I’m very pleased that you are considering me for your massage. Following are answers to some of the most common questions:

1. I have never had a massage before, what should I expect?

The first time you come, you will be asked to fill out a brief Intake form to help me determine what your goals are. A sheet draping will be provided during the entire massage session with only the areas being worked on exposed. Undress to your level of comfort, you will never be uncovered inappropriately. I will ask you if there are areas that you want me to focus on more, less, or to be skipped altogether. You determine how much pressure you want. Be sure to let me know if at any time it is too strong or more pressure is needed.

2. What if I am concerned of my body image?

 I have had many clients who were concerned with the physical appearance, shape or size of their bodies. PLEASE do not let this be the reason why you would not want to receive a massage! I work on clients from children to the very elderly and in every shape, size and color. I truly strive to give you the best massage you have ever had and to make you comfortable with me as your therapist.

3. What is a trigger point?

A trigger point is a tiny area of irritation in a stressed muscle. Trigger points refer pain, weakness, or numbness to either surrounding or distant areas of muscle tissue. The key clue pointing to a trigger point is that applying pressure to a specific point causes you to feel pain or another sensation someplace else. Trigger points result from trauma, overuse, misalignment, or chronically contracted muscles.

4. What are the effects of chronic muscle tension?

Chronic muscle tension inhibits circulation, which means your muscles (and other tissues) are not receiving the nutrition they need and waste products aren’t being taken away. The lack of nutrition and buildup of waste irritate nerve endings, resulting in weakness and pain. Chronic muscle tension also inhibits movement. Movement is accomplished by paired groups of muscles alternately contracting and lengthening to move the bones to which the muscles attach. Chronically tense muscles disrupt the symmetry of balanced forces acting on the skeleton, holding bones out of position and causing misalignments. For every chronically tight muscle, the opposite muscle is stretched and weak. These unbalanced forces also cause ligaments to become strained as they try to brace misaligned joints. All this makes injury more likely and chronic muscle tension also uses up more energy.

5. How long do the effects of massage last? How often should I receive massage?

The duration of the effects of a massage vary depending on your physical and mental condition, activities, ability to relax, and ability to heal. If you are receiving massage to help heal an injury or to get rid of chronic pain, you usually need to receive weekly massage until you reach that goal. Then a massage every 2 to 6 weeks would help you to maintain. It is up to you how often you receive your massages.

6. Is it OK to talk during my session?

That is totally up to you. I will occasionally ask a few questions, pertaining to your comfort level, and how you are feeling. I have learned that some people relax by talking while others prefer to have their massage in silence. It's your massage - you get to decide if you want to talk to not. Most people will start out talking, then "drift away" or even fall asleep. Whatever helps you to relax the most is best.