Frequently asked questions

Services

Wellness-180
503.475.0246

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place? Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room either in your home or business. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

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.

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.

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.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like? A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork? There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.

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. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and 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 following your massage. 

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable? Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.

Medical Massage – Medical massage is result oriented and the treatment is specifically directed to resolve conditions that have been diagnosed and prescribed by a physician.  The therapist may use a variety of modalities or procuderures during the treatment, but will focus the medical massage treatment only on the areas of the body related to the diagnosis and prescription.  Medical massage is generally billed in 15-minute increments using current procedural terminology and adhering to the usual and customary reimbursement fee schedule.

Deep Tissue Massage - This massage is designed to help relieve pain and tension. Deep tissue massage is a medium to heavy pressure massage, designed to penetrate through the layers of muscle. It can be used to relieve pain associated with muscle strain, sports injuries, whiplash, osteoarthritis and other debilitating conditions. Most clients will need to ice muscles down afterwards.

Prenatal Massage - This massage is for pregnant women who are past their first trimester. Prenatal massage is performed with the client in a side lying position for comfort and safety. Women who receive regular massage therapy care throughout their pregnancy can get relief from low back pain, sleeplessness, water retention, discomfort from overstretched ligaments, high blood pressure, stress, and hormonal changes.  * Must have prescription from doctor *
 
Sports Massage - Sports Massage was designed originally to help athletes prepare their bodies for peak performance, to recover after an event, and to help ease training. However, because sports massage techniques stimulate the movement of lymphatic fluid and break down adhesions, it is good for anyone, such as those recovering from injury, and chronic pain sufferers. I recommend sports massage for anyone with limited range of motion, because there is a lot of stretching included in a sports massage. There are 3 main types of Sports Massage; post event: received 1 or 2 hours after an event to help the body harmonize, restorative: performed during training to increase performance with less injury, and rehabilitation: for alleviating pain and restoring homeostasis.

Hot Stone Massage - A customized massage is performed with the use of heated lava and basalt stones. The client is massaged with a combination of stones, palms, and elbows. The stones may also be placed at specific points on the body to inspire relaxation throughout. Hot Stones are great for heating the muscles so they allow a deeper pressure. It is also used for promoting deep muscle and tissue relaxation, alleviating stress, releasing toxins, relieving pain, improving circulation, and calming the psyche. Some health conditions that are commonly treated with Hot Stone massage are muscular aches and pains, back pain, MS, arthritis, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, circulatory problems, insomnia, and depression.

Couples Massage - Bring your significant other and get massaged together in the same room. A way to bring you closer that is beneficial to your health! It can be a husband and wife, girlfriend and boyfriend, same-sex partners, or even moms and daughters sometimes or best friends.

As for couples massage etiquette, it's fine to talk to each other through the massage if you want, or be quiet the whole time. It's really up to you.

Corporate Chair Massage - Is fast and easy-no need to take off your clothes or get oil on you! Can release muscle tension in your neck and shoulders, upper and lower back. Sitting in a massage chair angles your upper body in way that is optimal for the massage therapist to address your neck and shoulder without a massage table in the way. Tends to cost less than table massage. You can buy four 20-minute chair massages a month for the same price as one 1-hour table massage.  Allows you to sample a massage therapist’s work without a big time or money commitment.aragraph here.