Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will I be covered during the session?
What if I experience pain or tenderness during the massage?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help your mind and body relax. 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. Table massage for the back is best performed with the back uncovered. To work on legs, each leg is undraped when it is massaged. You will be properly draped during the entire session. When clothing is worn because of preference or for specific stretches or modalities, light-weight cotton clothing is best. 

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. You will be covered by a towel or blanket as well as a sheet for extra coverage. Let your massage therapist know if you need another blanket for warmth or other temperature adjustment.

What if I experience pain or tenderness during the massage?
Communication is important and invited. Always let your massage therapist know if the pressure is too deep, or the area being worked is tender, or if you need a position change or a pillow. Sometimes tenderness is an area is just a sign that this a place that has been constricted and needs some attention. Experienced clients know that sometimes a little bit of "hurts so good" can be therapuetically beneficial. If anything causes discomfort, let your therapist know. Likewise, if you feel that specific muscles need more attention, your therapist will appreciate the feedback.

Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork ranging from neuromuscular techniques or trigger point therapy that may use deep friction or compression to polarity, acupoint techniques, or positional release that use a light touch.  There are techniques that can benefit an area of the body that is not touched directly, perhaps because the area is in a cast: for example, reflexology can benefit areas of the body by simply working the feet or hands. Shiatsu can be applied with the client wearing loose cotton clothing, while Swedish massage strokes are usually best on skin with a massage oil for glide. Talk to your massage therapist about your needs and preferences.  

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. If your body is already over taxing the detoxification process due to illness, lifestyle, or medications, you could feel rather groggy after a massage while your body works to detoxify the previously stagnant toxins.  

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. 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.