Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissue by a massage therapist. Techniques employed can be passive movement and articulation of joints, application of pressure in smooth gliding strokes and or direct finger pressure, with the intent of releasing muscle tension, soreness or tightness. Massage therapy is also helpful in reducing stress and calming nerves. There are a wide variety of massage types and techniques, ranging from therapeutic to spiritual. The general goal for massage therapy is to help you feel more relaxed in your body.

Massage therapy can play a very large part in injury recovery, managing stress and easing everyday aches and pains. Massage has been proven to:

• Ease muscle pain and spasm
• Increase circulation, blood and lymphatic flow
• Increase delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles
• Enhance skin condition
• Release endorphins
• Speed healing of soft-tissue injuries
• Speed recovery between athletic performances

I will discuss with you your medical history, your experience with massage, as well as what your goals in the first session. Once I have a firm idea of your needs, I will leave the room and allow you to disrobe to your level of comfort. There should be a drape of some sort on the massage table, typically a sheet or a large towel for you to cover yourself with. I will knock on the door to be sure that you are ready, and then your massage will begin.

During your session, I will undrape the body part being massaged. Depending on the type of massage, I may use lotion or oil to reduce friction and add a soothing quality. I will check in with you throughout the massage to be sure I am using an adequate amount of pressure.

When your massage is finished, I will quietly exit the room to allow you to get dressed. Once you are dressed I will ask how you are feeling. It is important that you are open and honest with me. It is not uncommon to feel, thirsty, hungry or even dizzy after a massage. I will ask how you feel because I care about how your body received the massage work.

Massage therapists work on the soft tissues – muscles, tendons, and lymphatic systems. Chiropractors are doctors who treat the skeletal and nervous systems. Although different, chiropractic and massage are very complimentary.

This is a question I hear all the time. In short there is no hard and fast rule. Because there are many factors involved, it is a good idea to discuss this with me. The most important thing is that you get on a regular schedule, because many times I will find muscle tension you weren’t even aware of. By reducing the amount of muscle tension in your body, you are also reducing your risk of injury, should you take a fall.

Lactic acid is a byproduct of your body’s use of oxygen and nutrients. During a massage, the lactic acid I push from your muscle into your blood stream. In severe cases it can cause temporary, abdominal cramping, head-ache and nausea. Water helps flush your system of anything released during a massage.

Absolutely. Speak with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are on prescription medication. If you have problems with your skin, heart, liver, or circulatory system, be sure you have your doctor’s permission before getting a massage.

Requirements vary from state to state. Currently 29 states have certification or licensing requirements Florida, Nebraska, New York, Oregon and Washington have strict licensing requirements. Some states leave the regulation process to county or city offices. Most commonly massage schools offer programs of 500 to 1000 hours, depending on state requirements. Students learn anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, evaluation and assessment skills, and a variety of massage techniques. Feel free to discuss with me, what skills and experience I have that might be helpful in your session.

Massage can range from $45 to $90 per hour, depending on your location and the style of massage you choose. It runs more for me to come to you than for you to come to me.

First, talk to your doctor or midwife. Be sure I have a detailed understanding of any problems you have experienced during your pregnancy.

You should never do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Some types of massage such as Shiatsu can be done with the client fully clothed. Talk to me and address the issues that may make you feel uncomfortable.

Chair massage is often used in high stress locations like airports, trade shows and conventions, but it is also used a lot in corporate settings as well. Companies utilize corporate chair massage services for their health fairs, employee appreciation days, and corporate events with excellent outcomes in attendance, foot traffic, stress reduction and morale.
After a chair massage, the client feels energized, rejuvenated, valued and relaxed. It can work wonders for your body, your mental state and your sense of well-being and happiness.