Who should get massage?

Anyone and everyone!

Massage is no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy. The benefits are clearly documented. More insurance companies are recognizing massage and paying for massage treatments. Receiving massage is even a standard part of rehabilitation after workplace injuries or car accidents.

Very few people should avoid massage, and in most cases avoiding massage is only necessary during the acute phases of certain illnesses and medical conditions*.  Our massage therapists can offer variations to their massage style or patient positioning to accommodate the needs of our patients.

*If you have any questions as to whether you should wait to have a massage, or if massage would be beneficial for your condition, feel free to call or email us to ask.  You should also consult .

What kind of massage should I get?

Many people wonder what kind of massage would be most beneficial for their condition. Here are some simple definitions and guidelines to help you decide what would be best for you:

Swedish Relaxation- the standard massage. This is what you would expect to receive if you were going to a spa, lots of general, long flowing strokes with no specific goal in mind except for stress and tension relief. Generally softer pressure and not focusing on any specific problem areas. Usually full body (head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, hips, legs, feet).

Deep Tissue- this doesn’t have to involve deep pressure. Contrary to popular belief deep tissue massage doesn’t have to be excruciatingly painful, nor does it require intense amounts of pressure. Instead it requires more time in a specific area because the therapist has to work through the superficial (top) layers of muscles to get to the deeper muscles and help them to relax by softening trigger points and releasing adhesions. Deep tissue techniques are utilized to speed up recovery from injuries, improve range of motion and relieve referred pain caused by trigger points.

Deep Pressure- is just what it sounds like. If you feel like you need extra pressure during a deep tissue or relaxation massage just ask for it.

How long of a massage should I get?

A lot of people wonder how long of a massage they should book for, here are some helpful guidelines:

30 minutes- great for if you have one problem area or if you want a brief, upper body OR lower body, relaxation massage.

60 minutes- great if you want a full body relaxation massage OR have a couple of problem spots you need worked on OR have a problem spot and want some relaxation.

90 minutes- great if you have multiple problem areas you need addressed or if you have a couple problem areas but want full body relaxation as well.

120 minutes- for when your whole body needs some extra attention and you don’t want to have to choose between focused work and relaxation.

What can I expect when I come in for a massage?

On your first visit be sure to stop by 10-15 minutes early to fill out a small amount of paperwork giving us information about your health history and about your massage preferences.  Your massage therapist will then escort you to our massage room.

Before treatment, Your massage therapist will go over your paperwork with you so she knows what kind of benefits you would like from your massage. This is a the perfect time to ask questions or raise concerns.  She will then step out of the room for several minutes to allow you time to prepare.

At this point, you can choose to undress *TO YOUR LEVEL OF COMFORT* before laying down on the table under the sheet and blanket and get comfortable.  Your massage therapist will give you several minutes to get ready.

*You are not required to remove any clothing in order to receive massage, however, the massage therapist will be able to provide a more effective and comfortable treatment if she is able to work on the skin rather than through clothing.

What should I expect during the massage?

Massage can have several goals (ie relaxation or addressing injuries).  Your massage therapist will work towards the goals outlined in your paperwork and pre-massage conversation.  Keep in mind that your experience can easily be adjusted throughout the massage.

We encouraged our patients to give verbal feedback if they would like changes made (ie more/less pressure, change technique, “ooh, that feels good please keep it up.”)  Your massage therapist uses her training and experience to structure your massage towards the goals you expressed to her.  Your communication throughout the massage is a valuable tool to help her pinpoint exactly what you want and to leave you feeling amazing.

At the end of the massage, your massage therapist will leave the room so you can have a moment to enjoy how good you feel and get dressed. She will then provide you with water and any last minute instructions on post massage care before sending you off to enjoy the benefits of your massage.