WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU GET A MASSAGE

"Many people aren’t sure what to expect when they schedule their first massage. But we assure you there is nothing to be nervous about! Although no two massages are alike, there are some things that are typical to each session. Generally, a session will take place in a quiet, comfortable room. It may be dimly lit. Soothing music is often played to help you relax.

The Therapist will Assess Your Massage Needs

After introducing themselves, your practitioner will ask why you are seeking massage therapy, and inquire about any injuries or medical conditions you may have. They may also ask additional questions to gather information that can help improve your overall experience. Be honest with your practitioner – their role is to ensure that you have the most pleasant and successful session possible.

Let Your Therapist Know What You’re Feeling

The massage therapist will then excuse themselves so that you can disrobe to your level of comfort. You will then get on the table – either face up or face down – under the sheet, towel or cover provided. During your session, you will be draped (covered) at all times, and only the area being worked on will be exposed. A typical full body session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, shoulders, glutes and abdomen. You may request that a therapist spend additional or less time on a specific area.  Oil or lotion is often used, so be sure to tell the practitioner if you have any preferences or sensitivities.

During the massage, please make sure to communicate with your therapist about the pressure he or she is applying.  Though many massage therapists can tell when they are using light or deep pressure, it is always good to let them know how you feel.  If you want more or less pressure, be sure to communicate that—the massage is all about you!

When your massage session is complete, the practitioner will leave the room so that you can get dressed. Sit up slowly and take your time getting dressed. 

After Your Massage

Make sure to drink plenty of water. Book your next session according to your practitioner’s recommendation.

Over the next few days, you may experience soreness if you requested a deep tissue massage.  To alleviate discomfort, apply an ice pack to the area.  Let your massage therapist know about the discomfort you experienced and consider requesting less pressure during your next session." NCTMB

 

  • When I get into the massage room should I fully undress?

"Dress down to whatever you are comfortable with!" The massage therapist can work around anything. However, if you are having a full body massage being fully unclothed under the sheets makes it easier for the therapist to maneuver around. If you are getting a Thai massage, then wear athletic clothes. 

  • What to do to get the most out of your bodywork session?

"Speak Up!" You will be given a massage goal sheet for your first massage to help the massage therapist give you a customized massage that will be geared toward your goals. (relaxation, pain relief, cleansing, etc.) The first massage is like a first date. If you want anything changed throughout your massage: pressure, areas worked on, position or if you are too hot or too cold, then this is the time to share it with your therapist.  

  • What types of massage are incorporated in a customized massage?

Every therapist is different along with every person that walks through the door.  Therefore each therapist incorporates a basic knowledge base of swedish, deep tissue, hot stones, trigger point, sports, lymphatic drainage, prenatal, geriatric, thai, myofascial release and neuromuscular therapy techniques in their massage geared towards the goals of the appointment.   Goals of a session tend to be emphasized on stress relief, pain management, sports performance, cleansing, injury prevention and relaxation. Each therapist also specializes in further specialties to enhance certain outcomes such as massage cupping, aromatherapy, acupuncture, reiki and etc.

  • WIll I be sore the day after a massage?

If you are receiving more of a swedish, relaxing massage it is highly unlikely you will be sore after a massage.  When you receive deep tissue work you are likely to be sore a day or a few after a massage.  Think of it as if you were working out.  If you have a light and easy workout you are likely to feel calm and rejuvenated afterwards.  However, if you have a strenuous and intense workout you may notice soreness in muscles that you did not even realized you had before.  The more massages you get, the more your body will adapt to deep tissue massage. Just like when you work out on a regular basis.  The soreness feeling in the muscles contributes to your muscle fibers breaking and creating lactic acid.  It is good for you, because it cleanses and releases toxins that were held deep within the tissues of your body. Then your circulatory system comes in with nutrients to repair your muscles.  This is why it is important to drink lots of water and stay active to help hydrate and cleanse your body on a regular basis.

  • What is massage cupping?

Instead of pushing into the muscles using massage therapy techniques, massage cupping is a vacuum system that takes pressure off certain areas of the body.  A cup is placed onto your skin and a suction forms through a vacuum method by pulling inflammation, metabolic debris (toxins) deep within your muscle fibers towards the level of your skin.  This breaks up connective tissue, relieving tension in areas of your body that are very tight.   New blood flow is brought to areas that have not been receiving much of any nutrients and the lymphatic system then cleanses the area of any waste.  Massage cupping is a technique that takes the massage to the next level, by achieving results that the massage therapist can not achieve sole by their hands in a timely manner. 

  • What are the benefits of massage cupping?

• Relieve pain and inflammation from injury or chronic conditions.• Relieve deep muscular issues and reduce muscle spasms.  • Release and soften scar tissue and loosen post-surgery adhesions.  • Lift and stretch soft tissue to separate fascia and restrictions.  • Increase range of movement and flexibility in joints.   • Promote healthy circulation and open the energy flow of the body.  • Move stagnation and enable normal lymphatic flow. • Enhance any athletic training program to improve performance. • Reduce “Solid Bloat”. ACE

  • What is "Solid Bloat"?

By Anita J Shannon

An unrecognized pathological condition is affecting a large segment of the population and could be a key component of disease and degeneration, allergies and addictions, as well as obesity and toxicity. The condition is “Solid Bloat” and often manifests as weight gain or cellulite, and can eventually lead to serious health issues. Working with vacuum therapies not only effectively assists in eliminating years of Solid Bloat accumulation, it also provides information about the cause and nature of the condition.

How many times have we looked in the mirror over the years, only to see one of our parents appearing right before our eyes? What is this gradual weight gain that we casually identify as a sign of aging? One answer is the “walking history” that our body has become … layers of chemical and physical impacts that the body has processed and often stored due to an overload of the systems. The body tissues and structures of the body become congested and further compromised, and an unhealthy environment is created.

Let’s take a look at the formation of Solid Bloat in the body and some of its causes. The physical formation of the deposits is simple; heat from inflamed tissue slowly dehydrates the surrounding lymph, which inhibits any further drainage. Fascia fuses together from the heat and the congestion spreads through the upper tissues and skin surface. This inflammation can come from a myriad of sources such as surgeries, injuries, chronic movement patterns, and even childhood diseases and exposure to toxicities … resulting in unidentified allergies. Click here to learn more....

  • What does massage cupping feel like?

There are different methods to massage cupping that influence different sensations.  When we are using lighter pressures for a cleansing purpose the cupping sensation tends to have a relaxing note to it.  When massage cupping is used in ways of deep tissue massage people note it as that "good-hurt feeling."  People have left comments of "it feels like little fish are nibbling on me in the james river" or "if there was an octopus and it laid its tentacles on me this is what I would imagine it to feel like."

  • Should I tip the massage therapist?

It all depends on what you decide.  A tip is an added bonus for the massage therapist.  On average clients leave a 20% tip. 

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, checks, debit, and all forms of credit.  Receipts are sent through text or email and all history can be printed upon request.