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"You need only to experience healing touch one time to fully understand the benefits to both body and soul."
Why are you getting a Massage?
There are many reasons to get a massage. At your appointment discuss with your therapist your specific needs and expectations so that he/she can determine a session strategy to meet them. Some reasons may include:
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction
- Relief of Chronic Pain (low back, neck, shoulders or other)
- Relief of Specific Pain due to Injury or Trauma
- Prevention of Adhesions, Fibrosis, Contracture
- Increase in Circulation (ridding body of wastes and toxins)
- Complement other Modalities (acupuncture, chiropractic, counseling)
- Relieving the "Touch Deficit" or other Emotional Issues
- Assist in Healing after Surgery, Childbirth
Please ask your therapist any questions you might have before the session. We want you to be completely informed and aware of your choices before the session.
Modesty Most people remove all clothing to allow the most benefit from the massage. We use draping techniques to only uncover the part of the body being massaged. Our goal for a relaxation massage is full body; that will include massage of the gluteals and chest area. You may choose to keep those areas draped, your therapist will ask your preference. Please note that genitals and breast tissue will not be included in the massage.
Hair & Makeup Massaging the face, scalp and neck may disturb your hair and makeup. Please inform your therapist if this is a concern. You may chose to skip this area altogether, or have the technique modified to avoid a disheveled appearance afterward.
Talking Some people prefer silence during a massage to increase the feelings of being relaxed, to the point that they go to sleep on the table. This is perfectly fine as we do not expect you to engage in social conversation; however, if you choose to talk throughout your session, you are certainly free to do so. Of course, always give your therapist feedback on anything causing discomfort, or if you would prefer more pressure or less pressure during any particular technique. We want to provide you with a massage session that is comfortable to you.
Pain Whether you will feel any pain during your massage depends on several factors, including your reason for the massage and expectations of the session, your general physical condition and your pain tolerance levels. Discuss this with your therapist before your session and give me feedback during the session. Tense muscles are often sore and may feel a little uncomfortable when being massaged directly; after the session, there is a feeling of relief and "looseness." Sometimes, there is a delayed soreness after a massage. If this happens, take a hot shower or bath, and drink plenty of water to help remove waste products flushed out by the massage.
Emotions Massage therapy often brings emotions to the surface because you literally have time and opportunity to feel your feelings. It is natural to feel sadness, anger, joy, peace, fear, compassion, love and many other feelings during a massage session, and sometimes these feelings are intense, and someone disorienting. For example, a person may feel like crying during the massage but does not understand why. Please discuss any concerns you have with your therapist. We understand and support you in expressing and releasing your emotions.
Healing Crisis Sometimes, the day after a massage a person can feel achy and have other flu-like symptoms. One reason this happens is because the massage has moved toxins from where they were stuck in the body. We often refer to these toxins as "knots". In actuality, these firm, often sore spots in the body are a build up of metabolic waste or lactic acid from muscle over-use. In order to move these toxins out, it is necessary to drink plenty of water after your massage for several days. If the symptoms persist more than one day, please call our office.
Sexuality Therapeutic massage is non-sexual and is not designated to stimulate or gratify sexual desires for either you or the therapist. Any inappropriate sexual remarks, requests or actions will result in the session being terminated. Of course, a client may experience feelings of sensuality or sexual arousal during the massage and this generally passes quickly. If you feel confused about your feelings, please discuss your concerns with your therapist.
Session Length A full-body massage is generally one hour or one and a half hours long. Shorter sessions may be requested if I am working on a specific area you request (i.e., back). To maintain an optimal level of relaxation, a full-body massage may be received once a week, twice a month or once a month. Discuss the best schedule for you with your therapist. We can usually arrange a regular appointment time for you.
Payment Payment is due immediately before or after the session, unless you have made a special arrangement with your therapist ahead of time.
Tipping Our therapists do appreciate gratuities. You may give a gratuity directly to your therapist or include it with your payment if you choose.
Cancellation We do not overbook appointments. We respect your time and need you to respect ours as well. We ask that you give your therapist a 24-hour cancellation notice, if possible. If this is not possible, please contact the office as soon as you know that you cannot make your appointment. Do not miss a pre-set appointment time without calling, as this will require your therapist to wait as well as preventing other clients from being scheduled. A missed appointment or cancellation with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the minimum 30 minute fee of $35.
Thank you for scheduling your appointment with us.
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