I had a massage once that left me sore and bruised. Is that normal?
Q: I’ve never had a massage before. What can I expect? Do I have to get completely naked?
A: It is our first priority to ensure your comfort, both physically and emotionally during any service we provide. All massage sessions are performed in private rooms (CLICK HERE to see pictures of our massage rooms) and your therapist will discuss with you prior to the start of the service any questions or issues you may have. All clients are discreetly draped during the entire service and are welcome to choose how much of their clothing they wish to remove for the massage. Please be advised though that clothing can interfere with the ability of the therapist to provide the best possible treatment.
Q: I had a massage once that left me sore and bruised. Is that normal?
A: Some soreness and occasionally bruising after aggressive massage is normal, but can be eased with the application of ice after the massage. Please do not be afraid to communicate with your therapist if the pressure he or she is applying is too deep or is extremely painful. All of our therapists are well versed in a variety of techniques; please let your therapist know your specific intention prior to the start of the massage.
Q: Once after a massage, I got a really bad headache. Why?
A: You were most likely dehydrated. It is recommended that you hydrate your body prior to a massage and even more important to drink a lot of water afterward. Massage moves toxins out of the muscles into the lymph system and water is the best way to rid these toxins from the body. Drinking lots of water for 24 hours after a massage will ensure that your body receives the maximum benefits of the massage.
Q: I’m feeling a little under the weather. Will massage help?
A: While massage can help when you feel achy from over exertion, massage can exacerbate symptoms when you are ill and is not recommended.
Q: I’ve heard about all these different kinds of massages. What are they and how do I know which one is best for me?
A: That’s a good question. It can be very confusing to someone who is not a massage therapist to know what is what when it comes to massage. We offer the following glossary of terms to help you choose which techniques might be of interest to you.
Swedish – Swedish massage is a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of the muscles, combined with active or passive movements of the joints. Generally, Swedish is the most common massage technique practiced and is the basis for most massages.
Deep Tissue – Releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of the muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.
Trigger Point/Neuromuscular Therapy – Applies concentrated pressure to “trigger points” (painful, irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm or pain.
Myofascial Release – Is a form of bodywork that is manipulative in nature and seeks to rebalance the body by releasing tension in the fascia. Long, stretching strokes are utilized to release muscle tension.
Cranio-Sacral Massage – is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.
Reflexology – Massage that is based around a system of “points” in the hands and feet thought to correspond, or “reflex” to all areas of the body.
Shiatsu and Acupressure – An Oriental –based system of finger pressure which treats special points along acupuncture “meridians” (the invisible channels of energy that flow through the body).
Sports Massage – Massage therapy focusing on muscle systems relevant to a specific sport or activity.
Our therapists are versed in all or some of these specific massage techniques. If there is a specialized treatment you are interested in, please let us know when you call to schedule an appointment.
Q: My mother has never had a massage before and I would like to get your couples massage with her. Can I schedule a couples massage if I’m not a traditional “couple”.
A: Absolutely. We have performed many couples massages on mothers and daughters, best friends, brides and bridesmaids, you name it!
Q: Do I have to converse with the therapist during my massage? I’d rather not talk but I don’t want to seem rude.
A: Your massage is your time. If you want to talk, then we’ll talk. If you want silence, then we will only speak when we have a specific question regarding your treatment. It is entirely up to you. (and no, we won’t think you are rude!)
Q: What can I do to achieve the maximum results from my massage therapy session?
A: First, as we mentioned earlier, drink lots of water both before and after your massage. We would also advise against drinking caffeinated beverages or alcohol prior to receiving a massage. If you must attend a social event following your massage, we caution you to consume alcohol in moderation; it tends to have a faster effect due to increased lymph and blood flow. If you do drink alcohol after a massage, please consume two glasses of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume.
It is not recommended that you eat a heavy meal prior to massage.
A hot bath with Epsom or sea salt can help sooth sore muscles and draw additional toxins from the body.
Most of all, we recommend that you take it easy after your massage; try to schedule a massage on a day that you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Q: If I drink all this water, won’t I have to go to the bathroom during my massage?
A: Well sometimes that does happen. If it does, just tell your therapist; we have robes available in all our treatment rooms.
Q: Can I get a warm stone massage if I am pregnant?
A: No. Since Warm Stone massage raises the core body temperature, it is not recommended for expectant mothers.