Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about massage. Do you have questions about any services or products offered by Active Peace Maternity & Massage? Feel free to ask me, and I'll answer as best as I can.
*Where will my massage or bodywork session take place? In most cases your massage or bodywork session will take place in your home. The room selection will be wherever you choose as the most comfortable and quiet. Feel free to set up the ambiance however you like, whether that be with lighting, music, or aroma to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. In the case of being on bedrest (home or hospital), I can work around your positioning. 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. |
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with the clean sheets on the massage table. I generally use this time to wash my hands in preparation for your session.
*Will I be covered during the session?
In the home setting, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on the time will be exposed. Genital and breasts areas are ALWAYS covered. *In cases of labor massage, I massage around the laboring person's comfort. At times, some laboring people feel any kind of clothing or covering inhibits their progress. I still work with the utmost professionalism.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, abdomen, arms, legs, hips, glutes, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. I will also ask prior to start of the session if there are areas you would like more or less focus on during your massage, or areas you'd like avoided completely.
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. I integrate several techniques in all my personalized sessions, and we can always 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 any questions about the techniques or the upcoming session. During the massage, you should make yourself as comfortable as possible. I 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. You are also very welcome to use the time for a short nap as well.
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. Soreness can sometimes occur after overly deep or rigorous work, although I tend to work more gently allowing your muscles to relax themselves to avoid soreness afterward.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Overall, 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?
Possibly. That's why it's imperative that you complete the health intake form in full. It is also very important that you inform me of any changes to your health or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care for a specific condition, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on your health condition, approval from your doctor may be required. This is to ensure you are receiving safe massage.
Most commonly, massage would be inadvisable directly following a traumatic injury, a surgical procedure, and acute illness (including a cold). Other conditions generally just require some special considerations or additional certifications (for example, prenatal or oncology massage).
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Do you need to schedule an appointment? Book Now!