1) What can I do to get the most from my massage session?
Make sure you are comfortable. Ask for what you need. While I'm attuned to recognize signals of discomfort, you're the only one who really knows what you're feeling. PLEASE ask for adjustments to body positioning, massage pressure, room temperature, lighting level, music volume, draping, etc. to make you feel more comfortable. Your guidance is ALWAYS appreciated, and is very important to the outcome of your session. Once you are comfortable, relax and be open to the healing possibilities.

2) How long should my massage session be?
A 1-hour session is fine if your goal is general relaxation OR concentrated therapy for specific areas. However, if attention is needed for one or two concentrated areas, there probably won't be enough time remaining to cover the entire body.

A 90 minute session is a better choice if you like BOTH concentrated and general work, head to toe.

3) How often should I get a massage?
Massage is a great treat for special occasions (GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE!) or a welcomed relief for troublesome aches. However, the benefits of massage are cumulative, if supported by regular maintenance treatments. Optimally, "regular maintenance" translates to biweekly or monthly sessions. I offer both 4 and 12 session series packages at substantial savings to help make massage a simple and affordable way to stay healthy. In the case of specific problems or dysfunction, more frequent visits are recommended, until an appropriate outcome is achieved.

4) Does massage hurt?
The "no pain, no gain" mentality is not really appropriate for massage. There's a fine line between therapeutic discomfort when a "knot" is "worked out", and just plain pain when the muscles tense to protect themselves. You know the difference. Working within your comfort zone can achieve great results.

5) Will massage "fix" whatever is bothering me?
Healing is a process with many components. There's no quick fix - not even with massage. Massage therapy complements other traditional and non-traditional healing methods. As a high percentage of diseases are stress-related, and massage is an excellent stress remedy, massage may significantly relieve symptoms and speed recovery for many conditions. And, since massage is non-invasive, it is safe in almost all cases.

Among the various conditions that people find relief from through massage are...

• arthritis
• asthma
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• fibromalgia
• headaches
• low back pain
• repetitive use injuries
• strains and sprains
• TMJ Disorders
• Whiplash

6) What should I wear?
For a head to toe relaxation massage you will be asked to disrobe to your level of comfort. Undressing takes place in private, and a sheet is provided for draping. Only the part of the body being massaged will be un-draped, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times.
Most Orthopedic and sports massage sessions involve active participation and entail some assisted stretching, side-lying positions or abdominal work. You may feel more comfortable wearing a 2 piece bathing suit for women or shorts for men.

7) What if I’m sick?
If you are sick or are recently recovering from an illness, your body is fighting to restore your immune system. Depending on where you are on the road to recovery, massage may be too much for your body to handle. As it depends entirely on the individual - please call if you are unsure and please stay home if you are infectious.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions that have not been addressed here.