Frequently Ask Questions...
Why do I need to fill out an intake form?
- It is a requirement for your therapist to know about anything that might influence the effectiveness of a treatment like all severe past injuries, disease, likes/dislikes, etc. There are contraindications that must be evaluated to ensure your safety and the therapists. The more your therapist knows about your medical history the better the treatment will be for you.
How long does the Intake process last before the massage starts?
- Expect the face to face intake process to last about 10-15 minutes, so be sure to arrive early for your first treatment. If available, fill out your Intake Form prior to coming in to save time. Also, to ensure you get more of your scheduled time on the table, it's always a good idea to arrive atleast 10 minutes early to each treatment following the first. This allows time for the therapist to check in with you about any changes so they have a better idea of what to do.
Is it normal to be sore or experience bruising after a treatment?
- The soreness doesn't happen every time, but it does happen. Massage is detoxifying your larger muscles, connective fascia, lymphatic system, etc. which is moving lactic acid and other toxins around. That soreness isn't necessarily caused by the pressure... it's usually an indicator of how toxic the muscles are.
If you're experiencing more of a "bruising", this also can happen occasionally, but could also mean that the pressure may have been too deep and would need to be adjusted the next treatment. Everyone is different, so communication is the key to an effective treatment.
What is "TOO DEEP", when it comes to pressure?
- When it comes to receiving Deep Tissue Massage, of any kind, it is important to understand that it has nothing to do with "Pain Tolerance". I always tell my clients this... "As long as you are able to breathe through it and relax into it, you're doing okay. But if you feel yourself tensing up, you need to ask the therapist to lighten their pressure. Every body is different from the next. What may feel like Deep Tissue may not actually BE Deep Tissue.
What is Swedish Massage?
- The term Swedish Massage is indicative of "Relaxation" or the more "Fluffy" massage. But it's really an umbrella term describing any treatment that is hands on skin with oils or lotions and the client is undressed with proper draping and on the specialized massage table. A lot of common techniques can fall under the Swedish Massage umbrella such as Trigger Point, Medical Massage, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, etc.
Why do I get lightheaded when I get up after my massage? Is that normal?
- Yes this is very normal and sometimes expected. It doesn't happen every time and won't last very long when it does. It's usually caused by the toxicity level in your tissues, unblocking congestive tissue allowing circulation, correcting any rotations, etc. You could also feel lightheaded after receiving energy work which is caused by a shift in your nervous system and vibrational field. After any treatment it's a good idea to roll to one side and slowly raise yourself up. Always take your time when getting off the table.
- It is a requirement for your therapist to know about anything that might influence the effectiveness of a treatment like all severe past injuries, disease, likes/dislikes, etc. There are contraindications that must be evaluated to ensure your safety and the therapists. The more your therapist knows about your medical history the better the treatment will be for you.
How long does the Intake process last before the massage starts?
- Expect the face to face intake process to last about 10-15 minutes, so be sure to arrive early for your first treatment. If available, fill out your Intake Form prior to coming in to save time. Also, to ensure you get more of your scheduled time on the table, it's always a good idea to arrive atleast 10 minutes early to each treatment following the first. This allows time for the therapist to check in with you about any changes so they have a better idea of what to do.
Is it normal to be sore or experience bruising after a treatment?
- The soreness doesn't happen every time, but it does happen. Massage is detoxifying your larger muscles, connective fascia, lymphatic system, etc. which is moving lactic acid and other toxins around. That soreness isn't necessarily caused by the pressure... it's usually an indicator of how toxic the muscles are.
If you're experiencing more of a "bruising", this also can happen occasionally, but could also mean that the pressure may have been too deep and would need to be adjusted the next treatment. Everyone is different, so communication is the key to an effective treatment.
What is "TOO DEEP", when it comes to pressure?
- When it comes to receiving Deep Tissue Massage, of any kind, it is important to understand that it has nothing to do with "Pain Tolerance". I always tell my clients this... "As long as you are able to breathe through it and relax into it, you're doing okay. But if you feel yourself tensing up, you need to ask the therapist to lighten their pressure. Every body is different from the next. What may feel like Deep Tissue may not actually BE Deep Tissue.
What is Swedish Massage?
- The term Swedish Massage is indicative of "Relaxation" or the more "Fluffy" massage. But it's really an umbrella term describing any treatment that is hands on skin with oils or lotions and the client is undressed with proper draping and on the specialized massage table. A lot of common techniques can fall under the Swedish Massage umbrella such as Trigger Point, Medical Massage, Deep Tissue, Myofascial, etc.
Why do I get lightheaded when I get up after my massage? Is that normal?
- Yes this is very normal and sometimes expected. It doesn't happen every time and won't last very long when it does. It's usually caused by the toxicity level in your tissues, unblocking congestive tissue allowing circulation, correcting any rotations, etc. You could also feel lightheaded after receiving energy work which is caused by a shift in your nervous system and vibrational field. After any treatment it's a good idea to roll to one side and slowly raise yourself up. Always take your time when getting off the table.
Why is it so important I drink water right after a massage?
- Massage loosens up toxins in the body and drinking water helps assist your body's natural process by flushing them out. We, as humans, for the most part are naturally dehydrated and need to be drinking far more water than we normally do. This is a constant conscious effort. Think of it like this... if you're at a cocktail party and there's a drink in your hand, chances are you're going to drink it no matter what it is. If you treat water the same way, you'll feel much better and your body will be happier for it!
Is it a good idea to soak after a massage?
- Absolutely!! Just like with drinking water, soaking is one of the BEST things you could do for yourself after a treatment. When I talk about soaking I'm not talking about the hot tub at the gym or in your backyard, I'm talking about in the tub with a LOT of Epsom Salt. The salt then PULLS the Lactic Acid and other toxins OUT of the muscles. To learn more about the "How's?" and "Why's?" click on the
"Hydrotherapy (Soak)" page under the Healthier Living/Self Care Tab.
Should I tip? And, if so, how much is appropriate?
- These days it seems that everywhere you go there's a tip jar waiting for that spare dollar or two and a slight guilt factor if it's not contributed to. I think we have become programmed that way. Massage is a part of the service industry, and it is appropriate to tip... but it isn't required. The same rules would apply for eating at a restaurant. If you feel it was a job well done, then tip similarly, and if not, don't. Personally, I've never asked for tips or put the jar out, but they are always appreciated. It should never be something that makes a person feel awkward or pressured.
How often should I get treatment?
- Everyone is different. I have seen three different levels of care. Damage Control, Pain Management, and Maintenance. Each one equally valuable and important.
Damage control would require more frequent treatments to calm down the body and nervous system. This is when the nervous system is on high alert and the muscles, fascia, joints and ligaments can be overloaded and quite painful. I've even seen cases where the skin is extremely sensitive to the slightest touch. This level must be handled with care and until it calms down. Bi-weekly treatments are recommended when possible or at the very least once a week.
Pain management is most likely when we're dealing with chronic problems like headaches, joint pains from surgeries and/or injuries older than one year. This is the pain level we tend to get "used to" over time thinking that "I'm getting older so I thought this is just how it's going to be". This is not necessarily true! These aches and pains can be brought to a level where your quality of life is elevated significantly! Treatments are recommended to be at most weekly and at least bi-monthly until it's time for a maintenance schedule.
Maintenance is the ultimate goal in frequency. This is the treatment schedule that keeps aches and pains of living life at bay for longer periods of time. For some this means they can get away with treatments as often as bi-monthly to once a month. Most of my clients that have graduated into this schedule come either every other week, every 3 weeks, or every 4 weeks. Once on a maintenance program, I continue to work along side you with exercises, stretches and other self care recommendations to insure you're living optimumly.
- Massage loosens up toxins in the body and drinking water helps assist your body's natural process by flushing them out. We, as humans, for the most part are naturally dehydrated and need to be drinking far more water than we normally do. This is a constant conscious effort. Think of it like this... if you're at a cocktail party and there's a drink in your hand, chances are you're going to drink it no matter what it is. If you treat water the same way, you'll feel much better and your body will be happier for it!
Is it a good idea to soak after a massage?
- Absolutely!! Just like with drinking water, soaking is one of the BEST things you could do for yourself after a treatment. When I talk about soaking I'm not talking about the hot tub at the gym or in your backyard, I'm talking about in the tub with a LOT of Epsom Salt. The salt then PULLS the Lactic Acid and other toxins OUT of the muscles. To learn more about the "How's?" and "Why's?" click on the
"Hydrotherapy (Soak)" page under the Healthier Living/Self Care Tab.
Should I tip? And, if so, how much is appropriate?
- These days it seems that everywhere you go there's a tip jar waiting for that spare dollar or two and a slight guilt factor if it's not contributed to. I think we have become programmed that way. Massage is a part of the service industry, and it is appropriate to tip... but it isn't required. The same rules would apply for eating at a restaurant. If you feel it was a job well done, then tip similarly, and if not, don't. Personally, I've never asked for tips or put the jar out, but they are always appreciated. It should never be something that makes a person feel awkward or pressured.
How often should I get treatment?
- Everyone is different. I have seen three different levels of care. Damage Control, Pain Management, and Maintenance. Each one equally valuable and important.
Damage control would require more frequent treatments to calm down the body and nervous system. This is when the nervous system is on high alert and the muscles, fascia, joints and ligaments can be overloaded and quite painful. I've even seen cases where the skin is extremely sensitive to the slightest touch. This level must be handled with care and until it calms down. Bi-weekly treatments are recommended when possible or at the very least once a week.
Pain management is most likely when we're dealing with chronic problems like headaches, joint pains from surgeries and/or injuries older than one year. This is the pain level we tend to get "used to" over time thinking that "I'm getting older so I thought this is just how it's going to be". This is not necessarily true! These aches and pains can be brought to a level where your quality of life is elevated significantly! Treatments are recommended to be at most weekly and at least bi-monthly until it's time for a maintenance schedule.
Maintenance is the ultimate goal in frequency. This is the treatment schedule that keeps aches and pains of living life at bay for longer periods of time. For some this means they can get away with treatments as often as bi-monthly to once a month. Most of my clients that have graduated into this schedule come either every other week, every 3 weeks, or every 4 weeks. Once on a maintenance program, I continue to work along side you with exercises, stretches and other self care recommendations to insure you're living optimumly.