Frequently Asked Questions

Isn't massage therapy a luxury service?

This has long been the perception of massage. However, as more complimentary medicines such as massage therapy gain recognition with the mainstream public, the benefits are becoming more and more understood and seen as a valuable addition to an overall healthy lifestyle. With all of the pressures and stress we place on our bodies today, massage serves as a tune up for the body and soul.

How often should I receive a massage?

If it were a perfect world and we all had more time and money, everyone would receive some form a massage on a daily basis. Understanding this is not very practical, the answer to this question will be personal to each individual.

If your reasons for getting massage are to relieve chronic pain, address chronic conditions interfering with your daily life or similar injury recovery, you may want to consider making the commitment to weekly sessions. More significant results are likely to be felt by building upon more frequent results.

If you are interested in stress management or basic maintenance for your overall well being, you may be able to wait up to a month between sessions. Going through a more stressful period may waiting less time between appointments.

Unfortunately, for most people the financial commitment is the most significant determining factor on the recurrence of receiving massage. For many, once they notice the benefits massage provides to their lives, they find a way to continue regular sessions by incorporating it into their budget. Bottom line ... getting some massage is better than no massage.

Do I have to be completely undressed to receive a massage?

While traditionally massage is performed without clothing to allow for better access to the muscles, you should let your personal comfort level dictate what you wear. If modesty is a concern for you, I suggest leaving your underwear on. Bra straps tend to get in the way of working on shoulders and the back, so I would recommend removing them if possible. The sheet on the table will always be covering you. Your comfort is most important - without it you will find it more difficult to relax while on the table and therefore more difficult to experience the benefits massage provides.

While on the table you will be under a sheet and blanket and proper draping of the table's sheet will always be observed for areas of the body while they are being worked on and then be covered again as the massage progresses to the next area.

What is the space like where I'll get my massage?

In 2011, I was able to expand my practice and have moved from Central Street Yoga's space into my own private office on the third floor in the same building.

Being a single, large, sunny, open space, curtains are hung to separate the office and meeting area from the treatment room.

Also, since I teach classes in Anatomy and Physiology here for CSY's Teacher Training program, I have a skeleton (named Bucky) and large monitor for presentations in the space. However, we will not be watching movies during your session.

Am I expected to undress with the therapist present?

Absolutely not. After we have had a chance to plan out your massage, I will close the curtains to the therapy space, leaving you alone to disrobe and slide under the blanket and sheet on the table. Once you are covered and ready, I will reenter and your massage will begin. At the conclusion of the massage I will again leave giving you the privacy to redress.

If fact, some clients are so eager to get on the table and get the massage started they will begin peeling out of their clothes before I have to chance to leave the room. For my own modesty I ask that you wait until I have exited the room before undressing.

Will I be covered during the massage?

What if I have body areas I don't want massaged?

On your Medical History Form you will complete prior to having a massage you will be given an opportunity to exclude any areas you do not give permission to be massaged. The session is about you and your comfort. That being said, it is advisable to give permission to work on areas giving you problems. For example, many people dislike having their abdomen worked on, however if you have chronic lower back issues the cause may be originating from your abdominal muscles. Likewise, leg pain may be caused by an muscular issues in your buttock area. Discuss your concerns with your therapist and together you will be able to come up with a session plan you are comfortable with.

What kinds of oils do you use? Do you have to use oil?

I can use oil, lotion, gel or cream for your massage. Some clients have a preference of one over another. In general, oil and gel provide more glide over the skin and seem to work best for some men with more hair to prevent pulling. While still maintaining a considerable amount of glide, cream provides slightly more drag, allowing the therapist to engage the tissues with firmer pressure. My lubricant of choice is Biotone Healthy Benefits Massage Cream. It provides a good amount of engagement with the tissues, allowing for deeper work while being able to absorb into the skin as any body moisturizer would for a less greasy feeling after the massage.

For most traditional massage, using some sort of lubrication is normally recommended. The majority of Swedish relaxing techniques need a certain amount of glide provided by the lubrication. Deeper tissue work needs significantly less, but some light use is still recommended. Myofascial work on the other hand typically does not use any lubricant at all - the therapist's intention is to "velcro" themselves to the skin and tissue, causing it to lengthen, stretch and release and to glide as little as possible. Sometimes for more hairy individuals, the therapist will use a few drops lubrication or even water to provide minimal lubrication.

What do I need to do during the massage?

Is there anything I should do to prepare for the massage?

If you are a new client or you have had significant changes to your health since your initial Medical History Form, you can print a copy from the Forms section of this site to save yourself from needing to complete one upon arrival.

Try to avoid eating a large meal or drinking excessive amounts of liquid prior to arriving for your massage.

Taking a shower before arriving would be ideal, however for for individuals coming from work you should be fine (so long as your work doesn't entail walking around barefoot on a farm... please use your best judgment and clean up as best you can).

How should I expect to feel following a massage?

What type of massage is right for me?

Do I need to tell you about all my health issues?

How will getting a massage be good for me?