What to Expect with your Massage:

Sometimes the most intimidating circumstances stem from not knowing what to expect. Here’s where we try to eliminate some concerns you may have, by preparing you for your massage experience:

Paperwork: For your first visit, you will need to fill out an Intake Form. This form will ask for your general information, such as name, address, phone number, etc. Most importantly, it will ask for your medical information. This will help in determining what areas may need to be avoided, or given attention to, during your massage.

Massage Table: The massage table starts out flat and cold. We’ve added a table warmer, a sanitary cover, a bottom sheet, a top sheet, a bolster for leg/ankle support, as well as plenty of towels to give you support where needed. Because there are so many different body types and shapes, towels seem to be the best choice for bolstering (giving support) different areas of the body.  Whether it be an exaggerated kyphotic/lordotic curved spine or an injured muscle, bolstering can be used to ease discomfort.

Disrobing: It is your choice of your comfort level. If disrobing is not something you’re comfortable with, you may prefer to have a chair massage. No problem, we have one of those. Different types of massage require different levels of disrobing. As with chair massage, Shiatsu Massage and Sports Massage do not require any disrobing, yet it is performed at higher effectiveness if the client wears light/minimal clothing. The traditional Swedish Massage is most beneficial without any clothing, however, clients may choose to keep on their underwear. With or without clothing, personal areas will always stay covered with draping.

Draping: There will always be two sheets on the massage table on purpose. One is to lay on. One is to cover with. The Massage Therapist will uncover/recover each area being worked on. Example: The top sheet will cover the client from shoulders to feet. When the client’s back is being worked on, the Therapist will fold the sheet away from the client’s back and massage the client’s back until it is time to move to another area, such as the leg. At which time, the Therapist will cover the client’s back with the sheet and uncover the leg. This happens with each area of the body that is being massaged.

Gluteus: The largest muscle in the body! (Your butt muscles) This complex group of muscles link the muscles in your lower back and throughout your legs. A common area overlooked by most, the gluteus hold the most potential of benefits from massage, as a number of people suffer from lower back pain. The Gluteus can be massaged through the top sheet on the massage table or undraped on one side during the ‘back-to-leg’ massage. When the client keeps their underwear on, this signals to the therapist that gluteus work may only be performed through the top sheet. Either way is beneficial to the client. At no time will a client’s entire gluteus be uncovered. If the client prefers no gluteus massage, please tell your therapist in advance.

Breast Massage: Although breast massage is beneficial to some clients, neither breast massage or private area massages are practiced with this company. No exceptions.

The Massage: Each client has a different idea of what a great massage is and what is most beneficial to them. For your first massage, the client and therapist must communicate to establish the client’s pressure levels, sensitivity to depth, and overall massage techniques. It is important to inform your therapist of what you’re goals are for each session. Some clients prefer to remain silent throughout the massage while others prefer to talk. As your therapist, I am open to which ever way is comfortable for you, this is about your relaxation and well being. Let’s make it right for you!

After the Massage: Once the massage time has come to an end, you will be given time to ‘wake up’. It may or may not be in the literal sense, however, you may need time to regain your focus. (Similar to how you feel after waking up) Once it has been determined that you are ‘awake’, you will be left alone to get dressed. Once you are dressed, you may exit the massage room. Please drink plenty of water after your massage, this will help to flush out toxins from your body.

Your Next Appointment: Your initial massage session will help determine the duration/frequency of additional appointments. The information we gather we will help us to reach a comfortable schedule with your goals in mind.