It’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve in one massage session. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist just pushes hard enough, they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won’t happen. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes stretches, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I completely be undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed, however, you may decide what amount of clothing you prefer to wear for your comfort and modesty. You will always be properly draped during the session. Myofascial Release Therapy requires clients to wear, a 2 piece bathing suit or loose shorts and a sports top (whatever is most comfortable for the client and is best suited for their gender). Reiki clients and chair massage clients remain fully dressed during the session.
Will the therapist be present when I undress?
The therapist will leave the room while you undress and give you ample time to relax on the table and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket. The therapist will knock and wait for your response before entering.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times during the session to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be uncovered. An extra blanket is always available for your comfort. Myofascial Release Therapy is usually performed without a sheet which is why the client is required to wear a bathing suit or loose clothing. However, a sheet and blanket is always available for your comfort.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full body massage will include work on your head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet and back (gluteal work by request only). You will not be touched on or near your genitals (male or female) and requests to perform such actions will terminate the session immediately with the client being responsible to pay for the entire session.
Bodywork requiring scar release in sensitive areas such as chest, breast or abdomen will require clients to sign a release and consent form.
Will lubricant be used?
A light oil, lotion or gel will be used with some bodywork and massage sessions. Lubricants allow your muscles to be worked without causing excessive friction to the skin. I use Natural Oils such as jojoba, sweet almond oil or coconut oil and my lotion and gels contain no harmful chemicals or preservatives. I also only use pure essential oils. (I always inquire about any allergies you may have and take this into account with the products used on your body).
What will the Massage or Bodywork feel like?
It depends in the technique used. I always start my massage sessions with broad flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and ease muscle tension. As your body relaxes and unwinds pressure maybe increased but only to your comfort level. You should always inform your therapist if you experience any discomfort. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
Myofascial Release Therapy is a gentle therapy that allows me to deeply release painful restrictions and tension in your body. My sessions begin with an initial phase of gently feeling where your body is holding pain or tension. My hands slowly sink into your body applying compression and stretching to the fascial system. Painful restrictions and tension melt away. As we progress through the session, trapped tension and restrictions may release and you may feel the need to move. Give yourself the permission to follow the movement as it will not interrupt the session. With this therapy you are an active participant in your healing. Your body may want to respond by gently rocking, stretching, jerking, moving, or sounds may even want to come up. This is part of the therapy and is known as unwinding. While this may seem unexpected or disconcerting at first, it is truly just a natural response of your body when it heals. Sometimes there can be therapeutic pain or discomfort in addition to emotional components that get released. I encourage you to explore these feelings and allow yourself to express them as they occur.
As restrictions release and unwind you may feel a sense of letting go, greater relaxation or shifts in your awareness. As your fascial system returns to its normal fluid state, your pain will diminish and fascial restrictions will soften. Myofascial Release requires a sensitive and slow approach as there is a time element needed to facilitate the release. We often start at the outermost layers of tissue working gradually deeper and deeper within your body to allow a deep sense of release.
In a Reiki session a client is encouraged to wear loose comfortable clothing. You will lie down on a table, but the technique is so adaptable that is can also be performed with you sitting on a chair or in wheel chair. It can be performed through casts, bandages or in any state of health. The room will be warm and comfortable as you relax, the therapist will use little or no pressure depending on the need. You may experience, warmth, tingling, or pulsating sensations in the areas being worked. Many clients feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation, some even fall asleep. While others can feel stimulated and energized depending on what their particular body needs. Results are sometime subtle, some clients say they feel little during the session but afterwards experience a deep sense of relaxation and peacefulness much like a deep restful sleep.
Are there different Kinds of body work?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork. Various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing, rocking movements, kneading, vibration, posture and movement reeducation, compression, stretching, and more. Please see our Massage Therapy Details for more information of the techniques used at Your Healing Space.
How long will the session last?
The average massage or bodywork session is one hour. Half hour appointments are used only to treat a specific area of discomfort (for example only the neck and shoulder, or just the legs and feet). Many people prefer a 60 to 90 minute session. Some sessions can be booked longer as discussed with the therapist for intense bodywork sessions. Please allow yourself relaxation time prior to and after the session. The average time spent is 15 minutes to a half hour in addition to your session time to allow for paperwork and questions.
What should I do during the massage of bodywork session?
Make yourself comfortable. The therapist 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 therapist questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. Remember the session is about you and your needs.
How will I feel after the massage or body work session?
Most people feel very relaxed others feel rejuvenated and still others can experience some mild muscle soreness much like you would feel after working out. However, no matter what you feel right afterwards the positive effects of massage and bodywork can last for many days or weeks and the relief you feel from pain and tension will help alleviate the stress and anxiety you usually feel on a regular basis. In addition many people feel a heighten awareness and greater productivity for days after. Since your body is experiencing both physical and physiological changes during massage it is recommended that you drink plenty of water afterwards to rehydrate the body and flush out any toxins or impurities that have been released during your bodywork session .
What are the benefits of Massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, reduce muscle cramps and spasms, improve circulation, release endorphins (the body’s natural painkiller) Relieve migraines and headache pain, increase joint mobility and muscle flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue, promote faster healing, improve posture, reduce blood pressure, relieve low back pain, neck and shoulder pain and tension, aid in digestion, boost the immune system, increase alertness and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit, release painful scar tissue and promote tissue regeneration, reduce pain in cancer and post surgical patients and it also compliments many traditional healing programs, in addition to promoting better sleep, improved concentration, reduced anxiety, stress and depression and is used to create an overall sense of well being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes, that is why it’s important that before you begin your session you fill out a general health form provided by the therapist and that you discuss any health concerns or problems with your therapist before any bodywork or massage session. It is also important to advise your therapist of all medications you are currently taking. You can bring a copy of a list if necessary so that it can be kept with your confidential medical file. This will ensure that you are getting the best health care possible and allow you to rest assured that all your needs are being met by a professional healthcare provider.
Isn’t massage and bodywork just a luxury that doesn’t carry any medical value?
That would be inaccurate. Massage and bodywork has important medical value as preventive and acute care and should be apart of your normal health care. Taking care of your body should be at the top of your priority list. Regular massage and bodywork is an excellent way to increase longevity, maintain healthy muscle and bones and reduce mental, emotional and physical stress so that you can enjoy a pain free life.
Will my insurance cover massage and bodywork services?
The best thing for you to do is check with your insurance company to see exactly what is covered and under what circumstances. I always provide you with a statement of services rendered that you can turn into your insurance company. It is your responsibility to turn in any additional paperwork that your insurance company requests. Full payment is expected at the time of service and any reimbursement from your insurance company will be sent directly to you from them. Allowing you to work directly with your insurance company will ensure proper reimbursement as per your personal policy and give you the ability to get the full benefit of your policy.
