What are the benefits of massage therapy?

At a physical level, massage can help decrease muscle stiffness and joint inflammation, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, increase joint flexibility, improve circulation, release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve posture, promote quicker recovery between workouts, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, reduce anxiety, improve mood and energy, improve concentration and create an overall sense of well-being.

How will I feel after the massage session?

After the massage, it is common for people to feel relaxed and experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. Some people may experience increased energy and heightened awareness after a  massage session. Other people may feel sore after a massage, especially if your muscles haven’t been worked on for some time. Typically, soreness subsides within a day or two. 

Does the massage need to be painful in order to be effective?

No, massage doesn’t need to be painful in order to be effective. I do not endorse the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy! We can achieve therapeutic outcomes while working within a comfortable pain tolerance.  However, this isn’t to say that there won’t be any discomfort at all. Occasionally there may be a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. This is likely to be uncomfortable while being worked on. But pain and discomfort are two different things. Muscles naturally react to any sort of pain. When muscles feel that the body is about to be injured the reflex to deflect the pain is stimulated, the muscles tighten together to counteract the force, and the body’s ability to heal and renew during this period is hindered. Therefore, it is best to approach areas of tension gradually so that the body can slowly release, and healing can hapen. 

What should I wear? Must I be completely undressed?

If you are choosing a traditional table massage, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. Some clients prefer to be fully unclothed while others choose to be partially clothed. It is totally your choice! You should undress to your level of comfort. Regardless of how much clothing you choose to wear, you will be properly draped at all times and your modesty maintained during the entire session. 

If you choose a Thai massage session, I ask that you wear loose-fitting workout type clothes (cotton preferable but not necessary).

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?

Yes. This is why it is extremely important you fill out the intake form I give you in your first visit thoroughly. Before you begin your session, it is important to let me know of 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 prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Example of massage contraindications: Fever, contagious diseases, blood clots, inflammation, uncontrolled hypertension, etc.