Your Massage Questions

How long does a treatment last?

I offer 30 minute, 60 minute and 90 minute appointment times.
Depending on your needs will determine the length of session time you need to book.

What happens during a treatment?

For the first time only please arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to go over your new client form and confidential health history. After your treatment I will discuss with you what was discovered during the treatment. I may suggest exercises or stretches that you would easily be able to do at home or within your usual day-to-day activities for maintenance and self-care between sessions. Please allow a few minutes after your session just in case.

You may wish to talk during your session or remain silent. Either way is fine though I believe a better more focused massage is received with limited conversation.

What do I wear?

For a full body massage, most people undress fully, massage is performed directly on the skin so it is recommended you wear as little as possible for your treatment.

Ultimately your treatment will be more effective and beneficial if I am able to easily work with all the muscles and attachments and it is therefore recommended that you wear nothing at all, however, if you prefer you may leave on underwear. You will always be covered by a sheet and blanket except for the area being worked on; there are never any private areas exposed. As a therapist we are trained to provide specific draping for all body parts so you may be comfortable and relaxed during your session. Only the body part being massage will be undraped. Once the massage is finished on the specific body part, the drape will be returned to cover.

Will the massage be painful?

Therapeutic massage works on adhesions and trigger points. During the course of the massage it is likely that some areas of tension, muscle adhesion and trigger points will be discovered. When working with these areas it can sometimes be a little tender or sore which can sometimes be a little uncomfortable. As with all my clients I always check-in after I begin the massage and initially warm-up the muscles and ask how the pressure is? At this time you will indicate the pressure is just right or that I may go deeper or you would prefer for the pressure to be lighter. As each parts of our body can take more pressure then the other, it is important for us to communicate with each other throughout the session. Please know that you are in control of your session. I will sometimes guide your breathing, as there is a natural tendency for the breath to be held when tight muscles are being worked on and being released. Once you are a regular client seeking regular treatment I will begin to know your preference of pressure. Sometimes you may feel some soreness for a day or so after the treatment, if this is the case, don't worry this is quite common, more so after your first treatment, but should only be a slight tenderness and will ease over 24 to 48 hours.

Why is it important to drink water after a massage?

There are primary reasons for people to drink water after a massage. Toxins are released during a massage. It is important to drink water 24 hours post massage to help the body flush the toxins that were released during your session. This will also help to lessen and/or relieve soreness.

Especially in the case of deep tissue massage, massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt, and other minerals from the muscles, and circulation is designed to carry away waste materials generated by cells. By providing the body with plenty of water, massage clients can help flush out these toxins; otherwise, they might build up, causing muscle aches and soreness after a massage.

Most importantly, people should drink water after a massage because massage can be dehydrating. The manipulation of the muscles depletes them of water, and also moves the fluid in the interstitial spaces between the muscles around. By drinking water, people can rehydrate their muscles, reducing the potential for pain and soreness in the days following a massage. For the same reason, people drink water after exercise and other forms of exertion, because when the muscles are worked, they lose water and electrolytes.

How often should I have a massage?

Everybody is different. Depending on what is going on this would be assessed during our first session. In general however, if you come for massage because you are experiencing pain and restricted movement then usually 2 to 4 sessions weekly is recommended to really understand the problem, muscles and structures involved and to start breaking down adhesions and trigger points, the situation would then be reassessed. For general maintenance my clients are usually seen on a weekly and bi-weekly basis. This decision is up to you and what you hear your body telling you. Remember massage is not a luxury; just as you provide regular maintenance on your car, the body to needs to be regularly maintained.

Do you use oil or cream?

I prefer to use cream for all therapeutic sessions (this excludes hot stone which oil is used), I find cream gives a better grip where oil creates too much glide, which lessens the ability to palpate the individual muscle groups being worked on. As well cream does not stain the clients’ clothes and allows my clients to be comfortable going back to their daily routine of work, errands, etc. without the worries of staining clothes, or feeling greasy and uncomfortable.

Do you play music?

I play gentle soothing music to help you relax during your massage and take the time you need for yourself; body, mind and soul. You are also welcome to bring a cd of your choice and preference for your session. I use an ipod with an eclectic selection of music to suit all needs. As I gear every session toward my client’s needs, requests are always welcomed for your next session.

Do you do home visits?

Yes I offer home visits. I have many clients that I see in the comfort of their own homes for regular home sessions. I provide all supplies needed so there are no preparations you need to make on your end.

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Your Massage Questions