What are the benefits of massage?
If you want to know more about massage, consider checking out theses sources: Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association).
What type of massage do I need?
The history of massage is long and its application broad, so it is unsurprising that such an ancient and diverse practice would have a nearly infinite range of styles. It is currently estimated that there are over 350 massage methods or modalities being practiced worldwide. With so many styles and techniques to choose from it may be daunting to find the one that is right for you. If you are new to massage, do not despair over the abundance of choice; most massage styles, at their core, share common techniques and primary benefits. Any massage therapist worth your time can and WILL customize their approach to suit your needs and wants. At Wellness Massage you will only be treated with modalities that are trusted and reliable.
Do I need to get a deep tissue massage to feel better?
Absolutely not! The body responds best to massage when it is fully relaxed. So, if a deep tissue massage is not relaxing for you then receiving one would be counter-productive. At Wellness Massage we aim to engage the relaxation response and will occasionally approach the threshold of tolerable intensity but we will never reach it, and certainly not surpass it!
Is it okay for me to talk during my session?
To receive the most benefit from your massage, it is best to get into a deep state of relaxation. For this to occur talking should be kept to a minimum. However, many of our clients enjoy the social aspects of massage and want to chat. Many people compromise and talk a bit at the beginning of the session then slip into quiet relax mode for the rest of the session. This is your time and we will follow your lead. Chat when you want to, and be silent to take it all in when you want that deep relaxation.
What if I fall asleep during my massage?
If you are relaxed and comfortable enough to fall asleep during your massage, then compliment taken! Besides a nice review or recommendation, there is no greater compliment to a therapist than a client dozing off to sleep. In addition to making your therapist smile, being in that deep relaxed state can actually enhance a massage. When the muscles are slack they are open to deeper work and your therapist can access more of the deeper muscles that are usually harder to reach when the superficial muscles are taut.
What do I wear to my massage or stretching appointment?
For a massage, it does not matter what you choose to wear to come in for your appointment. Although, most clients prefer relaxed fit, comfortable clothes to make redressing easier. During your massage session you undress to your comfort level and you will always be professionally and modestly covered by the sheet and blanket.
For our stretching sessions you need to wear athletic attire that is comfortable to move in as you will remain dressed for the entire session.
Are there any times I should avoid receiving a massage?
If you are ill or suspect you may be becoming ill it is best not to receive a massage. This includes the common cold, flu, if you have any contagious breakouts, allergic skin reactions (such as poison ivy, oak, etc.) or even a bad sunburn as it can make a massage unpleasant.
Massage is not recommended if you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, deep vein thrombosis, or severe osteoporosis.
If you are currently under a doctor's care for a medical condition, it is best that you check with your doctor to see if receiving a massage is appropriate for you. A doctor's note may be required before you can receive massage. If you are pregnant, let your therapist know as soon as possible so accommodations can be made.
We will discuss your overall health and any pertinent changes at each visit before the massage begins.
In the event of a medical cancelation, our 24 hour cancellation policy is waived.
I am pregnant, how will this change my massage?
At Wellness Massage, we prefer to wait till after the first trimester to receive massage. In the second and third trimester, massage is a wonderful way to nurture yourself while you nurture your little love. Massage is then done in a side lying position on full body cushions that are comfortable for you and safe for baby. Let your therapist know you are pregnant so the room can be set up appropriately. High risk pregnancies may require a doctor's note before receiving massage.
How often should I receive massage?
This depends greatly on your lifestyle outside of the treatment room. The benefits of a massage are best felt for the 3 to 5 days following your massage. After that, the effects linger but you might start to feel tension creep back in. That is why we encourage our clients to stay active and pursue other activities that stretch the body and relax the mind.
For most of our clients, receiving a massage monthly provides them with the relief they need and gives them something to look forward to. Consider receiving massages more frequently (as frequently as once a week) if you have a very stressful job, you have a condition that causes chronic pain, or if you have a physically demanding job or lifestyle.
How soon will I start to feel better?
The effects of relaxation are immediate and very noticeable. The deeper muscular work takes time. The aches and pains that have been accumulating in our bodies for months if not years or even decades, will not be cured in an hour. No matter what promises are made by therapists who sell a quick fix, real and lasting changes to long term stress patterns take time. At Wellness Massage we take a holistic approach and seek to understand the causes of stress patterns and encourage lifestyle adjustments when practical. You will feel better after the first session and your "better" will keep getting better each and every visit.
Will I be sore the next day?
It is common for clients who receive deep tissue massage to feel slightly sore the next day. This usually feels like a mild workout soreness and many people don't even notice it. At Wellness Massage this is minimized because true deep tissue is only given to clients who request it and are able to maintain a relaxed state through the work. This leads to far less soreness compared to muscles that are tense and fighting against the deep massage.
Why are some of your client reviews referenced and some are not?
Before venturing out on my own, I worked for several years at a Massage Envy. When we received feedback from clients at Massage Envy, it was stripped of identifying client information. I would only see what was said about me but not who was providing the review.
The testimonials with attribution names are reviews I have received since opening my private practice in June of 2017.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 24 hour advance notice for cancellations. There is a $10 fee for last minute cancellations. If a massage or stretch session has to be canceled for medical reasons this fee will be waived. No-Shows will be charged a fee of $20. The no-show fee will only be waived in the event of an emergency.