What is Massage?
Massage is a gentle therapy that can relieve pain and, in combination with medical attention, heal certain
conditions and help prevent return. Massage is one of the best known remedies for stress. Reducing stress
improves your outlook on life and, in the process reduces your likelihood of illness. It can relieve symptoms
in conditions that are aggravated by anxiety. Massage relieves most muscle tightness. Massage acts
directly on your muscles with stretching and kneading motions. It also stimulates the nervous system to
instruct muscles to relax even more.
conditions and help prevent return. Massage is one of the best known remedies for stress. Reducing stress
improves your outlook on life and, in the process reduces your likelihood of illness. It can relieve symptoms
in conditions that are aggravated by anxiety. Massage relieves most muscle tightness. Massage acts
directly on your muscles with stretching and kneading motions. It also stimulates the nervous system to
instruct muscles to relax even more.
Back in the days before aspirin, heating pads and whirlpools, humans treated their sore bodies the
old-fashioned way: with massage. When a caveman twisted one of his Neanderthal knees, he rubbed it.
old-fashioned way: with massage. When a caveman twisted one of his Neanderthal knees, he rubbed it.
In many ways, massage is the most natural of natural remedies. Touching your body where it hurts seems to
be a basics instinct, like running from danger or eating when you're hungry. And experts say that massage,
no matter how humble or low-tech it may seem, can be a powerful healer.
be a basics instinct, like running from danger or eating when you're hungry. And experts say that massage,
no matter how humble or low-tech it may seem, can be a powerful healer.
Massage has come a long way over the centuries! To learn more about the different types of massage that I
offer please visit : Types of Massage!
offer please visit : Types of Massage!
What can Massage do?
- Promotes general relaxation
- Increases flexibility and joint
movement - (range of motion) - Relieves muscle tension, relaxes muscle spasm
- Helps the
body to produce its own natural pain killers (endorphins) to ease pain and soreness - Faster recovery
from injuries and illness - Reduces stress and gives a renewed sense of well being
- Improves
circulation of the blood and lymph system, thereby strengthening the immune system
What should I expect?
"I've never had a professional massage - what should I expect?"
On your first visit, your massage therapist should do an intake - asking questions about your
general health, specific injuries and whether you are under a doctor's care. They may also ask you
to stand or walk around and let them watch you. This is the time for you to ask any questions you
have for the therapist. The entire process should only take a few minutes. It should not substantially
cut into your massage time.
general health, specific injuries and whether you are under a doctor's care. They may also ask you
to stand or walk around and let them watch you. This is the time for you to ask any questions you
have for the therapist. The entire process should only take a few minutes. It should not substantially
cut into your massage time.
The therapist will then give you instructions on how they want you on the table (face
up/down etc.) They should be out of the room while you are changing.
up/down etc.) They should be out of the room while you are changing.
The massage room should be clean, private and quiet. Some therapists like to use music, candles, aroma therapy
or soothing sounds to enhance your relaxation. If you don't want any of those things you are free to ask the
therapist to stop using them. Also, each therapist likes to use a special oil or lotion. If you have something you
like to use on your skin, bring it and they will be happy to use it.
or soothing sounds to enhance your relaxation. If you don't want any of those things you are free to ask the
therapist to stop using them. Also, each therapist likes to use a special oil or lotion. If you have something you
like to use on your skin, bring it and they will be happy to use it.
During my massage...?
If you are getting a massage for feel-good relaxation, there should be little or no talking. For deep tissue work the
therapist will probably be checking in with you to make sure you are tolerating the work and to remind you to
breathe and relax. I will sometimes use light conversation to distract my clients when I am doing very deep work.
therapist will probably be checking in with you to make sure you are tolerating the work and to remind you to
breathe and relax. I will sometimes use light conversation to distract my clients when I am doing very deep work.
As the client, you control the massage - talk / no talk - music / no music / different
music - scents / no scents - deeper / lighter. If you are in any way uncomfortable -
speak up. Don't ever suffer in silence. Make your wishes known.
music - scents / no scents - deeper / lighter. If you are in any way uncomfortable -
speak up. Don't ever suffer in silence. Make your wishes known.
"Do I have to take my clothes off?"
For any massage involving lotion or oil, yes, you do need to
be undressed. A massage therapist must have access to
your body.
be undressed. A massage therapist must have access to
your body.
However, if you are uncomfortable being completely disrobed, you should
leave your underwear on - the therapist will work around them or move the
fabric away from the glutes (butt muscles) to work those specific muscles. The
breasts and genitals are not worked on during a massage.
leave your underwear on - the therapist will work around them or move the
fabric away from the glutes (butt muscles) to work those specific muscles. The
breasts and genitals are not worked on during a massage.
Your should never be on the table without being covered by a sheet or towel. The
only part of the body that should be exposed is the part the therapist is working on.
When you turn over you should still be covered. Any massage therapist who works
with a client undressed and fully exposed is not in my opinion a professional.
only part of the body that should be exposed is the part the therapist is working on.
When you turn over you should still be covered. Any massage therapist who works
with a client undressed and fully exposed is not in my opinion a professional.
When the massage is over, the therapist should
leave the room and allow you time to get up and
get dressed before they come back into the room.
leave the room and allow you time to get up and
get dressed before they come back into the room.
After my massage....?
How do I take care of myself after a
massage?
massage?
You should drink
plenty of water to
flush the toxins out of
your system. If you
have access to a
steam room or
whirlpool, they are
ideal ways to continue
cleansing the system.
If not, a hot shower
followed by a soak
bath is also a great
follow-up.
plenty of water to
flush the toxins out of
your system. If you
have access to a
steam room or
whirlpool, they are
ideal ways to continue
cleansing the system.
If not, a hot shower
followed by a soak
bath is also a great
follow-up.
For the 24 hours after a
deep tissue massage you
may feel a little sore or
achy. This is a normal
response - a lot of stuff
gets stirred up and that
feeling is a healing
response. It should go
away within 24 - 36
hours. Rest, healthy
eating and fluids will help
minimize the response.
deep tissue massage you
may feel a little sore or
achy. This is a normal
response - a lot of stuff
gets stirred up and that
feeling is a healing
response. It should go
away within 24 - 36
hours. Rest, healthy
eating and fluids will help
minimize the response.
You should treat yourself like a
fine piece of crystal. Not like a
plastic beer mug. Be aware of
how you are using your body and
where you are in space.
fine piece of crystal. Not like a
plastic beer mug. Be aware of
how you are using your body and
where you are in space.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or
experiences you would like to share!
experiences you would like to share!
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