Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I wear for a massage appointment?
A: The massage room is private, and you will undress and be draped under clean sheets throughout your massage. Your appointment time will include changing time, and leaving jewelry at home will speed that process. For full body massage, most clients remove all clothing, although some decide to remain in their underpants (thongs are perfect). Whatever you prefer is fine. You will always be covered during your massage. For a limited area such as hamstrings, very short, loose jogging shorts are good.
Q: What types of massage do you practice?
A: I am trained in Neuromuscular Therapy. I specialize in deep tissue therapy, along with Swedish massage. Multiple disciplines provide me with various techniques that I use as needed. For prenatal massage, I use pillows for side-lying positions. If this is your first massage, it is likely to be less deep than if I have worked with you for some time. There are no cookie-cutter massages: I adjust what I do depending on what you need.
Q: Do you offer spa treatments?
A: This is a clinical setting, so there are no spa treatments. The massage room is right next to the physical therapy workout areas, and you may hear the background noises of the gym through the door. The relaxation music and dim lights allow many clients to fall asleep. I can suggest other places for you to find wonderful treatments such as stone massage, ashiatsu, Thai massage, body scrubs, etc. Feel free to ask for recommendations.
Q: Why do you recommend that I drink water after massage?
A: During the gliding strokes of a massage, metabolic waste from your cells will be forced into your lymphatic system. To encourage flushing them out, water is essential, especially after long periods without massage.
Q: Do people ever get sore after massage?
A: This may happen after a spasm or tight area has relaxed and blood flow is returned to normal. Consider a tight muscle as being like a clenched fist which allows the circulation to return after relaxing. Drinking plenty of water and using ice the night after your massage can reduce soreness the next day. Use a frozen gel pack in a pillowcase for twenty minutes. A relaxation massage should not require ice.
Q: How often should I get a massage?
A: This answer depends on you. If you are in an acute pain situation, I may see you 2 to 3 times a week. It is my goal to lessen the number of visits you need. Once your pain is under control, we can stretch the time between visits to suit how you are feeling. I have clients who find they need massage weekly or bi-weekly, and many come monthly. Notice the time when you start thinking, "I need another massage," and then plan around your needs by scheduling before you leave the office. Over time, we may be able to spread the time out. On the other hand, if there is too much time between visits, we can lose the running benefits of the latest visit.
Q: Should I tip?
A: Tips are always appreciated. However, it is not necessary, and no one should feel obligated.
