FAQ
DO YOU HELP TREAT TERMINAL OR CHRONIC ILLNESS?
I treat many clients with chronic pain/illness. Massage can reduce pain and anxiety for people with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, and reduce the physiological burden of stress. It can help treat conditions including stress-related tension, cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain and depression, just to name a few.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
Before your appointment begins, I will take a few minutes to get to know your health history, determine how your body is feeling to you, and discuss what you’d like to get out of the session.
During this discussion, it’s your opportunity to communicate your needs, concerns, and any areas you prefer to have specifically worked with and conversely, the areas you would like me to avoid.
If you’ve never had a massage before, you may discover you like, dislike or need to adjust something during your session. Always be sure to speak up and let me know what you need.
Whether it’s more pressure, less music or additional draping, there should always be an open line of communication between you and me to make you as comfortable as possible, at all times.
DEEP TISSUE OR SOFT TISSUE?
​Deep Tissue Massage reaches the deeper layers of the muscles. It is used to break down knots, adhesions, scar tissue and relieve pressure points such as trigger points throughout the body. This massage is particularly beneficial for athletes and those who sit for long periods of time. I use Deep Tissue when performing Sports and Remedial Massage but if you would rather a Soft Tissue Massage please book a Swedish, Lymphatic, Indian Head or Aromatherapy Massage.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
A good massage should be enjoyable, meaningful and helpful. It’s important you feel empowered to ask for what you need, from the amount of clothing you leave on, to the pressure you want, to the types of oil and lotion you prefer or the temperature on the table.
You know your body better than anyone, and by communicating that with me, you will have the most beneficial experience possible.
Hopefully, that experience is one you will want to repeat over and over again.
CAN I TALK DURING MY SESSION?
Sure, if you’d like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many therapists discourage talking in hopes that you will relax, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.
In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.
Most importantly, there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you, speak up! It’s OK!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MASSAGE?
“Something is better than nothing.” What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 60-minute sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.
Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.