Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massage?

The dictionary term for massage is manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hands or an instrument for therapeutic purposes. To elaborate more on this, massage works to increase the body’s circulation, improving the flow of blood and lymph bringing more nutrients into the tissues and flushing metabolic wastes from the tissues more efficiently. Massage also reduces stress, muscle tension and pain while it also increases range of motion and gives a general feeling of well being.

How does massage differ for pregnancy?

The physiological effects of massage are the same for pregnancy but there are some important differences in treatment protocols. There is a focus on the special needs of the pregnant body, such as the tension that develops in the low back and hips. Massage keeps the body limber and relaxed and better ready for labor. Positioning is very important. For instance, a woman should never be allowed to lie flat on her back due the chance of the baby lying directly on the vena cava, thereby inhibiting blood flow. e are certain trigger points on the body that also need to be avoided due to their potential to trigger a labor response. It is also important to never apply deep pressure to the legs of a pregnant woman due to the increased blood volume in her body. Blood often settles in the legs and where as light massage can bring great relief to swollen legs and feet, deep tissue massage must be avoided because of the increase in the risk of blood clots. This is why it is important to see a therapist who is certified to give pregnancy massage.

Are there times when massage is not appropriate during pregnancy?

Precautions that the therapist needs to be aware of prior to treatment would be a diagnosis of a high-risk pregnancy, pre-term labor or possible miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis. These conditions would require medical approval and modifications or delay of treatment.

Do I have to get undressed to receive massage?

It is at the sole discretion of the client whether or not to undress or how much to remove. During a massage treatment clients are draped with sheets and blankets and only the area being treated is exposed. Typically massage techniques are applied directly to the skin with oils or creams, however, there are many very effective techniques that can be applied over the draping or clothing to meet the client’s comfort level. It is important when discussing the treatment to let the therapist know if there are any areas that you do not wish addressed. A full Swedish treatment can include the back, back of the legs, head, face, neck, upper torso, arms, hands, legs and feet.

Does massage hurt?

Typically, a relaxation treatment is just that, relaxing. It involves decreasing tension and stress and sedating the sympathetic nervous system. It allows circulation to flow more efficiently and leaves you with a more balanced feeling. In the course of a treatment there may be areas that are sore, tender, tight or stiff so you may experience some discomfort or "good pain". A massage should never go beyond that and become painful or unbearable. It is important to keep good communication with the therapist about the proper amount of pressure for you. If a client is seeking help with a chronic area of pain or help with recovery from an injury it will be very important to communicate your comfort level to give the most effective treatment. In this case a client may experience more discomfort, as deeper techniques may need to be applied to give maximum benefit and results. At all times the client is in control of how much pressure they receive.

Will I feel sore after the treatment?

Soreness is most common with a person's first massage or with deep tissue treatments. Depending on the treatment received, some people do experience soreness, which is normal. If a person does experience any discomfort or a "bruised" feeling it usually passes within a day and is further helped by applying ice to the area or by taking a heavily salted bath with epsom salts or sea salts

How often should I receive massage?

This depends on the reason for treatment, time available for scheduling appointments and financial situations. Some people like to go every 4 to 6 weeks as part of their regular health regime. If a person is experiencing a chronic problem or injury, multiple treatments may be necessary to effect change and healing. In that case a person may want to schedule an appointment every week and work down to every other week and so on until they feel they have achieved desired results. With massage, as with chiropractic and physical therapy, each session builds on the next for greater improvement.

How are labor massage techniques helpful?

The more relaxed the mother is the faster and easier her labor will be. Labor massage techniques address general relaxation massage techniques as well as techniques for specific conditions. For example, there are techniques that are helpful for relieving the discomfort of back labor as well as techniques to help start a stalled labor. These techniques give couples a feeling of confidence and some control over what they are experiencing

How is infant massage different?

Infant massage is taught to parents by a therapist who is certified in infant massage techniques. The class is typically taught when the baby is 6 weeks to 3 months of age, although it is never too late to learn these valuable techniques. In the case of infant massage the therapist uses a doll for demonstrating and the parents give massage to their baby while receiving guidance when needed. Infant massage offers parents a way to bond with and nurture their baby, as well as give them tools to help relieve some common baby upsets such as constipation and congestion.

Are there times when massage is not appropriate for babies?

Infant massage is different from most massage in that there are very few situations where massage is not appropriate. There are guidelines to follow, such as avoiding open sores, tumors, broken bones, etc. However, infants massage is generally encouraged with any type of disorder. This includes premature infant even if the only “massage’ they receive is the gentle placing of loving hands on their skin. The human need for bonding is so strong that the “failure to thrive” syndrome results when there is a lack of bonding.

Here I have included a brief history of massage which I hope you will find interesting.  We have a come a long way in this profession and we are growing and learning all the time.

The first known documentation of massage was in 2700 B.C. by the Chinese.  The first detailed records of massage, preserved in the British Museum, date back to the year 300 B.C. and contain descriptions of movements that are identical to those practiced at the present time. We also find mention of massage in early writings of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Turks, and Persians, all having practiced a primitive form of massage.

Hippocrates, the "Father of Modern Medicine", learned massage from Herodicus in 1800 B.C.