Frequently Asked Questions on Massage Therapy

Which technique is right for me?

Most clients are advised to try Swedish Massage for their first time. It is relaxing and still focuses on sore muscles. The lighter massage techniques focus more on the core of the body. Therefore, they address issues having either a stress-related or a neurological component and are even more relaxing. The heavier massage techniques focus more on specific muscles or muscle groups. Read the descriptions for each technique on our Services page and find a place to begin. You won't really know how beneficial any technique is for your individual situation until you have tried it.

What should I expect for my first visit?

Since our practice focuses specifically on massage therapy techniques, you can expect to enter a quiet, relaxing environment, free of the odors and noises associated with a salon. After you have completed a Confidential Health History Form, your therapist will take you to a private room to discuss your current conditions and preferences so that your session will be more individualized. Expressing your concerns at this time (areas to avoid, draping, room temperature) will enable you to be more relaxed during the massage session.

What should I wear?

Some techniques, Neuromuscular Re-Education and Craniosacral Therapy, may be performed while the client is fully clothed or combined with an oil massage while the client is properly draped. Thai Massage, Sports Massage, and Chair Massage require that clients must be fully clothed. All clients will be appropriately draped. You are always welcome to wear more clothing if doing so will make you feel more comfortable.

What happens during the session?

You will be properly draped at all times. Only the area of the body being massaged will be exposed. It is important to give your therapist feedback so that pressure may be adjusted to your comfort level. When your therapist moves one of your limbs, it is not necessary to help. In fact, he/she may be using movement or traction (gentle tugging) to help assess where you are most tense or whether your body is unwinding. Just relax and let your therapist do all of the work!

What happens after the session?

Massage therapy can be balancing. Some clients feel energized after a massage session, but most feel very relaxed. Regarding your level of activity after your session, just listen to your body and modify your routine as needed. If this is your first massage, you may feel so relaxed that you want to rest a while. Some clients experience slight soreness since massage affects the body like mild exercise. This feeling usually dissipates by the end of the following day. Drinking water will help this effect.

If you want the benefits of massage therapy to be cumulative, it is best to schedule your sessions every 4-6 weeks. In other words, receiving massage therapy regularly will help to maintain the benefits you experience.

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