Where will my massage take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage?
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my session?
What should I do during the massage?
How will I feel after the massage?
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Are there medical conditions that make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Where will my massage take place? Your massage therapy session will take place in a private office (795 McIntryre St. #102, Golden, CO 80401) with a comfortable, quiet therapy room. Music may be played to help you relax. (There is a Bluetooth speaker in the therapy room, so feel free to bring your own tunes! Also, don't be shy about asking me to change the music.)
Must I be completely undressed? Most massage and bodywork 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; if undressed, you will be properly draped during the entire session. Very often we will do assisted stretching, so if you are coming in for sports massage, I ask that you wear/bring yoga or workout clothes.
Will the therapist be present when I disrobe? I 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? 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. Depending on your individual needs, your session will be designed to be as general or specific as necessary to help you reach your goals; I've had elite runners come in for 120 minutes just on their legs!
What will the massage or bodywork feel like? A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, 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. Massage cream or lotion* is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The lubricant 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. (* - I use Burt's Bees Hand Salve, here are the ingredients: Ingredients: prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, cera alba (beeswax, cire d'abeille), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, lavendula hybrida (lavandin) oilrosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, eucalyptus globulus oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower oil, tocopherol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil canola oil (huile de culza), linalool, limonene.)
Some types of bodywork such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and neuromuscular therapy can be uncomfortable during the work (much like physical therapy) but the goal of those sessions is long-term pain relief, often for problems like chronic pain, migraines, frozen shoulder and low-back pain, rather than relaxation.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork? 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.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my massage therapy session? Yes; increasing your water intake in the 24 hours leading up to your session will ensure that you are well hydrated. If you are prone to cramping, maybe think about eating a banana before you come in, or some other way to get a little potassium in you.
What should I do during the massage? Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I 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, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. Some people are more relaxed if they talk through most of the session - whatever is best for you. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage? Many people feel very relaxed if it is a relaxing massage, or some feel sore/tired like after a workout if it is a deeper therapy session. Many 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 or longer. There is a common misconception that massage "flushes toxins" from the body - there has been zero clinical evidence to prove this to be true so the old adage to 'drink a lot of water to help flush toxins' is just another way of saying 'drink more water', which is just always good advice.
What are the benefits of massage therapy? 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 therapy is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Deep tissue massage can be effective in helping to relieve chronic pain by addressing the underlying muscular tension and adhesions (knots) that may be contributing to the pain.
Chronic pain is often caused by muscle tension and the buildup of scar tissue or adhesions in the muscles and connective tissues. Deep tissue massage works by using slow, deep pressure and friction to break up these adhesions, which can help to relieve the pain and restore normal movement to the affected area.
Additionally, deep tissue massage can help to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in the affected area. This can help to provide the tissues with the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal, while also reducing swelling and inflammation, which can contribute to pain.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable? Yes. It is very important that you disclose any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.