Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in my warm, comfortable, quiet office. I have a wide selection of relaxing music always playing. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort, or sit or lie comfortably on the Thai mat.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. Thai massage is the exception, since it's always done over loose-fitting clothing.
Will you be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and get under the top sheet. For Thai massage you'll remain in your sweats and t-shirt, tank top, or sports bra and start by sitting cross-legged on the Thai mat.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be under the sheet at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed, with the sheet tucked in around it.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
That depends on your preferences and how much time I have to reach all areas. A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, hips, legs, feet, hands, head, face, scalp, ears, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A flowing Scandinavian massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Scandi session, I'll 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. During all sessions (except Thai) I use as much ultralight olive oil to as necessary to avoid excessive friction to the skin as well as to hydrate it. Please let me know immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask me any questions about my techniques or the upcoming session. During the massage, please make yourself comfortable. I will move your arms & legs around as necessary as we go. The only thing you need to do is turn over when I ask - except for Thai massage, in which case I can turn you over myself. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, the table heater on or off, the face-rest adjusted, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. Deep tissue work usually causes a very mild soreness on the surface of your body the next day, like an intense workout will. You shouldn't feel sore at all the day after that, though. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since impurities are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, soften & diminish internal and external scar tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
At least 50% of my regular clients are survivors of a surprising amount of surgeries, accidents, conditions, or injuries. I regularly see and treat knee & hip repairs and replacements, shoulder repairs & reconstructions, lower back & neck fusions and repairs, frozen shoulders & torticollis, tendonitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc, etc. This is why before your session I'll take the time to talk to you about them (where, how, when, how long ago, etc.) and let my hands make a quick assessment of your problem areas as well. Don't be shy during this time; there is a 99% chance I've seen and treated your problem(s) before and won't turn you away. In fact, I have yet to turn someone away from a massage session or avoid any problem area because it was too severe for me to help at least a little bit.