Massage F.A.Q.
DO YOU HAVE GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes. Gift certificates are available through our website and can be printed or e-mailed. You can also purchase certificates at our office. We recommend calling ahead for on-site purchases. Gift certificates are an excellent gift idea all year long!
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
In order to get your preferred appointment times, we encourage you to set your appointment as far in advance as possible. If you would like to come in on a regular basis we recommend booking your appointment each time you visit us so you can always ensure that you will get the appointment time best suited for you.
DO YOU TAKE WALK-INS OR SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS?
Yes. If we are in the office and have on opening available we will be glad to work on you on short notice. If you cannot schedule an appointment in advance and wish to come in on the same day we will try to accommodate your request. However, we may not always be able to see you depending on the levels of business and our availability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to give us a call.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RELAXATION MASSAGE AND A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?
The difference between a relaxing massage and a therapeutic deep tissue massage is very subtle and subject to varying opinions. Both massages are actually very therapeutic in that they provide us with relief. Most of us would consider a relaxing massage to be one in which the pressure of the techniques (usually light to medium) are such that you can “relax and enjoy the touch”. Whereas a therapeutic massage has techniques that vary from firm to deep and can often somewhat be intense. The massage often entails more pressure to enhance the release of tension, stress and toxins in the body. In addition, the massage can also be more focused on certain areas of the body vs. the entire body.
CAN MASSAGE HELP ME WITH CHRONIC PAIN THAT I HAVE HAD FOR YEARS?
Yes. Depending on the origin of the pain, massage therapy can often address the specific areas that are affecting you and get rid of the pain for good. Sometimes the work can be painful, but the relief you will experience far exceeds any pain that you may experience during the massage. At times the pain that you once experienced before the massage will altogether go away. We often find this to be the case when the origin of the pain is from an accident or past trauma. If it doesn’t completely go away then you can reasonably expect definite relief and then go on a maintenance plan of massage to manage the pain to tolerable levels so as to enhance the quality of your life.
MUST I BE COMPLETELY UNDRESSED?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. We will leave the room while you undress and you cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket after lying on the massage table. You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
WHAT PARTS OF MY BODY WILL BE MASSAGED?
You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on you back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
WHAT WILL THE MASSAGE OR BODYWORK FEEL LIKE?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general relaxation massage your session will start with broad flowing strokes 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. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken.
HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION LAST?
The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a one to two hour session for optimal relaxation.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE MASSAGE OR BODYWORK SESSION?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax (falling asleep and snoring are acceptable). Others like to talk during their massage or bodywork. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD MAKE MASSAGE OR BODYWORK INADVISABLE?
Before you begin your session, the practitioner will ask some general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems you may have. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A PERSON GET A MASSAGE?
If you are also involved in sports or any type of training regimen we recommend incorporating massage as part of your regimen to help you rest and recover as well as prevent injury. A good guideline is to receive treatment at least once a month. Some clients prefer every two weeks to address chronic conditions.
