Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED MASSAGE QUESTIONS

Do I need to undress completely?
For many types of massage therapy, the answer is usually yes - with Shiatsu/ Acupressure, Energy work & CranioSacral Therapy being the exceptions to this rule. The amount of clothing you need to remove depends largely on the extent of the treatment you are receiving, and, of course, your comfort level.

For full body treatments, many clients opt to remove all their clothes, and many leave on undergarments. You will be covered with clean, warm sheets during the entire session, so the only parts exposed are the parts being treated. This helps you to relax (and helps to keep you warm.)

What is the best frequency of treatment?
This will vary, but here are some guidelines:
If you are seeking massage treatment for remediation from a recent injury, it is usually recommend that the first two or three treatments be spaced every three to four days or weekly depending on the severity of the pain or dysfunction. For a longterm dysfunction like arthritis, a monthly treatment is recommended until your condition is stabilized. For therapeutic treatments, most people find that twice a month suits their needs, but some come more frequently. If you are an athlete, or tend to work out quite a bit, a weekly massage can improve performance as well as help with muscle and tissue recovery.

How do I choose a therapist?
The easiest way to find a good therapist is through a recommendation from someone who has been to see the therapist and is happy with the treatment they received. Word of mouth is by far the best referral method. If you do not have a referral, you can find a licensed massage therapist through the AMTA. There is a link to the AMTA site through the My Training page.

Will therapy hurt?
If at any time the treatment you are receiving is causing you too much discomfort, ask the therapist to stop or ease off for a few minutes. Be open and let the therapist know how you are feeling and your treatment will be a lot more enjoyable and productive. The old adage "no pain no gain" is not relevant to massage therapy treatments you receive. You should feel better at the end of each treatment and the treatments will become more comfortable as your dysfunctions improve. After a session, you may feel some mild discomfort or muscle soreness for a few days until your body readjusts and heals itself.

Can massage help reduce stress levels?
According to medical studies anything that can help you relax will reduce your stress levels and massage is one of the most relaxing therapies you can receive. Many turn to massage to manage day to day stress. Massage therapy treats the problem holistically. Without using suppression chemicals to slow you down, massage therapists attempt to treat the whole person and try to help your body regain homeostasis, achieving a balance between the various systems of your body to allow natural healing to occur.

Is it safe to receive massage during pregnancy?
Not only is it safe, it is also very beneficial and comforting. Massage therapy can be received throughout the entire nine month pregnancy term. If you are experiencing complications during pregnancy, discuss your condition with your doctor or midwife first. It is not recommended that you use or allow anyone to apply any pure essential oils (aromatherapy oils) on you in the first three months of your pregnancy. If oils are used, they should be mild ones like Lavender oil.

Do massage therapists have a Code of Ethics?
Yes, massage therapists adhere to the following code:
-We provide the best quality care to any one that seeks our professional help.
-We accept all clients without discrimination.
-We acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with a client and respect each client's right to privacy.
-We practice only the modalities in which we have been professionally trained and certified.
-We in no way participate or engage in any type of sexual activities with our client.
-We maintain a safe, clean and professional environment.

Are there different techniques in massage?
Yes, there are many different types of massage techniques. Swedish massage is the technique most widely known by massage therapists, but others are also trained in sports massage, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, deep tissue massage, Thai massage or techniques named for their developer such as Upledger, Heller Work and Feldenkrais.

How much of my body will be massaged?
When the client is seeking treatment for a specific injury or condition, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need to treat body areas that are adversely affected by injuries, such as when a sprained ankle causes the opposite leg to bear all the body's weight and stress of walking. For relaxation massages, the client and therapist should discuss and agree upon the areas to be massaged. A "full body massage" usually includes the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, head and face. If being massaged in certain areas causes you to feel uncomfortable, you should inform your therapist and they will adjust the massage accordingly. You should never accept a touch that feels uncomfortable in any way or feel pressured to offer an explanation for such sensitivity.

Can I bring someone along?
In most cases, you may bring someone with you, but they must wait in the reception area during your treatment. If you have special needs, they can be accommodated with advance notice. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult, who MUST be present.