What to Expect

 If it’s your first visit, you will complete intake paperwork with questions related to your reasons for seeking massage, your medical conditions, and your goals for massage treatment. We will then talk about your concerns and create a plan together to address your specific needs. If you are returning for massage, we will have a conversation about your current needs and you will be able to update the massage therapist with any additional information (new medications, new diagnoses, etc.).

During the massage, you will be draped with a linen (and sometimes a blanket as well) throughout the experience. Your massage therapist will only uncover the part of the body to be worked on. Once the area has been massaged, the massage therapist will re-drape that area and uncover the next. You can wear or remove whatever clothing you choose to make you the most comfortable. You can also request that certain parts of your body not receive massage and this request will be absolutely respected.

We typically use music during a massage to enhance the experience. We have a variety of music from which to choose and you can feel free to request a certain kind of music for your massage. Or, if you prefer to have silence, this can be requested as well.

Your comfort and feelings of safety are very important to us. Please communicate with your massage therapist if you are uncomfortable in any way (i.e. too warm, too cold, needing to change positions, etc.). In addition, please feel very free to communicate with your massage therapist about the actual massage (i.e. too light, too deep, etc.) so that the massage best meets your needs.

After your massage, it’s helpful to drink a lot of water in order to help the body flush out toxins released during the massage (especially if you came in with a lot of tension). You may experience some soreness after your massage which is often improved by a hot bath or shower. Your massage therapist may suggest specific stretches or exercises for you to do in order to prolong the positive impact of the massage.

Enjoy!

Benefits of massage
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
Massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits. Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.