Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room at the office or in your own home(non-smoking envionments only). Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a massage table especially designed for your comfort.

Must I be completely undressed?
No, it depends on the style we decide on. Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session. *Adv. Myofascial & Tui Na (Chinese Sports Massage) Bodywork can be done in comfortable clothing.

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.

Will I be covered during the session?
For massage, 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?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Sessions are customized to your needs, so if an area (i.e. neck & shouldars) needs more work, then that will be a focus and more time will be spent to help that area.  What's needed may vary from session to session.  We will discuss this before the appointment so we can best use your therapeutic massage time. 

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Depends on your needs and which styles are used. In general, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help 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. For some treatments, a high quality massage oil is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
Yes, sessions are customized based on your needs.  Talking with you will help determine which modalities are used (LifeStream, Adv. Myofascial, Deep Tissue & Tui Na) There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Depends on the goals of the session. Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. For massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Some people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.  For Adv. Myofascial, there is more of an ongoing dialogue during the session, working together to improve specific issues.  

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed & have increased BodySense. 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 highly recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.  With Deep Tissue bodywork, benign muscle soreness may occur, similar to a workout, and dissipates in a day or so.  Adv. Myofascial can bring longer-lasting and more profound results/relief from problems that have developed over time.  Tui Na tends to be more invigorating and less sedating with a very connected feeling.  Again, the session is tailored to your needs.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, we'll discuss the condition and how it may benefit or be contraindicated for therapeutic massage. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.