What to expect during a massage..

Where Will My Massage or Bodywork Session Take Place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place at your location. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.

Who Will Perform the Massage or Bodywork and Can I Wear Clothing?

All massages are performed by licensed and insured massage therapists. 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 at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed. You and the practitioner will discuss the desired outcome of your session. This will determine which parts of your body require massage. 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?

It depends on the techniques used. 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. Deeper forms of massage and bodywork have degrees of discomfort but when done properly you will feel a great difference in the performance of your body.

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. Ask the practitioner about the methods they use.

How Long Will the Session Last?

The average full-body massage or bodywork session lasts approximately one hour. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. Hot tubs, steam baths and saunas can assist in the relaxation process.

What Should I Do During the Massage or Bodywork Session?

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. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask the practitioner questions about massage and bodywork in general or about the particular technique you are receiving.

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.

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. 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. Your practitioner may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor.

Why have a massage?

Massage has been around for along time. Massage therapy research tells us there are so many reasons why massage can help us feel better.

Take a look at these statistics on stress and stress-related problems:

American Institute of Stress - Time Magazine

• “(Job stress is “the 20th Century Disease”)” United Nations National Report
• 75-90% of visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems
• 1 million employees are absent on an average workday due to stress related problems -National safety council estimate
• Less than 25% of Americans find their jobs extremely satisfying today.
• 78% describe their jobs as being stressful.
• Stress costs 200 - 300 billion annually, as assessed by absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover, accidents, direct medical, legal, and insurance fees, Worker’s Compensation etc. That is equal to the total net profit of the fortune 500 companies.
• 60-80% of accidents on the job are stress related.

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• The World Health Organization identified job-related stress as a worldwide epidemic.
• 65% of North Americans take prescription medications daily, 43% take mood altering prescriptions regularly.
• Alcohol is commonly used to cope with anxiety. 72% of Canadians consume alcohol each year.

So back to the original question of why massage?

Quite simply, massage is one of the oldest forms of healing. It is a drug-free and non-invasive way of helping to relieve pain, stress and tension. It can help you cope better with stress and has shown to be effective in helping to reduce anxiety. If stress is getting the better of you, why not try one?

Benefits of Massage:

1. Relieves stress and promotes an overall feeling of relaxation, helping you breathe and move more easily.

2. Alleviates pain and tension and helps you manage pain better.

3. Promotes faster recovery from injuries (work, trauma, accident or sport related).

4. Increases mobility and provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion.

5. Improves circulation (blood and lymph).

6. Improves and strengthens immune system.

7. Relieves musculoskeletal problems and improves posture

8. Relieves pregnancy discomforts.

9. Reduces anxiety and promotes an overall feeling of well-being.

10. Increases body awareness and increases body-mind connection.