Frequently Asked Questions about Massage Therapy

 

What are the benefits of massage therapy?
What do I do during the massage?
Is massage painful or uncomfortable?
When should I avoid massage?
How often should I get a massage?
What should I do after a massage?

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage has many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It can help promote deep relaxation, relieve chronic muscle tension and pain, reduce stress and anxiety, increase blood and lymph circulation, alleviate fatigue, improve mental alertness, bolster the immune system, promote healing of injuries, improve joint flexibility and range of motion, accelerate removal of cellular metabolic waste, lower blood pressure, and improve skin tone. It also can help nurture a sense of overall well-being and provide an opportunity for you to experience the connection between body and mind.

Massage helps to increase blood circulation throughout the body, and proper blood circulation is crucial to maintaining the health of all cells. Blood supplies oxygen, antibodies, hormones, and nutrients that cells need to work optimally. It is also critical in ridding cells of irritating metabolic waste. Healthy muscle tissue has adequate blood flow, feels supple, flexible and is free of pain, spasms, and adhesions.

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What do I do during the massage?

Depending on what areas of the body will be massaged, your therapist will instruct you at the beginning of the session how much to undress and which way to lie on the table. The therapist will then leave the room for you to undress and get comfortable on the table. Secure draping with the sheets will be used throughout the session.

During a session, it is important to relax your body to allow your muscles to release any built up stress. It is natural to feel uncomfortable with a new person touching your body, however, working towards a trusting relationship with your therapist will result in optimal benefits from your massage. Breathing consistently throughout the session, and breathing deeply into tight and tense areas, provides oxygen to help muscles release tension. Additionally, conscious breathing is grounding and creates an emotional connection to the physical experience.

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Is massage painful or uncomfortable?

Sensations and emotional responses to massage vary from person to person. Everyone’s perception of touch, pain, and comfort is different. With regards to massage, people often have the mentality of ‘no pain - no gain’. However, pain causes us to tense muscles rather than relax them. Generally, a massage should cause little discomfort. If a massage becomes painful or uncomfortable at any point it is your responsibility to communicate with the therapist. You should expect a therapist to respond to your discomfort by reducing pressure and/or pace. You should always feel confident in speaking with your therapist about areas of your body that you don’t want touched.

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When should I avoid massage?

Contraindications are conditions of the body where massage can be harmful to the client or therapist. These include skin infections, cancer, pregnancy, varicose veins, and recent injuries, to name a few. A confidential client information form is provided before a massage and is then kept on file. This enables the therapist and client to discuss any possible contraindications and take the proper precautions. If there are any specific concerns, a client’s physician will be contacted prior to any massage treatment.

Additionally, if you have a cold/flu or other contagious condition, please do not hesitate to reschedule your appointment. Massage can spread infection to other parts of your body, and you do not want to spread your virus to the therapist or other clients.

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How often should I get a massage?

Receiving bodywork is an investment in your health and wellness. Consistent sessions help you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. How often you should get a massage is completely individual, depending on your time, money and health goals. Some people will get a massage every week, every other week, monthly, or at random. You should come in more frequently if you are recovering from a recent injury or need support through a stressful time. Consistent massage is always beneficial, so you need to determine what works best for you.

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What should I do after a massage?

It is best to not schedule anything following your massage as to allow your body the time to incorporate the healing benefits. More self-care is always encouraged; especially taking a hot bath with salts and drinking herbal tea. Minor soreness is common the day or two following a massage, but you should let your therapist know if this occurs. Education of proper stretching to specific areas, hot/cold therapy, or other self-care techniques can be instructed by your therapist. Most importantly, if you have any questions or concerns…please let your therapist know!

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Please feel free to contact Rebecca with any questions that were not answered on this website.

 
 

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