Your First Massage

People seek therapeutic massage as a natural means to promote healthy body functioning and to enhance the body's own restorative powers.  Why are you getting a massage?  Be sure to communicate what you are looking for out of your massage to ensure a positive experience!

• General relaxation
• Revitalization
• Relieve sore or tight muscles
• Relieve tension headaches
• Recovery from sports activity
• General Health and Fitness
• Improve Circulation
• Complement to other health care

Common Questions
Q: What do I wear? How will modesty be guarded?
A: You can choose to be totally or partially unclothed under the drape of a sheet.  You may prefer to keep your underpants on during massage.  As each part of your body is massaged, it will be undraped then redraped after.  Your breasts and genitals will remain covered at all times.

Q: Should I talk during my massage?
A: This is optional. Many therapists prefer silence, but you should feel free to give the therapist feedback on anything that causes discomfort.

Q: Will oils be used? Do I have any choices about scents?
A: Oils or lotions will be used to help the therapist's hands slide over the skin. If you have any allergies, let the therapist know. There are generally several soothing scents from which to choose.

Q: Will my hair or make-up be disturbed?
A: Massage of the face, scalp or neck may result in disturbing your hair or make-up. Let the therapist know if this is a concern so they can modify their technique, be especially careful or skip an area altogether.

Q: Will I feel any pain?
A: Depending on your physical condition, you may experience pain during massage. Discuss any health issues with your therapist before the massage. After the massage you may feel sore. Take a hot shower or bath and be sure to drink plenty of water to help remove waste products flushed out during massage.

Q: How long will the massage last?
A: You can select a session of 1/2 hour, 1 hour, or 1 1/2 hours. Arrive 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled time to fill out papers and change. After the massage, you may need a few moments to regroup and redress.

Q: Are there any health restrictions that I should be aware of before scheduling a massage?
A: If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, recent surgery or fractures, phlebitis, fever and other problem conditions, you should consult with you doctor on any restrictions regarding massage. In rare cases, massage should be avoided altogether.

Q: What health information should I provide?
A: Your therapist will ask you about your past and current health. This information will help plan the massage session and insure your safety.

Q: When should I pay?
A: Payment is due either immediately before or after the session. You may pay by cash or credit card.

Q: Do I tip the therapist?
A: It is common practice to tip the therapist, similar to what you would your hair stylist or restaurant server.

Q : Does insurance cover massage?
A: You will need to check with your insurance company first. Coverage varies from company to company and state to state.

Q: How do I choose a massage therapist?
A: Ask the therapist about their training and experience. If the gender of the therapist is a concern, ask the person scheduling your appointment who will be administering the massage.

General Advice

• Ask questions! If there is anything you don't understand, please ask for further explanation.
• Let the therapist know if you are uncomfortable at any time.
• Relax and enjoy your massage.

Benefits of Massage

Known benefits of massage include relaxation, improved circulation and relief for muscle tension. New applications for therapeutic massage are surfacing in areas related to mental and emotional well-being, infant care, aging, and other special situations.
Massage Enhances General Health

• Promotes well-nourished and healthy skin
• Improves circulation of blood and lymph
• Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility
• Encourages general relaxation
• Improves immune system functioning
• Improves energy flow

Alleviates Problem Conditions

• General muscular tension and aches
• Tension headaches
• Muscular back pain
• Poor circulation
• Stress and anxiety

Support Your Fitness or Sports Program

• Relieves tired and sore muscles
• Helps improve flexibility
• Relaxes tight muscles
• Speeds recovery from strenuous physical exertion
• Reduces the anxiety of athletic competition

Combats the Negative Effects of Aging

• Enhances tissue elasticity and joint flexibility
• Improves blood and lymph circulation
• Promotes healthy vibrant skin
• Improves immune system functioning
• Relieves muscle aches and stiffness

Relieves the Effects of Stress

• Triggers the Relaxation Response
• Relaxes tense muscles
• Reduces anxiety level
• Normalizes blocked energy flow
• Improves immune system functioning
• Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being

Special Cases - - Massage can help in certain temporary or long-term situations which cause unique physical and mental challenges.

• For mothers-to-be during pregnancy 
• For infants, especially premature and other developmentally challenged babies
• For the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs and others with challenging orthopedic conditions
• For the elderly

Especially Beneficial For...

• Care Givers - those who care for others
• Physical Workers - those who stress their bodies in their work or trade
• Desk Workers - those whose work involves long hours sitting at a desk using a computer or talking on the telephone
• Travelers - for those spending long hours sitting in an automobile, train or airplane

Gift Certificates available! Call for details and current pricing.

Massage During Pregnancy

Benefits of Massage During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes tremendous changes which can result in a number of uncomfortable conditions, including...

• Low back pain
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Headaches
• Calf cramps
• Insomnia
• Sciatic Pain
• Sinus congestion

How Pregnancy Massage Helps
Massage involves manipulation of the soft tissues, and is the physical movement, stroking and stretching of muscles, tendons, ligament, and other soft tissue. This increases blood circulation to the muscles, resulting in more oxygen and nutrient availability to these tissues. Enhanced blood flow will remove metabolic waste products which build up in the muscles. Soft tissue anipulation can include improving muscle pliability and joint flexibility, decrease muscle tension, and calm nervous irritability.

Precautions
Consult with your primary health care provider prior to receiving pregnancy massage to see if there are any precautions your therapist should take or any reasons why you should not receive massage. Circumstances in which massage should be avoided may include...

• Heavy vaginal discharge (watery or bloody)
• Pre-eclampsia
• Diabetic
• High blood pressure
• Contagious illness
• Morning sickness
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Vomitting or Diarrhea
• Any malignant condition
• Unusual pain

As with any massage, be sure to let the massage therapist know if you are uncomfortable, thirsty, need a bathroom break, or have other concerns.

Scheduling Questions
Q: When is it "safe" to receive my first massage during pregnancy?
A: Many massage educators recommend receiving the first massage after 13 weeks gestation. During the second trimester it is suggested that you receive a massage once a week; and in the third trimester you may receive a massage twice a week.

Q: How long will a therapy session last?
A: It will last anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes. When you schedule, ask about the fee schedule to see what fits into your budget.

Post-Partum Massage
Massage can be very valuable in the recovery of a birthing event. Your muscles can be restored to a healthier, more normal status through therapeutic massage.