|
1311 South Main Street |
FAQ'sHow do I choose a therapist?Since you are paying for this treatment, you are ultimately in control. A therapist should be happy to explain what is going to happen to you and what they are hoping to achieve. Not all therapists are forthcoming with this information and you may have to ask, but you should expect a satisfactory reply. Remember that private therapists are employed by you to give you the therapy that you are paying for. The easiest way to find a good therapist is through a recommendation from someone who has been to see the therapist and is happy with the treatment they received. What is Therapeutic Massage?Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue. Other terms included in the definition are effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (percussion), compression, vibration, friction, nerve strokes, and Swedish gymnastics, either by hand or with mechanical or electrical apparatus for the purpose of body massage. Massage therapy can include the use of oils, lotions, salt glows, heat lamps, hot or cold packs and tub, shower or cabinet baths. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any presenting complaints. Where will my massage session 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. What do I wear during the massage?Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and or a blanket at all times except the area being worked on. How much of my body will be massaged?When the client is 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 relaxation massages, the client and therapist should discuss and agree upon the areas to be massaged. A "full body massage" usually includes the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, face, chest (above breasts for women), abdomen and hips. If being massaged in certain areas causes you to feel uncomfortable, you should inform your therapist and they will adjust the massage accordingly. You should never accept a touch that feels wrong in any way or feel pressured to offer an explanation for such sensitivity. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you,iIt is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. How will a massage feel?It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique. Will therapy hurt?If at any time the treatment you are receiving is causing you too much discomfort, ask the therapists to stop or ease off for a few minutes. Be open and let the therapist 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 as your dysfunctions improve. After a session, you may feel some mild discomfort or muscle soreness for a few days until your body readjusts and heals itself. Will the massage oils used make me breakout?Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand. Is a massage always appropriate?No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. 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 prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor. 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. How long will massage treatments last?The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. Less than an hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?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 following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment. What is the best frequency of treatment?This will vary, but here are some guidelines. If you are seeking massage treatment for remediation 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 long-term dysfunction like arthritis, a monthly treatment is recommended until your condition is stabilized. For therapeutic treatments, most people find that once a month suits there needs, but some come more frequently. 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. Are there different techniques in massage?Yes, there are many different types of massage techniques, over 90 to be exact. Swedish massage is the technique most widely known by massage therapists, but therapists are often trained in other types of massage. Some of the more common massage techniques are sports massage, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, deep tissue massage, reflexology, Polarity, Pregnancy Massage, Hot Stone Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage. There is also Thai massage and other massage techniques that are named for their developer such as Upledger, Heller Work and Feldenkrais. Can I bring someone along?Contact your therapist in advance to determine if it is fully acceptable to bring someone else with you. The person may be in the room during your treatment or may wait outside the room. In order to assure that you receive the full benefit and relaxation from your treatment, the person present must remain quiet and unobtrusive during your treatment. Children are usually not permitted as guests. 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. Do massage therapists have a Code of Ethics?Yes, massage therapists adhere to a code of ethics. |