Massage FAQs

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable and quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table specially designed for your comfort.

For your table massage, generally you'll undress completely or leave underwear on (with bra off). However, you should always leave on whatever makes you most comfortable and the therapist will work accordingly. You will be properly draped during the entire session according to professional massage therapy standards to keep you warm and comfortable. Thai and Shiatsu massages are performed with the client fully clothed; we recommend wearing stretchy, yoga-type clothing that is cotton for these massage sessions, as other materials can be slippery for the practitioner's hands.

No, the practitioner leaves the room while you undress, leaving you enough time to get under the sheet and blanket on the massage table. The therapist will always knock before opening the door.

A typical full-body massage therapy session will include work on your neck, shoulders, back, hips, legs, feet, arms, hands, scalp and face, and may include the abdomen. Please tell your therapist if you do not want any of these areas massaged.

There are numerous types of massage and bodywork. Depending on what you are looking for, certain methods may be a better fit than others. Feel free to contact us and we can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

A Wellness Massage is a good baseline for clients, as it is generally a relaxing session utilizing broad, flowing strokes that help calm the nervous system and decrease muscle tension. As tension is coaxed from your body, a deeper pressure may be applied to work out specific areas of muscle tightness and/or congestion. A light oil or lotion is usually applied to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. This also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach can be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). 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. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.

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 and bodywork are also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, boost the immune system, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, you inform the practitioner of any current or past injuries, health problems or medications. 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. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Most people feel very relaxed, while others may also experience a freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness and greater productivity which can last for days. It's possible and normal to feel a bit sore after a deep-tissue massage, similar to the sore feeling that can come from working out. Drinking lots of water and icing your muscles can help. Also, taking a salt bath can help draw out any remaining toxins that can cause soreness.