Q & A – Massage

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 available.

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.

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, whether there are any conditions that need 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.

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.

It typically depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is 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. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.

How a client feels during the massage is subjective to the goals for the session and the type of massage you are receiving. Dim lighting, soothing music and the skilled hands of the therapist are utilized together to enhance deep relaxation to release muscle tension and pain allowing the client to feel as if she is in a semi-sleep state–comfortably aware of what’s happening around you–yet totally relaxed.

In general, a client will be asked to breathe naturally and attempt to let thoughts drift in and out of the mind without trying to control them. A massage therapist may, at times, ask the client to take a deep breath during a specific technique or to move into a new position. Communication with your therapist is encouraged during the massage session. Topics to discuss include areas of concern, changes to your physical and emotional state, and sensations you may be experiencing during the massage session.