MASSAGE TIPS & FAQ

No. The saying “No pain, no gain!” does not apply in massage therapy. Muscle tightness is best addressed when you are relaxed and breathing fully. Some of the most effective relief from pain or tight muscles can come from a very gentle touch.

When too much pressure is used, the body has a tendency to tense up to defend and guard against the painful feeling, which is contrary to the therapeutic intention of the massage. This is why it is very important to communicate clearly during a massage if you feel like your therapist is working too deeply. During deep tissue massage you can experience some pain or discomfort when the therapist is working to break up adhesions in the muscles. Breathe deeply and exhale fully and always make sure that you are with in your comfort range, otherwise, please speak up, you will not offend your therapist.

While for many a massage is best enjoyed fully undressed, some people choose to only partially undress. Wearing clothes can sometimes restrict work in an area that may be beneficial to address, but work through clothing can also be effective. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and relaxed. The therapist will always leave the room for you to undress and get onto the table in private. During the massage you will always be covered by a sheet, except for the area being worked on, to ensure your warmth and comfort.

You are of course welcome to talk during a massage, but should know that it can be much more beneficial and enjoyable to just relax and quiet you mind. Your therapist is concentrating on your body and your experience; they do not need to be “entertained”. This is your time, so you can make it as quiet or as conversational as you wish.

You may stop a massage at any time if you need to relieve yourself, it happens! It is very hard to relax when you have to go, so just tell you therapist. It is of course better to go beforehand to avoid interrupting your session.

Sometimes after a deep massage you can experience a little soreness 1-2 days afterwards. It is incredibly important to hydrate by drinking a lot of water after any bodywork. This helps to flush toxins that are released from the muscles during massage to help to prevent soreness. Sometimes after deep, specific work your therapist might advise you to use ice on the area to help prevent potential tenderness.