About Massage

 

Should I Tip?

A 15-20% tip is standard as a demonstration of your pleasure with the service rendered. Some charges may have incorporated tips. Ask the therapist if a tip is expected of you. If you were given a gift certificate or purchased a deal through a discount site, a tip based on the original price is customary.

 

 

Should Massage Hurt?

Pain during a massage isn't a sure sign that the massage is helping. In fact, pain can cause muscles to seize up, making it harder for the massage therapist to ease tense areas.

Certain techniques, like trigger point therapy, usually cause soreness. Correcting a soft tissue problem (such as adhesions, tight attachments, and trigger points) can also cause some discomfort. However, if you don't have a soft tissue condition, a massage shouldn't cause soreness or pain.

 

 

How Much Clothing Should I Remove?

Florida law mandate that the individual has to be clad in bra, underwear, bikini or shorts in the very least during a massage. Any exposure of the body area has to be first approved by the individual.

 

 

What If I Feel Self-Conscious?

Being self-conscious shouldn't keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. A professional massage therapist will be non-judgmental and focused on your muscles (and other soft tissue).

 

Still, some common concerns clients have are:

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• Having back acne

• Believing they are overweight

• Thinking they have ugly feet

• Being self-conscious about scars

 

You can request that the massage therapist avoid certain areas. Or, you can look for a licensed massage therapist who uses a style of massage that can be done through clothing. No massage oil or lotion is used, so you remain fully clothed during the treatment.

 

If you didn't have time to shave your legs, not to worry. Whether or not there is hair on your leg is of no concern to your massage therapist.

 

 

Should I Make Conversation?

It is not necessary to initiate or have a conversation with the massage therapist during a session. Many people prefer to close their eyes and try to relax. Your massage therapist should take the cue from you.

 

Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is comfortable.

 

Be sure to speak up during a massage if you:

• Feel too hot or cold

• Are in pain

• Have any questions about the massage

• Forgot to mention a health issue during the consultation

 

 

What If I Fall Asleep, Snore, or Drool?

Falling asleep during a massage is very common. Many people go into a massage stressed and sleep-deprived and feel so relaxed that they fall asleep on the massage table. Your therapist won't judge you if you snore during the massage.

 

When you wake up, you may notice a little drool on your face or on the massage table. It's common and has to do with your positioning on the massage table. You don't have to do anything about it, but you should feel free to ask for a tissue.

 

What If I Need the Restroom?

Going to the bathroom before the massage begins is ideal, but if you need to urinate during the massage, be sure to let the massage therapist know. The massage therapist will drape you appropriately for you to visit the bathroom. Holding it for the duration of the massage isn't comfortable or conducive to relaxing.

 

 

What If I Get an Erection?

It's normal for men to sometimes get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. There's no reason to be embarrassed if it happens to you. Gentle touch anywhere on the body can activate the body's parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in an erection. A professional massage therapist will understand that and simply ignore it.

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What If I'm Ticklish?

Let your massage therapist know if you're ticklish before your massage begins. Usually, firm, slow pressure (and avoiding certain spots) can keep you from feeling ticklish during a massage.

 

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What If I Need to Pass Gas?

From a massage therapist's perspective, it is far better to pass gas during the massage (often a sign that you're relaxed) than to clench your gluteal muscles during the massage to hold it in. Passing gas during a massage is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about. If you're really uncomfortable doing it, you can always excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.

 

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How Do I Know If a Massage Clinic Is Legit?

A licensed massage therapist will have a professional number provided by the state. Here in Florida, the massage therapist will carry a license number beginning with MA followed by 5 digit number (e.g. MA12345). The individual could go into the Florida’s Department of Health website and check on the background of the massage therapist. Additionally, the therapist should not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage.

 

 

About Visceral Manipulation

 

Does visceral manipulation work?

Visceral manipulation aims to restore movement of the tissues that surround and suspend our organs, thereby relieving tension and restriction in surrounding structures that can become painful as a result of changes in movement. This work is not a commonly known remedy for digestive problems; however, research shows that it can positively affect those suffering from chronic constipation, stomach pain, and other gastrointestinal issues.

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How is visceral manipulation done?

Visceral Manipulation uses palpation to detect normal and abnormal forces within the body. By using specific techniques, therapists can evaluate how abnormal forces interplay, overlap and affect the normal body forces at work.

 

Visceral Manipulation does not focus solely on the site of pain or dysfunction, but evaluates the entire body to find the source of the problem.

 

Visceral manipulation treatment is a manual therapy that can focus along nerves, arteries or lymph vessels. When performing techniques along these areas, the direct pressure may feel like a gentle stretch in the region of the organ, resulting in mild tingling, numbness or heat as blood flow increases to the area.

 

 

What is an example of visceral pain?

Visceral pain is felt in pain locally and distally in the trunk area of the body depending on the locality of the organ.  Examples of visceral pain include: appendicitis, gallstones, chronic chest pain, diverticulitis and pelvic pain.

 

 

What events trigger visceral pain?

Common triggers of visceral pain are distension of hollow organs (stretch), strong contraction of visceral smooth muscle (tension), stretch or torsion of the mesenteric attachments of abdominal viscera, inflammation or ischemia.

 

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What is visceral movement?

Your body is made up of many interrelated components such as bones, muscles, nerves, a thin connective tissue called fascia, as well as the internal organs (viscera). Your organs are in perpetual motion that is transmitted through fascia to other structures of the body.

 

 

About Neural Manipulation

 

Can nerves be manipulated?

Yes, only if the work is gentle. Neural Manipulation (NM) helps identify sites where there is nerve restriction while taking the whole body into consideration. This therapy applies a gentle pressure on the affected nerve and coax it to glide in its nerve sheath within the region. Locally, it helps restore nerve mobility and the circulation around the region. Globally, it helps your body re-establish communication with the brain to restore optimal health and movement.

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About Cranio-Sacral Therapy and Somato-Emotional Release

 

How can it help me?

Cranio-Sacral therapy will enable the central nervous system to work more efficiently and will free up the tensions in the body, giving you more energy for daily activities (as opposed to holding the blockages and having to go around those blockages).

Cranio-Sacral therapy improves immune response, reduces stress, is beneficial for head, neck and back injuries, headaches, chronic pain and fatigue, depression, learning disabilities and many other problems.

 

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How many sessions will I need for my problem?

It varies from person to person and with situation and condition. You (the patient) may well develop a sense for what you need and when to schedule sessions. Some people need one session, some come regularly for years, and many see a significant change after 3-4 sessions.

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I didn't feel much, why not?

Experiences are unique to each individual and different with every session. Some people just get relaxed and don't feel much, some fall asleep and some like to follow everything. Still your body may continue to process for several days and you may find your responses to daily events may change.  You may have a sense of change or improvement as time goes on. Each session can really be quite different.

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How come I feel pain in certain regions when I didn't feel it at the beginning of the session?

Pain from past injuries may have been forgotten but not disappear because the body adapts in order to serve.  As the CST work remove layers of tension and restriction, such old injuries and the associating pain commonly resurface. When the body remembers experiences, sensations or emotions it is called tissue memory. For tissue release to occur, the body may need to go into an old pattern and there may be pain associated with that as well. Any discomfort should dissipate within a day or two.

 

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How is Somato-Emotional Release not psychotherapy?

SER is not psychotherapy because the techniques differ. SER uses a gentle touch to release the fascial tension within the body and part of the process passes through the individual’s consciousness or psyche level, evoking sensory experiences, emotions or idea.

 

Unlike psychotherapy, SER doesn't give advice or diagnose, but rather empowers the patient to take control of their own process. It offers guidance and support so the patient can discover their own truth and realize what is going on for them as they change it. There is no goal except that the rests on one main principle, that is, to trust that a person's inner physician will lead the individual wherever it is appropriate to be at that time.

 

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About Pregnancy Massage

 

What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?

Different stages of pregnancy challenges the body differently; it ranges from hormonal and circulatory fluctuations (morning sickness, mood swings, sleepless nights, induced diabetes) to physical changes (ligamentous laxity, low back pain, ankle swelling, varicose veins).

 

In lieu of the dynamic changes to the body, all therapists giving massage to pregnant women are required to attend courses expounding on the physiology of pregnancy and the manner in which the modality is to be applied safely.

Pregnancy massage is a drug-free option to relieving backaches, hip pain, and cramps; it improves blood circulation throughout the body, which is essential for tissue health and the well-being of the fetus. Increased blood circulation also improves lymphatic drainage, which is also beneficial for reducing swelling in the hands and feet that’s caused by increased fluid buildup.

 

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How does prenatal massage affect stress hormones?

Massage can help balance out the fluctuating hormonal levels for enhanced mind-body health. Pregnancy massage increases the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones (dopamine and serotonin) while lowering levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and norepinephrine. Higher levels of feel-good hormones are also associated with lower complications during birth.

 

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How often should I receive pregnancy massages?

Every woman and her pregnancy is unique. Prior to receiving any massages, consulting with the individual’s primary physician is necessary to ensure against future complications.

Depending on the ease of the pregnancy. If your pregnancy has brought a lot of backaches, cramps, hip pain, sharp leg pain or difficulty sleeping at night, then more frequent or longer massages may be beneficial. For massage therapy to play an integral role in prenatal care, bi-weekly massages during the second and third trimesters is recommended in general.

 

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What should I expect during my prenatal massage?

We use a special prenatal massage table and pillows that are designed to safely support your body so you are comfortable throughout the process. Starting with the second trimester, women should not lie on their backs during the massage; doing so can lead to reduced circulation in the placenta. Instead, our massage therapist will help you lie comfortably on your side or semi-reclined and position supportive pillows, as needed. Our goal is to place no pressure on the abdomen so the spine and surrounding muscles achieve a state of full relaxation. Most massage therapy sessions are either 60 or 90 minutes, although we can tailor treatment session length to meet your specific health needs.

 

 

I heard that there are acupressure points in the feet that can trigger contractions; is it safe to get a foot massage?

Pressure points, particularly around the ankle region, that are aggressively handled may stimulate contractions. Precaution should be practiced by the massage therapist. In general, however, it is completely safe to massage the feet as they are commonly swollen with the pooling of fluid and definitely deserve hands-on pain relief!

Post-natal massage can also help alleviate many of the discomforts experienced during pregnancy, birth and caring for the baby. It is an organic approach to facilitate the healing of the body.

 

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What does Post-natal Massage consist of?

Post-natal massage is a combination of Swedish and Neuromuscular massage techniques combined with Lymphatic Balancing.

 

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What position will I be in during a Post-natal Massage?

This is dependent on the type of birth experienced (cesearean, natural atraumatic, natural traumatic). It also depends on the stage of post-natal period. Most positions are safe after delivery, but may be adjusted for the individual’s comfort. It may be side-lying or lying face down. 

 

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What are the benefits of Post-natal Massage?

• Ease areas of discomfort

• Relax muscle tension in lower and upper back, shoulders and  the neck

• Restore energy level

• Increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles getting rid of toxins

• Reduce swelling

• Ease shoulder tension from breast feeding

• Ease fatigue and assist with sleep.

 

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How soon can I have a treatment after birth?

This is dependent on the individual’s comfort level. Prior physician permission is recommended.

 

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Are there any circumstances when Post-natal Massage is not advisable?

Concerns should be clarified initially with the your primary physician before having a massage.