When should I get a massage? Any time is a good time to get a massage. You don't need to wait until you're stressed or injured. Too often I see clients who wait until they reach this state to see me. Massage works wonders as preventive care for a person's body and mind. Instead of waiting until your back hurts from overwork or stress, or the headaches that start at the back of your skull begin to pound, or the stress of every day life makes you want to pop your cork, get a massage before these things happen. A regular massage is a wonderful way to cope with stress, both physical and emotional, and to keep if from causing discomfort or harm to your body.
Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
Will the massage hurt? Certain techniques such a deep tissue will feel uncomfortable but you shouldn't be in agony - even a sport massage shouldn't you. Otherwise your central nervous system will be on fire and all your muscles will contract - which is the opposite of what we are trying to achieve! But there is a 'feels good' hurt and an 'ouch, stop it' hurt. A good sport or deep tissue massage, should always stay in the 'feels good' hurt range. Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.
How long will a massage treatment last? The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60 to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session.
How will I feel after my massage treatment? Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days. If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the evening following your session or the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. It is perfectly «normal» and very common. Your central nervous system needs a bit of time to adjust. Sometimes a long hot shower, or a soak in the tub with epsom salts can ease this soreness. After your session you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body's tissues hydrated and healthy; it also helps your body to remove any waste products.
When should I not get a massage? You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions (such as diabetes, epilepsy...) it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage.
Why do you need to know my address, GP and other personal information in the consultation form? Full name, address and contact details are essential part of any health-related consultation form, so the information can be matched with a specific person. The information provided is only used as reference for the purposes of treatment, and is not shared with anyone without the patient's written consent. Information about the patient's GP practise is needed in case of a referral. How often should I have a massage? It's very individual and depends on what you need from the treatments. Active people will probably need a massage more often than others, people working in the office will have different needs than construction workers, older people will probably need more therapeutic treatments, etc. For general maintenance and injury prevention a massage every 2 or 3 weeks should be sufficient. For rehabilitation purposes probably once or twice a week.
Do you massage both men and women of any age? Yes, I treat both men and women but not of any age. I mainly work with adults, and possibly also teenagers but not younger than 16 years of age. I don't really have an upper age limit, as long as the person's GP has confirmed it's safe for them to have a massage.
Do I have to remove all clothing for the treatment? Depends what kind of treatment you are having. It's more practical if you keep your clothes on for most of the indirect/advanced techniques I use, as these involve moving arms and legs, twisting, bending, sitting up, etc. For massage I use oils & lotions, so the clothes should be removed from the areas I will work on. If you want me to work in the glute area, it's easier if you remove your underwear as well, but not a problem if you prefer keeping it on as I can work through clothes as well. In most of my treatments I combine direct and indirect techniques, so it's best keep your clothes on for the indirect technique, and remove them for the massage part.
What if I get an erection during my massage? Sometimes it happens. Yet, most men avoid massage for fear this will happen to them. Or, they get a massage but are unable to relax because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. Sometimes men get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic, full body massage. Touch administered to any part of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can result in a partial or complete erection. An educated, professional massage therapist understands this and it will not be an issue for him/her. If you are still concerned, I recommend wearing more fitted underwear (briefs or boxer briefs) which provide more support than traditional boxers.
What if I fall asleep? It is not uncommon for many clients to fall asleep on the table during a massage. The warmth and release of tension relaxes them right to sleep - especially after a long day at work.
What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body? You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard someone say they'd get a massage if they lost weight first or didn't have that cellulite on the back of their thighs. Don't let this stop you. You're denying yourself quite a pleasurable experience. Massage therapists have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old, and they're not there trying to judge your physique or ogle your body. They're professionals who have found massage to be a wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and weight, and are proud of what they can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to luxuriate in the sense of touch.
Does The Consumer Have Any Responsibilities During The Massage? Absolutely, a person receiving a massage should give the therapist accurate health information and always report discomfort of any kind — whether it's from the massage itself or due to room temperature, volume of music, or other distractions. Additionally, since it is your body, you are in charge at all times. If the therapist does anything that makes you uncomfortable, speak up. Never allow someone to hurt you during a session. Some discomfort is common, pain is unnecessary.
How can I pay? You can pay either online or in person using your card, via bank transfer, with cash or by PayPal - whatever is easier. I prefer bank transfer but it's up to you. I now have a physical card reader at home, so feel free to pay with your card or smart phone after the session.
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