What To Expect
Over the years I've learned that a lot of people have never had a massage before. This really surprised me. (You guys don't know what you are missing!) Because of this, I figured I should write something out helping people understand what to expect when coming in for a massage. Some people had said they were nervous about what areas get massaged during a one hour session, what they were suppose to wear, and what they were supposed to do while getting a massage.
First off, I conduct my services on a professional level. I do not want any of my clients to feel uncomfortable in any way. This is therapeutic massage, nothing inappropriate will ever take place in my practice. The areas that are massaged during a one hour full body Swedish massage are: head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, glutes, and back. If there is an area you would prefer not to have massaged please let me know at the beginning of the session. If there is an area you'd like me to pay special attention to, please let me know that as well. Your massage can be whatever you want it to be, whether you are looking for it to be slow and relaxing or fast and invigorating- either can be achieved.
I use a great hypoallergenic massage cream by Biotone and because of this, your clothing should be removed "to your comfort level". Most clients tend to remove all clothing, or leave just their underwear on. The massage table is accompanied by sheets and a blanket so you will always remain covered and will not be exposed. I undrape just the area I'm working on at the time. When you come in for your massage I will show you the room, explain the process, and leave the room so you can privately get undressed and onto the table. I wash my hands and will knock on the door prior to re-entering the room to ensure you are covered. While you are getting your massage there is nothing that you need to do. The environment has very dim lights and soft music playing. You should use this time to relax. Close your eyes, and escape the everyday stress. After your massage is finished, I will again leave the room to wash my hands as you get dressed. I will then meet you in the reception area.
The one hour Swedish massage has a variety of feelings. I use soft effleurage strokes which help spread the massage cream and prep the skin for the deeper petrissage technique. Petrissage is a technique with applied pressure to help relieve tight muscles and knots. If the pressure I use is too light or too hard for your liking, please let me know- everyone is different! I also incorporate a little bit of foot reflexology on all one hour sessions. There are said to be over 7000 nerve endings in your feet. I encourage everyone to check out the foot chart on reflexology that I posted on my facebook page- it's very interesting. The bottom of your feet is like a map of your entire body!
Please note: If your appointment time is 4:30, that means your massage starts at 4:30. You should show up just 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time to allow time for undressing and discussing your session needs and wants. This allows client privacy and keeping the amount of people in the building at one time to a minimum.
Keep in mind if you'd like to add on a Pre-massage Tub Soak or Post Massage Sauna Session this needs to be scheduled ahead of time.
I hope this helps clear up some of the questions people may have about massage therapy. If you have any additional questions, please contact me!
