FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your Questions, Answered
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST TREATMENT?
The therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and determine if massage is appropriate for you.
It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.
DO I HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY UNDRESSED?
You should undress to the level you are comfortable with. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session leaving your underwear on, that is fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as they can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. Your massage therapist will step out of the room to give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.
DO I HAVE TO COVER MYSELF WITH A SHEET OR TOWEL?
Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on. The genitals and breasts (women and men) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman’s abdomen, a second sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet can be moved to expose the abdomen.
WHAT DO I DO DURING A MASSAGE TREATMENT?
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
WILL THE MASSAGE HURT?
This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that does not go very deep into the muscles, should not hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’ hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘feels good’ hurt range.
Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.
WHEN SHOULD I NOT GET A MASSAGE?
There are a few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. That’s it.
There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e., arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e., cuts or burns). With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This does not mean you cannot get a massage. But it’s always better to be cautious.
Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER MY MASSAGE TREATMENT?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.
If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.
After your session, you should increase your water intake. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy
AM I EXPECTED TO TIP MY MASSAGE THERAPIST?
Tips are never expected but always appreciated. If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, the average tip ranges between 10-25%. However, from the therapist’s perspective, it is always nice to receive the compliment of a “thank you for good service” gratuity. If paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total.