Steve's Q & A
Q. What exactly is massage?
Q. Why should I receive massage?
Q. What are the benefits of massage?
Q. How can I maximize the benefits?
Q. How should I approach or prepare for massage?
Q. How long does a massage take?
Q. What kinds of techniques are available?
Q. Is there any paperwork involved?
Q. Do I need to remove all my clothing?
Q. What will the environment be like during massage?
Q. Do you use creams, oils, scents, etc.?
Q. Should I talk during massage?
Q. Does everyone always feel better at the end of a massage?
Q. Could there be some unexpected side effects?
Q. Are there reasons not to get a massage?
Q. Will I experience pain during massage or be sore afterward?
Q. What if I have specific physical issues or concerns?
Q. Can I use massage instead of other medical services?
Q. Does massage fit in with other medical treatment?
Q. How often should I get a massage?
Q. What exactly is massage?
A. Massage therapy is systematic manipulation of soft tissue and muscles in order to enhance general health and well-being.
Q. Why should I receive massage?
A. For your health! As many millions will attest, massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness. Experts estimate that over 90 percent of disease may be stress-related, and massage is a powerful antidote for this.
Q. What are the benefits of massage?
A. They are many! As part of some physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy helps low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. Click here for more information as provided by "Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals".
Q. How can I maximize the benefits?
A. Eat a light meal before the session. Be early so as to begin in a calm state of mind and body. Avoid toxins (alcohol, nicotine, etc.) before and after. Ponder the perks of inner calmness. Drink extra water afterward and get moderate exercise the next day.
Q. How should I approach or prepare for massage?
A. Discuss any concerns before the session begins. Come expecting a pleasant experience!
Q. How long does a massage take?
A. Massages are scheduled for one hour in many professional venues. However, circumstances can vary so I prefer to keep it open-ended. I usually take 80-90 minutes to give a complete Swedish-based massage, which includes unhurried attention to any special issues.
Q. What kinds of techniques are available?
A. There are over 250 modalities, but in a regular full-body massage I use basic Swedish strokes and incorporate elements of deep-tissue, sports, acupressure, and other modes according to my perception of the client's need.
Q. Is there any paperwork involved?
A. Not much. At the first session I have a short form which provides basic personal and health information. Other than that, if insurance reimbursement is possible the client would need to file those claims.
Q. Do I need to remove all my clothing?
A. That's up to you. Your sense of security and relaxation are vital. At your first session I'll simply ask you to remove clothing to your level of comfort, and then I leave the room until you are comfortably situated on the table and covered by the sheet. Professional draping techniques will always be used so that only the areas of the body being worked on are uncovered. Your personal boundaries will always be respected.
Q. What is the environment like during massage?
A. A quiet calm atmosphere with low light is best. Anything distracting or intrusive upon the senses is to be avoided.
Q. Do you use creams, oils, scents, etc.?
A. I use natural organic oil or lotion, unscented.
Q. Should I talk during massage?
A. You should tell me immediately if something hurts or feels "wrong" in any way. Otherwise, it's up to you. I generally don't initiate conversation except to check on how the client is doing, but many people benefit from "talking things out" during massage and I do encourage that. However, discussing emotionally charged but impersonal issues such as politics can be a hindrance.
Q. Does everyone always feel better at the end of a massage?
A. Most do. Occasionally a client my feel some heaviness from the stimulation of lymph fluid or blood circulation, which is itself an indication that the massage was needed. But in most cases it just feels great!
Q. Could there be some unexpected side effects?
A. Muscles actually contain memory and occasionally massage will trigger a spontaneous emotional experience.
Q. Are there reasons not to get a massage?
A. Yes. Massage may be contraindicated if you are feeling sick, are intoxicated, or have a cold, fever, open sores or certain other conditions. In some cases massage can proceed with care regarding the problem areas. Call me beforehand if unsure.
Q. Will I experience pain during massage or be sore afterward?
A. Some massage clients enjoy when it "hurts good", which may also result in some soreness for a couple of days afterward. However, I believe that the greatest physical benefits occur just short of that experience. Such pain is a result of rupturing tiny capillaries and the following period of healing. I go to the edge but try to stop just short of that, and I always insist that my clients let me know if pain occurs.
Q. What if I have specific physical issues or concerns?
A. We will review them carefully before your first session, and check in with each subsequent session.
Q. Can I use massage instead of other medical services?
A. No. Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs, or spinal manipulation.
Q. Does massage fit in with other medical treatment?
A. Yes! Massage is a wonderful adjunctive therapy for many conditions. In some cases insurance may cover massage therapy.
Q. How often should I get a massage?
A. Most clients in maintenance mode shoot for once a week to once a month based on their budget and time available. However, if there is a physical issue needing attention then more frequent work may be appropriate for a time.