Frequently Asked Questions

What can massage do for me?

Do you live a fast paced or busy life? Massage can help your mind, body, and spirit back into harmony. If stress is part of your life, massage can reduce your stress levels and allow the natural benefits to restore and rejuvenate your body.

Are you recovering from an injury or still suffering from an old injury? Medical massage can help loosen and heal muscles, ligaments and tendons. It’s a great compliment to physical therapy. Natural healing is increased by improving flexibility, range of motion, blood flow, and better oxygen delivery.

What is Medical Massage?

Medical Massage is defined as medically necessary massage, which is usually prescribed by a physician. Medical massage is generally practiced in relation to a specific goal focused on improving health of patients.

Medical massage is helpful to individuals who suffer from an assortment of health conditions, including repetitive motion injuries, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, muscle spasms, neuromuscular conditions, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, chronic headaches, whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, and soft-tissue injuries as well.

According to an article written by Certified Senior Instructor, Boris Prilutsky - "... Medical Massage has been clinically and scientifically shown to bring about a vasodilartory effect that significantly reduces cardiac work."

Additionally, medical massage increases blood supply to skeletal muscles and other body components. Furthermore, medical massage is also evidenced to stimulate the nervous system as well. Overall, medical massage is a noninvasive therapy that produces beneficial health results to those experiencing numerous health-related illnesses and injuries.

Does massage hurt?

Yes and no. Most massage treatments will focus on relaxing you. However, therapeutic massages focus on relieving problem areas. In such cases, problem areas tend to be tight, sore or tender, and attention to massage pressure is a priority. Therapeutic massage may be uncomfortable, but not painful beyond your tolerance level.

Will I be sore?

It is possible to be sore after a massage. People have a tendency to get used to being tense and tight in their trouble areas. Once they are relaxed the sensation isn’t 'normal' for them and they feel sore as a result. Especially when working on an old injury, deeper work can be required to get through scar tissue. In that case soreness can result. Drinking water before and after the massage can greatly diminish your chances of soreness. Often a “good sore” will be felt. Mobility and range of motion are notably improved due to working out an old (or new) problem area.

I have Fibromyalgia and am tender to touch. How can massage help?

The type of massage for Fibromyalgia can vary from a feather touch to moderate pressure. Each client is unique and type of pressure will vary. The therapist will provide the most adequate pressure according to your tolerance level. The therapist will communicate with you at all times to insure that you are comfortable at all times.

How can massage help?

Massage is one of the most beneficial treatments for Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. In fact, numerous surveys have shown that symptoms are significantly reduced.

Massage therapy benefits include:

• increased blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair
• increased flexibility and range of motion
• decreased stress and depression
• reduced pain and stiffness
• improved sleep patterns

How long does a massage take?

It’s up to you. Thirty-minute massage is great for working out specific trouble spots.

Most massage treatments last an hour. It gives enough time to work on a couple problem areas and a full body massage.

If you’re interested in a longer session, a ninety-minute session allows for more work to be done and it provides extra relaxation time.

If you are tall (over 6 feet) you may consider an hour and a half massage. This extra time allows for the extra height, making sure any trouble areas get the attention they need.

I’m pregnant. Can I receive a massage?

Absolutely! Many NEED a massage during pregnancy. A mother-to-be experiences many physical changes that cause aches and pains. The earlier you come in, the better. Working to keep you in good shape is usually easier than trying to resolve trouble areas once they become painful. Massage is very beneficial and assists in keeping you comfortable and happy during pregnancy. (It is suggested to receive a massage after the first trimester.)

Do I have to get undressed?

No. You aren’t required to undress. A good therapist can work through clothing. However, it is easier and more comfortable for you and the massage therapist if most clothing is off. Leaving your underwear on (and a bra for women) is perfectly acceptable. The general rule is the less you have on, the easier your therapist can work on trouble spots.