Question 1

What should I expect during my first massage?

Accepted Answer

Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

Question 2

Do I need to be completely undressed?

Accepted Answer

You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that’s fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.
Your massage therapist should give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.

If you prefer to stay fully clothed, then I recommend you explore the many other types of bodywork that are performed clothed.

Question 3

Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?

Accepted Answer

This is known as draping and depends on the therapist and in some cases, the law. The vast majority of therapists will insist on draping. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman’s abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.

Question 4

What do I do during a massage?

Accepted Answer

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

Question 5

Does massage therapy hurt?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn’t probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn’t hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’s hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘feels good’ hurt range.

Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.

Question 6

Can I talk during my massage?

Accepted Answer

Sure, if you’d like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many massage therapists discourage talking, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.
In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage therapy progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.

The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you – speak up! It’s OK!

Question 7

How will I feel after my massage?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.

If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.

After your session you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy.

Question 8

When should I not get a massage?

Accepted Answer

In my opinion, there are a few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. That’s it.
There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns).

With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn’t mean you can’t get a massage. But it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.

Question 9

How often should I get a massage?

Accepted Answer

The time between sessions is another factor. Multiple sessions have a cumulative effect if done close together. You will get more out of 5 sessions spread out over 5 weeks, with a 3-4 month break afterward, than out of 5 sessions spread out over 5 months. Our sessions progress to deeper body layers and to related muscle groups when we can see you again within 1-2 weeks. With longer than 2 weeks between sessions, some work will need to be repeated. And it will likely take more total sessions to solve the issue. Once you are out of the pain cycle, regular maintenance sessions once every 4-6 weeks will keep you feeling pain-free.

Question 10

Why do I need to give a credit card?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the booking process, our Mindbody Online system will ask you for a valid credit card number to hold the appointment time. Due to our 24-hour cancellation policy, we require that all clients keep a card on file. Your card will not be charged for the appointment at this time. You may use this card at checkout after your massage or pay with any other valid payment forms.

Question 11

Accepted Answer

Question 12

What should I expect during my first massage?

Accepted Answer

Your massage therapist may require you to fill out a health history form. Afterward the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so the therapist can adapt the session to your specific needs without doing any harm. It is also important to list any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session.

Question 13

Do I need to be completely undressed?

Accepted Answer

You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, most get completely undressed. However, if you will be more comfortable during the session if you leave your underwear on, that’s fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.
Your massage therapist should give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table.

If you prefer to stay fully clothed, then I recommend you explore the many other types of bodywork that are performed clothed.

Question 14

Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?

Accepted Answer

This is known as draping and depends on the therapist and in some cases, the law. The vast majority of therapists will insist on draping. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered. If the therapist is going to work on a woman’s abdomen, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover the breasts so the main sheet or towel can be moved to expose the abdomen.

Question 15

What do I do during a massage?

Accepted Answer

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she/he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It’s up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

Question 16

Does massage therapy hurt?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A light, relaxing massage that doesn’t probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn’t hurt. With that being said, there is a ‘feels good’ hurt and an ‘ouch, stop it’s hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the ‘feels good’ hurt range.

Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body’s natural response, not against it.

Question 17

Can I talk during my massage?

Accepted Answer

Sure, if you’d like to talk go right ahead. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. Many massage therapists discourage talking, let your mind float free and enter a state of massage bliss.
In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage therapy progresses, enter quiet states of relaxation.

The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately. Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you – speak up! It’s OK!

Question 18

How will I feel after my massage?

Accepted Answer

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains. Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness and increased productivity which can last for days.

If you received a deep massage, you may be slightly sore the next day – much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, or a soak in the tub can ease this soreness.

After your session you should increase your water intake a bit. Just a glass or two more than normal is usually fine. This helps keep your body’s tissues hydrated and healthy.

Question 19

When should I not get a massage?

Accepted Answer

In my opinion, there are a few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection. That’s it.
There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns).

With some conditions, it is a good idea to get approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn’t mean you can’t get a massage. But it's always better to err on the side of caution.
Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.

Question 20

How often should I get a massage?

Accepted Answer

The time between sessions is another factor. Multiple sessions have a cumulative effect if done close together. You will get more out of 5 sessions spread out over 5 weeks, with a 3-4 month break afterward, than out of 5 sessions spread out over 5 months. Our sessions progress to deeper body layers and to related muscle groups when we can see you again within 1-2 weeks. With longer than 2 weeks between sessions, some work will need to be repeated. And it will likely take more total sessions to solve the issue. Once you are out of the pain cycle, regular maintenance sessions once every 4-6 weeks will keep you feeling pain-free.

Question 21

Why do I need to give a credit card?

Accepted Answer

At the end of the booking process, our Mindbody Online system will ask you for a valid credit card number to hold the appointment time. Due to our 24-hour cancellation policy, we require that all clients keep a card on file. Your card will not be charged for the appointment at this time. You may use this card at checkout after your massage or pay with any other valid payment forms.

Question 22

Accepted Answer

Ashiatsu Massage

well·ness - the state of being in good health

Ashiatsu Massage

well·ness - the state of being in good health