Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take my clothes off?

Your comfort level is very important to me, so whatever you feel comfortable removing before the session begins is acceptable to me. For therapeutic massage treatments most clients undress down to their undergarments. For pain management sessions, most clients remove clothing only at the area where I will be working for the majority of the session. In every case, you will be draped with a sheet and the only area I am working on with be uncovered.

What is the best frequency of treatment?

This will vary, but here are some guidelines. If you are seeking massage treatment for relief from a recent injury, it is usually recommend that the first two or three treatments be spaced every three to four days or weekly depending on the severity of the pain or dysfunction. For a longterm dysfunction like arthritis, a monthly treatment is recommended until your condition is stabilized. For therapeutic treatments, most people find that once a month suits their needs, but some come more frequently.

Will therapy hurt?

If at any time the treatment you are receiving is causing you too much discomfort, ask me to stop or ease off for a few minutes. Be open and let me know how you are feeling and your treatment will be a lot more enjoyable and productive. The old adage "no pain no gain" is not relevant to massage therapy treatments you receive. Remember that it is your physical condition or dysfunction that is painful, not the treatment. You should feel better at the end of each treatment and the treatments will become more comfortable. After a session, you may feel some mild discomfort or muscle soreness for a few days until your body readjusts and heals itself.

Can massage help reduce stress levels?

According to medical studies anything that can help you relax will reduce your stress levels and massage is one of the most relaxing therapies you can receive. Many turn to massage to manage day to day stress. Massage therapy treats the problem holistically. Without using suppression chemicals to slow you down, massage therapists attempt to treat the whole person and try to help your body regain homeostasis, achieving a balance between the various systems of your body to allow natural healing to occur.

Is it safe to receive massage during pregnancy?

Not only is it safe, it is also very beneficial and comforting. Massage therapy can be received throughout the entire nine month pregnancy term. If you are experiencing complications during pregnancy, discuss your condition with your doctor or midwife first. It is not recommended that you use or allow anyone to apply any pure essential oils (aromatherapy oils) on you in the first three months of your pregnancy. If oils are used, they should be mild ones like Lavender oil.

Do massage therapists have a Code of Ethics?

Yes.

-We provide the best quality care to any one that seeks our professional help.

-We accept all clients without discrimination.

-We acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with a client and respect each client's right to privacy.

-We practice only the modalities in which we have been professionally trained and certified.

-We in no way participate or engage in any type of sexual activities with our client.

-We maintain a safe, clean and professional environment.

How much of my body will be massaged?

If you are seeking treatment for a specific injury or condition, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need to treat body areas that are adversely affected by injuries, such as when a sprained ankle causes the opposite leg to bear all the body's weight and stress of walking. For therapeutic/relaxation massages, I will ask and discuss with you the areas to be massaged. A "full body massage" usually includes the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet and face. If being massaged in certain areas causes you to feel uncomfortable, please inform me and I will adjust the massage accordingly.

What studies have been done on massage therapy?

Massage has been studied for its use with premature infants, adults who have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke, athletes who desire to increase their athletic performance and shorten recuperation time, victims of sexual abuse, grieving patients and those who have lost limbs or experience unusual pains. Currently, the effects of massage are being studied for its use in family relations and in dealing with the separation felt when children become teenagers.