Frequently Asked Massage Therapy Questions

Who Will Perform the Massage?
Your massage will be conducted by a professional who has received over 500 hours of training in Swedish Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point, and Myofascial Release from the Sterling Health Center in Addison, TX.  Although no two massages are exactly alike, you may request a certain technique.
 

Must I Be Completely Undressed?
Massage is traditionally applied to bare skin, lubricated with oil, cream, or lotion. This doesn’t mean that the client’s modesty is ever compromised. You will be properly draped during the entire session with a large sheet and/or towels, carefully undraping only one area of the body at a time as the need arises.

While many clients have no qualms about removing all of their clothing, some prefer to leave on their undergarments, or even some of their outer clothing.  Some massage techniques are impossible to apply through clothing; but we can work around this and treat the areas that you feel comfortable with.

Will The Practitioner Be Present When I Disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.
.
Will I Be Covered During The Session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable.  Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
 

What Parts of My Body Will Be Massaged?
The extent of a massage will depend on several factors, including the length of the session, the specific need for treatment, the techniques used, and the client’s comfort level with touch.

When there is an injury or condition to be addressed, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need for treatment of other body areas that are affected by an injury, such as when a sprained ankle forces the opposite leg to bear all the stress of walking and weight-bearing.

When a massage is sought for relaxation, you and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session.  This will determine which parts of your body require massage.  A typical full body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders with the abdomen and/or gluteus/hip area as optional.  You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) or breasts (male or female).  If you are uncomfortable with being massaged in any area, just inform the therapist of your wishes and the therapist will adjust the massage accordingly.

Will Oil or Cream Be Used?
Your choice of a light massage oil or cream may be used to permit your muscles to be worked on without causing excessive friction to the skin.  The lubricants used will hydrate the skin and be readily absorbed.
.

What Will The Massage Feel Like? 
It depends on the techniques used.  In general a massage session may start with broad, flowing strokes which will help to calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension.  As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension.  You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken.  Massages are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Does massage hurt?

In the course of a massage, the therapist will probably find areas of tenderness or pain.  The level of pain will depend entirely on the therapist’s techniques.  Receiving massage strokes in tender areas often creates a very satisfying sensation of "good pain."  If, however, a client has to hold their breath, furrow their brow, or tense their body to endure the pain, they need to ask the therapist to decrease the pressure or try a different technique. Severe pain triggers the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream, which is hardly the goal of massage therapy.

Some massage techniques involve deep pressure that can be very painful, yet they have long-term benefits that may outweigh the short-term discomfort.  A professional therapist will always explain the benefits of painful procedures and allow the client to accept or decline such procedures.
 

What Should I Do During the massage Session?
Make yourself comfortable.  The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax.  Others like to talk during their session.  Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

Where Will My Massage Session Take Place?  
Environment is important to the massage experience.  Your massage session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room.  If the desired experience is to be relaxing, then having low-level lighting, soft music, and a pleasing aroma all add to the effect.   

Do I have a Code of Ethics?

Yes, they are as follows;
1. I provide the best quality care to anyone that seeks my professional help.
2. I accept all clients without discrimination.
3. I acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with a client and respect each client's right to privacy.
4. I practice only the modalities in which I have been professionally trained and certified.
5. I in no way participate or engage in any type of sexual activities with my client.
6. I maintain a safe, clean and professional environment.

If you've never experienced a massage, you've come to the right place.  If your question about massage is not answered here, please feel free to call or E-mail me.