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 A guide to getting the most from your massage, as well as commonly
asked questions and answers.
• The importance of drinking water.
Drinking water is the best way to help your body stay hydrated. It helps to expel toxins and metabolic wastes that were flushed out of the musclesduring the massage. Drinking water will also help with latent soreness and fatigue. • When should I use ICE versus HEAT?
Use ice/cold packs to reduce swelling and inflammationof joints and tendon attachment areas. Typically try 10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off and repeat as necessary (place ice into a plastic bag then wrap with a small towel, avoid ice to skin contact). Use heat (moist heat is preferred) on muscles that are chronically tight and sore. Heat will help the muscle to relax and allow more blood flow. • The purpose of moving/walking afterwards.
Movement keeps muscles, joints and organs lubricated and disadhesed so that they can move more easily and normally. • Do I tip? What's a common tip?
If you had a good experience, express it to the therapist how ever you see fit. A standard tip is 10% - 20%, but is ultimately up to you. • Do I have to take my clothes off?
First and most importantly, you need to feel comfortable and relaxed, so disrobing to your comfort level is a priority. You will be alone when you undress and you will always be covered with a sheet throughout your massage. Only area that is being treated will be uncovered. The therapist will work within your comfort level to achieve the best massage possible.
• What are the "boundaries" of a massage?
Generally massage is therapeuticin nature and performed by a professional therapist. If you are uncomfortable with being touched in a specific area tell your therapist. It is your massage, so speak-up. Tell your therapist what feels good and what doesn't, as well as what area you do or do not want worked on. Therapists welcome and all feedback. • The goal of massage…why is massage good for me?
The main focus of massage is the support of the body's healing process through touch. Bodywork is a potent awareness tool and has unlimited potential for transforming dysfunction.Aside from being an enjoyable experience, massage will help you to relax, reduce stress, stay informed and become more aware of your body. All of these benefits will contribute to your enjoyment of a more active, healthy and fulfilling life. • How soon can I get a massage after an injury?
If the injury is minor, talk to you therapist. If you injury is severe, it is best to get your doctor's OK. • When should I not get and why?
Massage should be avoided when a condition or a situation may possibly cause harm. Some of these are - bruising, open wounds, rashes, varicose veins, acute injuries, bone fractures, physical illness, nausea, severe pain, fever, serious recent injury severe circulatorysystems, recent surgery, areas of abnormal sensation present.
*Conditions where you should use caution can include - use of medications that affect the blood and circulation, alter sensation of touch or mood*
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