Frequently Asked Questions

Swedish Massage: Swedish massage is a gentle, relaxing approach that increases circulation without increasing heart load. This technique reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is most effective in a regular program for stress management. This massage is primarily for relaxation purposes.

Deep Tissue/Therapeutic Massage: This technique is incorporated into the Swedish Massage and is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension. This massage uses slow strokes, friction, and release of trigger points, on the problem area. You would choose this massage if you wanted to work a specific area that has tension or is tight. You may also consider myofascial release on a specific problem area.

MYOFASCIAL : MYO (muscle) FASCIA (fascia surrounds and protects the muscle).

Myofascial Release is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscular tension. Myofascial Release is a manual therapy technique that is utilized to help relieve pain and tension that is due to injury or stress. It involves releasing and unwinding the fascia (connective tissue) that surrounds each muscle and interconnects all of the other internal parts of the body. This tissue layer, which connects every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, and organ in our bodies, can store memories of physical trauma. Releasing these restrictions allows us to discharge recurring emotional as well as physical pain.

Deep tissue does not define the pressure used in the massage. You can have a Swedish massage and increase pressure. Deep tissue is working a SPECIFIC muscle, which has an origin and insertion. Myofascial goes a step further, working a SPECIFIC area on the SPECIFIC muscle. Myofascial is a very specific modality, focusing on a very specific adhesion (“knot”) or restriction that may be causing pain or restriction and releasing it to allow the muscle to do its job. Usually with deep tissue and/or myofasical, treatment can be a bit uncomfortable for 24 to 48 hours, but your therapist will walk you through post-massage “homework”, which may include icing, rest, etc.

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, which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water afterward.

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, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well-being.

It is important that your practitioner understand all your medical conditions to determine the safest treatment approach for you. Before you begin your session, the practitioner will ask 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 may be advisable or necessary to obtain a written recommendation concerning massage therapy. If there is any question, we will require a written release from your physician.

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.

Your session will be conducted by a professional who has received proper training, often in a variety of techniques. Some massage and bodywork practitioners are licensed by the state, while others are locally regulated. Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique or modality.

Most massage and bodywork techniques are 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 and secure during the session.

The practitioner will leave the room while you undress. They will address you before entering the room to determine if you are comfortable and ready for your session.

You will be properly draped and secure at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

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).

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 and be readily absorbed. Your therapist will discuss the lubricant that will be used prior to the session.

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 and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting. Please feel free to review the bios of each therapist to see the different modalities that they use.

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, for instance the neck and shoulders, back, or legs and feet. Many people prefer a sixty or ninty-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the 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.