What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage?
Massage is useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shortened maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine, tension and sinus headache pain.
How often should I receive massage therapy?
Here’s the beauty of massage: its benefits are compounded when massage is utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you get, the more it does. Taking part in this form of regularly-scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for massage at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your therapist to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.
Does massage help physical and emotional problems?
With many chronic ailments, massage can relieve the pain and help heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps eliminate the need to take harmful chemical drugs, which will unnecessarily burden the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.
How will I feel after the massage session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Many practitioners may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.
Where will my massage take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Each table is equipped with a table warmer that may or may not be used according to your preference.
Who will perform the massage?
A professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques, will conduct your session. All of our therapists are state or nationally licensed. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality. You may also request your preference as to a male or female therapist. It is important you feel that you can talk to your therapist. Please feel free to try several of our therapists to ensure you have the perfect match.
Must I be completely undressed?
Massage is traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your own comfort. You will be properly draped with sheets and/or blankets during the session. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
The therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and/or blanket.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
You and the practitioner 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, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (female).
Will Lubricant Be Used?
A light oil or lotion may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricants used should hydrate the skin, be readily absorbed and are hypoallergenic.
What will the massage feel like?
It depends on the techniques used. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and ease exterior muscle tension. As your body unwinds, pressure will gradually be increased to relax and relieve specific areas of muscular tension. You should communicate with your practitioner immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting.
How long will the session last?
We offer various session lengths to easily fit into all schedules and budgets. The average full-body massage lasts approximately one hour. Shorter sessions allow time for more focused work, for instance the neck and shoulders, back, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a sixty-to-ninety-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths, and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.
What should I do during the massage session?
Make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.
For More FAQ’s Call 314-205-0064!