Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive approval for massage prior to any session. If you have a health condition that 'requires' clearance from your doctor, use this Physician's Permission form NEEDS DOCTOR APPROVAL: Examples would be... Atherosclerosis, Cancer, Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, Kidney Stones or Disease, Leukemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema... TEMPORARY CONDITIONS: once they have run their course, you can receive a massage. i.e. Chickenpox, Contact Dermatitis (if wide spread), diarrhea (if due to infection), fever, colds and flu, German Measles, Gout (during acute phase), Hepatitis, Hives, High Blood Pressure (unless controlled by medication, diet or exercise), lice, Lupus (during a flare up), measles, Mononucleosis (mono), Mumps, Pneumonia, Ringworm, Scabies, and Tonsillitis. LOCALLY AVOIDED during a massage: i.e. Abnormal lumps, Ance Vulgaris, athlete's foot, blisters, bruises, Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Cystitis (Baker's and sebaceous), Decubitus Ulcers, Gouty Arthritis, Graves' Disease, hernia, Hyper and Hypothyroidism, infectious diseases, open wounds, Phlebitis, poison ivy - oak - sumac, Shingles, swollen lymph glands, ulcers, unhealed burns (sunburn if not widespread), Varicose Veins, and warts.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed-- however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and cover.
Will I be covered during the session?
You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. You are draped modestly... in a French cut kind of way - or to your preference.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders... face and abdomen if time allows and it's desired.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, there is often an experience of increased energy, heightened awareness, calmer attitude, and/ or greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water before and following your session. What may feel good at the time of the work, may surprise you with some soreness later. Therapeutically, a day of some soreness is not a negative result. The more massage you have, the less likely this is. Honest communication with your therapist before, during and after will create your best results..
