MASSAGE...FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the first appointment like?
You will be asked a series of health questions and/or asked to complete a medical history/health intake form, since there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate. The massage will take place on a table especially designed for stability and control. Cushions and an adjustable face rest for support are available for additional comfort. The room will be warm and quiet, often with music to set a relaxing mood. For many techniques, a lubricant will be used, such as light oil or lotion. A massage session usually begins with relatively gentle pressure to calm your nervous system and begin releasing your superficial tension.
Will I be completely naked?
You will be draped with a sheet and covered at all times except for the body part that is being massaged. A blanket may be provided for warmth if needed. Your comfort is the most important thing.
What if I choose to leave on under garments?
There are techniques that allow for work to be done over the sheet or with under garments on, but there are certain techniques that are best done without under garments, but again the therapist will work within your level of comfort..…The decision is yours.
What services are provided and what do they cost?
As a licensed massage therapist – I will perform 30, 60 and 90 minute sessions offering Swedish, deep tissue, or neuromuscular massage. Each type of massage is intended to offer relaxation yet be specific to the needs of the body. Please feel free to discuss these options with me.
Relaxation Massage, often called Swedish- Most traditional of massage techniques, the use of long flowing strokes during this full body massage increases circulation, relieves & relaxes stressed muscles.
Therapeutic Combines myofascial release, deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy intended for aggressive muscle response and for those who prefer a firm touch...essentially used to lengthen and loosen muscles and to release muscular limitations; this treatment also assists in the elimination of metabolic waste. Neck, Shoulders and Back /Therapeutic Working just the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back using Trigger Point Therapy, Sports massage, Myofascial Release and deep tissue techniques.
Prices may vary depending on your Location !
30 minutes...$30.00
60 minutes...$60.00
90 minutes...$90.00
To find a practitioner near you, you can visit the web sites of the American Massage Therapy Association.
What is the difference between relaxation massage and therapeutic massage?
A relaxation massage may relax you and make you feel great, but it won’t specifically
benefit the muscles or body parts that you have stressed in your daily work and
activities. In summary regular therapeutic massage can:
Help identify tender areas before they develop into injuries
Enhance overall body awareness
Stretch and relax muscles
Relieve muscle pain and spasms
Free muscle adhesions and soften scar tissue caused by injury
Improve range of motion
Restore suppleness and elasticity
Improve circulation of blood and lymph fluids
Flush out toxins that cause muscle stiffness and soreness
Speed recovery from muscular exertion
Relax the mind and body
What parts of my body will be massaged?
We will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, neck and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male and female) or breasts (female).
What will the massage feel like?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general massage, your session may start
with broad flowing strokes which will help to 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. You should
communicate immediately with me if you feel any discomfort so that another approach
may be taken. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting.
Massage on healthy tissue feels soothing and relaxing. Treatment on a painful
injury may at first cause some discomfort, which usually lessens within the first
few minutes. Throughout the session, I will communicate with you to remain mindful
of where your pain thresholds are and to avoid crossing them. Most clients find
massage very soothing and relaxing (some clients actually fall asleep during a session)
while other clients find themselves energized after a session.
How long will a session last?
A typical full body massage session will last approximately 55-60 minutes. Half
hour appointments are available and only allow time for a specific area, such as
neck, shoulders and back, or hips, legs and feet. Please allow additional time for
dressing, undressing and communicating with me, when considering how much time to
allow for the overall session. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the
session.
What health information should I provide my practitioner?
On your first visit, I will have a medical intake form for you to complete and/or ask you specific questions relating to your health. This information is used to help plan the massage session according to the individuals needs and to ensure your safety. Important information includes major health problems, medications you are taking, allergies, pregnancy, and recent injuries.Are there any reasons not to get a massage?
There are certain situations in which massage is not recommended or caution must
be taken. It is generally agreed that those with uncontrolled high blood pressure,
heart disease, recent surgery or fractures, cancer, fever and other problem conditions
should consult their doctor for any restrictions on receiving massage. I do not
massage cuts, abrasions, or areas with bruising or open wounds; swollen joints,
or those with contagious diseases. Bodywork and massage does not replace the need
for medical attention and does not diagnose medical problems or manipulate bones.
What should I do during the massage?
Make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed
throughout the session. Many people just close their eyes and completely relax.
Others like to talk during their massage. Feel free to ask questions about your
massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. Most importantly
-- enjoy!! Although feedback is very important, silence is most beneficial to body
awareness. This is a time for you to get in touch with your body, not your practitioner.
Focus on your massage and breathe deeply. Relax and enjoy. Pay attention to what
your body is telling you.
How Often Should I Have A Massage?
It depends on your schedule and personal finances, but anywhere between once a week to once a month is common. If you have chronic pain, then once a week may improve your quality of life. During stressful periods, many people choose to have them more often.What is Massage?
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to normalize those tissues.
It consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable
pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body, using primarily the
hands but sometimes other areas such as the forearm or elbow. These techniques affect
the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body.
The basic philosophy of massage therapy encompasses the concept of vis medicatrix
naturae -- that is, aiding the ability of the body to heal itself -- and is aimed
at achieving or increasing health and well-being. . Massage does not replace the
need for medical attention and does not diagnose medical problems or manipulate
bones.
Can you tell me the benefits of massage?
To list a few; promotes healing, increases muscle tone, stimulates nerve endings,
enhances flow of nutrients to the cells, increases circulation, relieves pain and
aching muscles, promotes better sleep, reduces anxiety, increases freedom of movement,
temporary relief from fibromyalgia, lowers blood pressure, reduces mental stress,
achieves a more balanced posture and enhances self-image!
What should I expect after the massage?
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your bodies systems.
Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up. After an initial period
of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last
for several days. Sometimes you may not feel dramatic results right away. Watch
for changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or
reduced stress. Some individuals may feel muscle stiffness and soreness, depending
on their overall fitness level, this will clear up in few days. As you experience
more massages the occurrence of stiffness and soreness will generally lessen
I feel uncomfortable receiving a massage from a stranger.
Get to know the practitioner! For your first appointment, come early so you and
I have a few minutes to discuss any of your fears or concerns about receiving massage
for the first time. I fully understands how personal and private massage can be
for each individual. If you are not comfortable you have every right to cancel the
massage appointment. You may also want to start your massage experience with chair
massage which is less threatening than a full body massage but allows you to become
familiar with my touch and with me.
Here's a brief explanation of some of the more common techniques of Western and Oriental massage.
Swedish massage: This is the predominant example of Western massage and is the
most commonly used method in the United States. Developed in Sweden in the 1830s,
it uses a system of long, gliding strokes, kneading, and percussion and tapping
techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It is designed to increase
circulation, which may improve healing and decrease swelling from an injury. This
technique also results in generalized relaxation.
Neuromuscular massage: Trigger point massage and myotherapy are varieties of
neuromuscular massage, which applies concentrated pressure on trigger points of
pain and passive stretching of specific muscles. For additional information on Trigger
Point Therapy go to: Clair Davies, Trigger Point Therapy. Ohio Valley Massage is
certified in the Clair Davies approach to trigger point therapy. Drawing from "Trigger
Point Therapy Workbook".
Deep tissue massage: This approach is used to alleviate chronic muscle pain by
reaching deeper muscles in problem areas.
Sports massage: This uses techniques similar to deep tissue massage but more
specifically adapted to deal with the needs of athletes (both professional and the
weekend variety); it's often used before or after athletic events as part of an
athlete's training and to promote healing from injuries.
Manual lymph drainage massage: This approach improves the flow of lymph fluid
with rhythmic strokes and is used primarily in conditions with poor lymph flow,
such as edema.
Oriental methods of massage are based on the principles of Chinese medicine and
the flow of energy or chi through the body's meridians, or energy points, says Burton.
In Oriental massage techniques, pressure is applied by finger or thumb tips to predetermined
points rather than by the sweeping broad strokes of Western massage.
The strokes that massage practitioners use also vary, as do their effects, says
Burton. A few of the more common strokes and their effects include:
Feather stroking: soothing/sedative (may be ticklish)
Fan stroking: soothing
Circular thumb stroking: loosens tight areas
Kneading: loosens and stimulates
Skin rolling: stimulates
Compression/pressure: breaks down muscular adhesions
Percussion: stimulates (fast); relaxes (slow)
If you have a certain technique in mind, ask the massage therapist about his
or her training, suggests Jeanne Girard, a vice president of the American Massage
Therapy Association and a massage therapist in Canon City, Colorado. "If the therapist
doesn't have training in what you need, he or she will refer you to someone who
does."
Girard also suggests that you drink plenty of water before and after the massage
to help flush out the toxins that massage loosens up. (One other piece of advice,
courtesy of Dillard: If you do drink a lot of water before the massage, make sure
you go to the bathroom before the massage!)