prevention, health maintenance, or just to feel better, you have more leeway in how often you receive massage. As with an exercise routine, the effects of regular massage are cumulative. A massage every week or two can make a big difference in your overall health and tension levels. Even a monthly massage is beneficial. Make regular massage part of your health maintenance program (along with good nutrition and exercise), and you'll feel better.
9. What is a trigger point? What is a “knot”?
A trigger point is a tiny area of irritation in a stressed muscle. Trigger points refer pain, weakness, or numbness to either surrounding or distant areas of muscle tissue. Trigger points result from trauma, exposure to cold or infection, overuse, misalignment, or chronically contracted muscles. Muscle knots, also known medically as “myofascial trigger points” are sections of muscles that are constricted and create pain that is consistent. There currently is no definitive medical explanation as to why muscle knots form, but there are several theories. The generally accepted theory is that something triggers a reaction where the muscle never relaxes. In effect, the muscle is always in a state where it appears to be actively rather than passively in use. The constant active condition of the muscle leads to muscle spasms, which in turn acts as the root cause the muscle knot.
10. Is a massage always appropriate?
No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history form before you begin your session. It is very important that you inform me 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 prior to any session. I may require a recommendation of approval from your doctor under certain conditions.
11. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
I use hypoallergenic organic and natural massage oils and lotions. I also sanitize my hands with a natural foam hand sanitizer before working on the scalp and face. If you have a specific sensitivity or allergy please bring it to my attention as I have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.
11. How long will a massage treatment last?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
13. Should I talk during my massage?
Talking is generally discouraged during the course of massage therapy to get the maximum benefit. Relaxation and absence of particular thoughts is the ultimate goal and to let the mind float as freely as possible almost to the point of subconscious bliss. Should talking be a form of relaxation to you, considering that you are undressed in the presence of a stranger, then by all means talking is acceptable. Usually once the session is in progress and the client begins to feel more comfortable, a sense of ease will evolve and the client will grow quieter and move into a state of subliminal relaxation.
14. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
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. I recommend keeping track of soreness if it occurs after intensive deep tissue treatment. Soreness that lasts more than a day usually means your next treatment needs to to be softer.
15. What about gratuity?
Many patients are confused when it comes to massage and gratuity. Typically in a spa or wellness center setting a massage therapist would receive 15-20% gratuity for their services, as they are only receiving a fraction of the cost of the session. When a massage therapist has their own practice or works with other medical professionals it is not expected that the patient give gratuity. In my practice I am never offended when I do not receive gratuity, and I do not expect it.
16. Why do I drink water after a massage?
Although suggested by many massage therapists, it is unlikely that water removes by-products from the body that have been 'stirred up' by a massage treatment. However, after any physical activity or engagement of muscles, your body produces heat which burns off water. To keep your kidneys and liver working at an optimal level your body has to have a certain amount of moisture. Reintroducing water into your system helps maintain homeostasis and proper blood viscosity. That being said, I am also a proponent of drinking water, along with the necessary electrolytes, instead of soda and other sugary drinks. For that very simple reason, (as well as my clients enjoy it!) I always offer some water after a session.
17. What is the difference between a ‘Massage Therapist’ and a ‘Masseuse’?
Most practitioners of therapeutic massage call themselves massage therapists, because the titles masseur and masseuse have sexual connotations associated with massage parlors and prostitution. Massage therapists work out of their studios or offices, not parlors. As far as massage parlors go, probably the last thing you'll get there is a real massage. Don't insult, offend, or intimidate a legitimate massage therapist by expecting something sexual to happen. Don't ask for anything inappropriate, or indicate that you want sex in anyway. If you insist on anything inappropriate, a legitimate therapist will end the session immediately, and you'll be required to pay the full price regardless of how long the session lasted. Touch is not innately sexual, despite some unfortunate social and cultural assumptions. In the confines of professional massage therapy, you can receive a massage that is relieving and enjoyable. If you attempt to make it into a sexual activity, you will deprive yourself of the experience of enjoying it for what it is.
I take my profession very seriously and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. Anything construed as a sexual advance will result in immediate termination of the session.
1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?
I will ask you to fill out a health history form and ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you.
2. Where will my massage session take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Relaxing music will be played to help you relax. I will give you privacy to undress to your level of comfort. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. The 30, 60 or 90 minutes for your massage session begins when I come into the room to start treatment, not sooner. Water will be offered after the session as a courtesy and reminder to drink well.
3. What do I wear during the massage?
You should undress to your level of comfort. Some patients leave their underwear on while others undress completely. Either way there is absolutely no exposure of private areas. I will give you privacy to undress and redress, and you are covered with a sheet and/or blanket at all times except for the area being worked on.
4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?
Make yourself comfortable and relax. If your position is needed to be adjusted I will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
5. How will a massage feel?
This is very subjective and often depends on the techniques used. Massage on healthy tissue usually feels good. Massage around injured, painful, or tense areas can cause discomfort. Always let me know how much discomfort you are willing to tolerate. NEVER let me work deeper than you are comfortable with. It’s important to realize that everybody is different. Some people want intense, deep work. Some prefer lighter, relaxing work, and others want something in between. The pressure level tolerated may vary over different areas of the body. Everything depends on what you need and what feels right for you.
6. What areas of the body are worked on?
A typical massage session includes work on the back, arms, hands, legs, feet, neck & shoulders, upper pecs, scalp and face. Some people need work on their glutes or abdomen, or they need additional time on a certain area. Other people don’t want certain areas to be worked on, such as feet, face or scalp. Prior to the session we will discuss what areas need more focus, if any, and what areas you do not wish to have massaged.
7. How does massage help muscle pain?
At a minimum therapeutic massage therapy releases nerve compression by relaxing muscle tissue, and realigns muscle fibers that are either stagnant from sustained contraction or injured or scarred by injuries. This is extremely helpful in aiding the recovery of muscle fibers. For more study-proven benefits, please visit both: The National Touch Institute and Myssage.
8. How long do the effects of massage last? How often should I receive massage?
The duration of the effects of a massage vary greatly from person to person depending on your physical and mental condition, activities, ability to relax, and ability to heal. If you are receiving massage to help heal injury or to get rid of chronic pain, you usually need to receive weekly or bi-weekly massage until you reach that goal.
If you are receiving massage for prevention, health maintenance, or just to feel better, you have more leeway in how often you receive massage. As with an exercise routine, the effects of regular massage are cumulative. A massage every week or two can make a big difference in your overall health and tension levels. Even a monthly massage is beneficial. Make regular massage part of your health maintenance program (along with good nutrition and exercise), and you'll feel better.
9. What is a trigger point? What is a “knot”?
A trigger point is a tiny area of irritation in a stressed muscle. Trigger points refer pain, weakness, or numbness to either surrounding or distant areas of muscle tissue. Trigger points result from trauma, exposure to cold or infection, overuse, misalignment, or chronically contracted muscles. Muscle knots, also known medically as “myofascial trigger points” are sections of muscles that are constricted and create pain that is consistent. There currently is no definitive medical explanation as to why muscle knots form, but there are several theories. The generally accepted theory is that something triggers a reaction where the muscle never relaxes. In effect, the muscle is always in a state where it appears to be actively rather than passively in use. The constant active condition of the muscle leads to muscle spasms, which in turn acts as the root cause the muscle knot.
10. Is a massage always appropriate?
No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history form before you begin your session. It is very important that you inform me 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 prior to any session. I may require a recommendation of approval from your doctor under certain conditions.
11. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?
I use hypoallergenic organic and natural massage oils and lotions. I also sanitize my hands with a natural foam hand sanitizer before working on the scalp and face. If you have a specific sensitivity or allergy please bring it to my attention as I have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand.
11. How long will a massage treatment last?
The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
13. Should I talk during my massage?
Talking is generally discouraged during the course of massage therapy to get the maximum benefit. Relaxation and absence of particular thoughts is the ultimate goal and to let the mind float as freely as possible almost to the point of subconscious bliss. Should talking be a form of relaxation to you, considering that you are undressed in the presence of a stranger, then by all means talking is acceptable. Usually once the session is in progress and the client begins to feel more comfortable, a sense of ease will evolve and the client will grow quieter and move into a state of subliminal relaxation.
14. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?
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. I recommend keeping track of soreness if it occurs after intensive deep tissue treatment. Soreness that lasts more than a day usually means your next treatment needs to to be softer.
15. What about gratuity?
Many patients are confused when it comes to massage and gratuity. Typically in a spa or wellness center setting a massage therapist would receive 15-20% gratuity for their services, as they are only receiving a fraction of the cost of the session. When a massage therapist has their own practice or works with other medical professionals it is not expected that the patient give gratuity. In my practice I am never offended when I do not receive gratuity, and I do not expect it.
16. Why do I drink water after a massage?
Although suggested by many massage therapists, it is unlikely that water removes by-products from the body that have been 'stirred up' by a massage treatment. However, after any physical activity or engagement of muscles, your body produces heat which burns off water. To keep your kidneys and liver working at an optimal level your body has to have a certain amount of moisture. Reintroducing water into your system helps maintain homeostasis and proper blood viscosity. That being said, I am also a proponent of drinking water, along with the necessary electrolytes, instead of soda and other sugary drinks. For that very simple reason, (as well as my clients enjoy it!) I always offer some water after a session.
17. What is the difference between a ‘Massage Therapist’ and a ‘Masseuse’?
Most practitioners of therapeutic massage call themselves massage therapists, because the titles masseur and masseuse have sexual connotations associated with massage parlors and prostitution. Massage therapists work out of their studios or offices, not parlors. As far as massage parlors go, probably the last thing you'll get there is a real massage. Don't insult, offend, or intimidate a legitimate massage therapist by expecting something sexual to happen. Don't ask for anything inappropriate, or indicate that you want sex in anyway. If you insist on anything inappropriate, a legitimate therapist will end the session immediately, and you'll be required to pay the full price regardless of how long the session lasted. Touch is not innately sexual, despite some unfortunate social and cultural assumptions. In the confines of professional massage therapy, you can receive a massage that is relieving and enjoyable. If you attempt to make it into a sexual activity, you will deprive yourself of the experience of enjoying it for what it is.
I take my profession very seriously and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. Anything construed as a sexual advance will result in immediate termination of the session.
