Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room in our multi-room office. Soft music and a fan will be playing to help you relax. You will lie on a table designed for manual (massage) therapies between sheets and underneath a blanket.
Must I be completely undressed?
It is entirely up to you what you want to wear. Please dress down to your level of comfort. You will be draped during the entire session and we can work over or around clothing left on. Some clients disrobe entirely while many choose to leave on undergarment(s). There is no right or wrong - our therapists can work over any clothing you prefer to leave on.
For sports massage, we encourage athletic attire as these sessions can be done on top of the table and with attire present we may be able to utilize a greater range of motion uninhibited by draping. For chair massage, any non-tight clothing that provides freedom of movement to sit on the chair itself is suitable.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
After your consultation, your LMT will leave the room to wash their hands and provide you a couple minutes to dress down, start relaxing on the table, and cover yourself up with the sheet and blanket.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be modestly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. Do you get hot easily? We can turn the table warmer lower or off, undrape areas to allow circulation or point the fan on you. We are happy to accommodate, feel free to ask for what you need to be comfortable.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
We offer customized plans so each one may be a little different. Your LMT will confirm what your goals are for the session and whether you want to focus on the complaint spots or do a full body plan. You can opt in or out of any area, and you can change your mind during a session - just let your therapist know.
A “tip to toe” full body massage plan commonly works the scalp and face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, feet, back, and hips/glute muscles. Many clients prefer to skip the head and focus the time on the complaint areas. Whatever you need from your session, let us know and we’ll make a plan to work toward that goal.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
It depends on the technique and goal! Are you trying to recover range of motion, work on healing scar tissue or breaking down adhesions? Expect various speeds, possible tools and mild discomfort from deep tissue techniques. Trying to relax or not a fan of the discomfort that comes with deep tissue? We can get results using light and medium pressure and different techniques that are more flowy, smooth, traditional yet effective.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
Yes, dozens and dozens of modalities exist! Various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask your LMT any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. Your LMT will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm or letting your leg fall heavy). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. Some clients love to chat during their session. It’s up to you - your LMT will follow your lead.
How will I feel after the massage therapy session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Many experience relief from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity or injury. After an initial period of feeling relaxed, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness of their body mechanics, and greater range of motion which can last for days. Some experience soreness from the new range or release of old byproduct buildup from the tension we release. A little extra water and a day’s rest will help this pass quickly. Please let your LMT know if you experience soreness and whether or not it negatively impacts your experience of massage therapy.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
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 therapy is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and support an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes! That's why it's imperative that you complete your intake paperwork. It is very important that you inform your LMT of any health problems or medications you are taking that may impact your care.
If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. At your LMT’s discretion, prior written approval from your doctor may be required.