Questions You May Have

Your massage will be performed by a professionally trained massage therapist who is a member of ABMP (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals). ABMP is a professional organization that verifies the training and credentials of each one of its members. ABMP requires and verifies that massage therapists have graduated from an approved massage training program and have achieved any state certification/licensing that are required, meeting both vocational and ethical standards.

Your massage session will take place in a comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table designed for your comfort.

For On-site massage, we bring an on-site massage chair that is designed to seat you comfortably in an upright and forward facing position.

Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.

The massage practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or towel.

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?

You and the massage practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage therapy. 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).

It depends on the massage therapy 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 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. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately with your professionally trained massage therapist if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

We offer different techniques of massage: Swedish Massage, Deep-Tissue Massage, Shiatsu, and On-site massage. For an explanation of each massage technique, go to our Massage Services web page. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our massage techniques with you.

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. A half-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. Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.

We also offer On-site massage for busy business people. An On-site massage usually lasts about 15-20 minutes.

Make yourself comfortable. The massage 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 massage technique you are receiving.

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 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 is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Click here for more details on the benefits of massage.

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 therapy or bodywork prior to any session. Your massage practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.