FAQ's

WHAT DO I WEAR DURING A MASSAGE?
For a full body massage, most people undress completely with the exception of their underwear. The key to a massage is relaxation, only undress to the level you are comfortable with. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet at all times except the area being worked on.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
When you first arrive you maybe asked to fill out a client intake form. This will give the therapist the personal information about you that will guide them to give you the style of massage most appropriate for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything which you're unsure, or any concerns you might have. If you're expecting something in particular from the massage, make sure this is told to the therapist. For example, if you've been having a lot of tightness in your right shoulder, and you'd like some extra attention given to it, tell the therapist. If you prefer a lighter or deeper massage, make that preference known. The massage therapist will discover your tight and sore areas during the massage, and will prioritize the time spent on these areas, and may do less work on areas that don't need as much attention. Letting the therapist know ahead of time about these problem areas, lets them prepare to spend some extra time there.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY MASSAGE?
Once you've finished with the intake, the massage therapist will give you some privacy to get undressed and get on the massage table. A sheet will be provided for you to cover with. The therapist should have advised you to start the massage lying on your back (for most massages).
Once you're undressed and under the drape, the therapist will come back into the room. For the most part, your work is done, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy. The therapist will undrape the section of the body that they will work on first, and apply oil to the skin. They will use a variety of strokes, some rubbing, kneading, vibration, percussion, whatever they think will work best for your muscles. Stretching, rocking, or pressure point work may all be added. If the therapist gives you directions for slow exhales, just follow along. If they stretch or rotate any joint, don't try to help. Just stay as relaxed and limp as you can and let the therapist move that part of your body.
When the therapist finishes with one area of the body, they will put the drape back over that part, and undrape the next section to be massaged. At some point, you may be asked to roll over under the drape, and the therapist will continue with the other side of the body. Feel free to change positions for your comfort. When the massage is over, you'll be left in private to get dressed again. If a towel was used for a drape, you can wipe off any excess oil with it. The therapist will return, and this is a good time to tell them how you feel, if you have any concerns, and make your next appointment.
 

HOW WILL THE MASSAGE FEEL?
It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will 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. Deep tissue massage is a little more vigerous, but still has a relaxing effect. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Please make your therapist aware if you have any sensativities to oils or scents. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER MY MASSAGE?
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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, drinking plenty of water following your massage encourages removal of these toxins. A hot Epsom salt bath also encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.