Frequently Asked Questions
What does a massage treatment involve?
A) An initial interview:
- A confidential health history will be taken and reviewed
with the therapist.
- An assessment of the client's current concerns and
physical condition will be addressed.
- A treatment plan based on the clients needs and goals will
be determined with the client
B) In the treatment room the client will be:
- In complete control of the treatment process with the
right to redirect or stop the treatment for any reason at any
time.
- Informed that they may remove as little or as much
clothing as they feel comfortable removing.
- Fully draped during the treatment except the part of the
body being massaged, which will be uncovered.
- Instructed on how to safely position themselves on the
table.
- Provided with sheets and a blanket for their privacy and
comfort.
- Left alone in the room and given ample time to disrobe and
get onto the table.
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How long is a massage session?
It depends on what areas you want treated, if you have a
problem area to be focused on, and how severe the problem is.
With the information gathered during the interview and
assessment, I can make a recommendation of anywhere from 30
minutes to 90 minutes, but typically a session is 60 minutes.
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What do I wear (or not wear)?
Whatever you want or don't want! You will always be draped
with a sheet, and the only part of your body that is exposed are
the areas you and your therapist have agreed to work upon - and
even then, these areas are undraped only one at a time. Still
not sure? Most people leave their underwear on.
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What conditions or ailments can
massage therapy help with?
- Pregnancy discomfort
- Sports injuries
- fibromyalgia
- scar mobilization
- constipation
- breast pain
- strains/sprains
- tendonitis
- sciatica
- postural conditions
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back/neck/arm/leg/foot pain
- tension headaches
Keep in mind that "help" doesn't always mean "cure", as there
are some conditions for which there is no known cure, and
massage is used for pain relief and release of muscle tension
that comes with stress and chronic pain.
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Are there risks or side effects to
massage?
There absolutely can be! This is why it is so important to
complete the health history form to the best of your ability.
For example: if you have high blood pressure and your therapist
put a heating pad on your back for 20 minutes or so, your BP
readings could get sent to the roof! The result would be
dizziness, sweating, and faintness. If you have low blood
pressure to begin with it could be temporarily reduced even
further with massage, which, once you sat or stood up, could
also result in dizziness and fainting.
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How often should I come for massage?
Again, it depends on what your condition is, and what your
goals are. Every situation is individual and should be discussed
with your therapist.
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Does massage therapy hurt?
If you are coming for pain relief, you can expect to feel
some as the area is addressed. Regardless, your therapist should
do their best to work within your pain tolerance, and
communication is key. Sometimes you may feel a little stiff the
next day, but it should just feel like you had an exercise
workout.
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What are the chief differences
between Swedish and Thai Massage?
Swedish
- Oil or lotion is used
- The receiver is lying on a table
- The back is treated first, moving down towards the feet
- Long general flowing strokes on bare skin
- Session can be modified or targeted to address specific
problem areas
- The receiver can lie still and enjoy
- Direct soft-tissue manipulation with intent to improve
soft tissue function
- Usually has a sedating effect
Thai
- No oil or lotion used
- The receiver is lying on a mat on the floor
- The feet are treated first, moving upwards towards the
head
- Specific compressions over the clothes
- Session is a continuous rhythmic flow from beginning
to end
- The receiver is stretched and moved into yogic positions
- Direct soft tissue manipulation with intent to improve
energy flow in Sen lines of the body
- Usually has an invigorating effect
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