Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a medical history form. Afterwards 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 to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any presenting complaints.
 

What do I wear during the massage?

Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, people are asked to undress to their level of comfort. For other techniques requiring movement of stretching, shorts and a t-shirt would be appropriate. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on.
 

What are the benefits of Therapeutic Massage/ Bodywork?

Therapeutic massage and bodywork can improve circulation, help to loosen contracted muscles and stimulate weak muscles. Therapeutic massage and bodywork can also aid relaxation, help to reduce stress, help to prevent and relieve pain from injuries and muscle spasm, and improve flexibility. It promotes deeper and easier breathing, improves posture and strengthens the immune system. Therapeutic massage and bodywork also fosters a peace of mind and a feeling of well-being, promotes mental alertness, improves the ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately, and enhances one's ability to calm thinking and creativity. It also increases the awareness of mind-body connection.
 

Who can benefit from receiving massage/bodywork?

Individuals in all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of massage/bodywork. If you are a stressed-out executive, a student, a laborer, a stay-at-home mom, or an ill and homebound person, massage/bodywork may be an option to aid you on the road to recovery, well-being or maintaining your level of health. Massage/bodywork can help release muscular tension and pain, reduce mental and physical fatigue, reduce stress, and promote faster healing.
 

When is massage/bodywork contraindicated?

There are specific situations where massage and bodywork will not be warranted, including, but not limited to broken bones, recent surgery, inflammation of the skin, varicose veins, open wounds, acute infectious diseases, acute pain, fever and blood clots to name a few. It is important that the client inform the practitioner of their current health status. There will be cases where the practitioner will require a release from the physician prior to the treatment.
 

How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.