Fundamental Massage

If you have never had a massage before you may have some questions. Here you will find some of those answers. If your question is not addressed, please do not hesitate to contact me with it. 

• Arrive on time - time is of importance to all of us. Do your best to be on time and your therapist will do the same.
• Arrive clean - If you feel grimy you will not enjoy your massage. Take time to freshen up, avoiding the use of highly scented hygiene products. Don't shave the day of your massage and skip the lotion, it tends to "pill" up when mixed with the massage lotion or oil. 
• Answer the health questionnaire - after scheduling a massage, some clinics may email you an intake form. This is a requirement in most states.
• Do I need to get naked - Dress down to your comfort level, it is important that you be able to relax. If you are more comfortable leaving your undergarments on, please do so. This is about you and your comfort.
• Communicate - You and your therapist will talk about your problem areas and pressure preferences before the massage starts, but you can interrupt in the middle of your session to make adjustments. Your therapist will likely go in with a gentle touch and apply more pressure as the session progresses, but you can make specific requests to ensure your comfort. Inform the therapist of your goals – is it to relax? Remove painful knots? Or prepare for an upcoming race? Let the therapist know what feels good and what hurts. If you don't speak up, she won't know. 
• Do I have to carry on a conversation - Don’t feel forced to have a conversation. Some people like to chat all through their session. Do not feel as though you have to talk to fill the silence. Many people like to enjoy the massage without conversation. 
• What if I fall asleep - A really good massage does have a very powerful relaxing effect and many clients do end up dozing off during their session. You may feel as though you are "missing out" on your massage...but don't worry, there is an advantage...your muscles will be totally relaxed, allowing your therapist to really work into them for maximum benefit. Most therapists consider snoring a compliment!
• The gas we pass - You may be embarrassed to pass gas during your massage session, but holding it in isn’t good either. Gas is a product of digestion, and the average person will pass gas 8–20 times per day. If you’re in a standing or upright sitting position all day and then you lie down on a massage table, gas may move around. As your nervous system relaxes, the sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract may also relax and gas may move a little easier. That’s your body doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. As a side note, it is best to wait at least an hour after eating before you have a massage. We did just discuss the effect massage has on getting the digestive system working. 
• Can I smoke prior to my massage - If you are a smoker, please refrain from smoking for at least an hour prior to your appointment or you will need to reschedule. The cigarette smoke is in your system, not just on your hands and breath. When massage oil/cream/lotion is applied to your skin, the odor is brought to the surface where it penetrates the sheets, face cradle cover, therapists hands, as well as being released into the air. This makes for a not so pleasant massage and leaves behind an oder trail.
• DO respect that your massage therapist is a professional - Although at some point during your treatment you may find their thumbs firmly planted in your buttocks or they are using techniques that involve a lot of contact…these are strictly approved professional massage techniques and will NOT lead to a "happy ending". 
• Tipping Your Massage Therapist - please understand, gratuity is never expected. However, it is always appreciated. If you do not want to tip your therapist, then show her how much you appreciate what she does and schedule your next session before you leave.