Where will my massage take place?
Your massage will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music will be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
For pain relief I will be using techniques to reset muscles back to normal that are done fully clothed. Soft, thinner clothing provides the best results.
Otherwise, wear whatever you want – it is entirely up to you what you want to wear. You will be properly draped during the entire session. For your massage to be the most effective, you need to be relaxed, not thinking about clothes. It does not matter to me, and the fashion police are off duty, having received their massages already.
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet. I will knock to make sure you are ready before coming back into the room.
Will I be covered during the session?
Yes, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm, comfortable, and modest. Only the area being worked on will be undraped.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
Every time you visit, we will discuss your needs that day. Your massage will be customized to the issues that you want addressed. Want more time on your neck or back (or arms or legs)? Just let me know and I’ll spend the time where you want it.
A typical full-body session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders.
What will the massage feel like?
A relaxing massage may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax your muscles. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. A light unscented 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. Communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage is most effective when your body is not resisting.
Are there different kinds of massage?
There are numerous types of massage; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do to prepare to get a great massage?
Just follow these quick tips. Do some research to find a massage therapist you are comfortable with. Arrive a little early so you are not in a rush, so you can relax. During the massage, breathe deeply, let go, and enjoy the moment. Communicate what you need and what your preferences are.
What should I do during the massage?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask any questions about the technique or the upcoming session.
During the massage, make yourself comfortable. Relax. Take some deep breaths. 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, a 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.
How will I feel after the massage?
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.
What are the benefits of massage?
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 inadvisable?
Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, I will ask some general health questions. It is very important that you inform me 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 prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
Should my massage hurt?
Resetting muscles back to normal should not hurt.
Generally no. I try to use enough pressure to help but not so much that it hurts and leaves you sore the next day. If an area is hurting when you come in it may be sensitive while working on it. Please speak up anytime the pressure doesn’t feel right and I’ll adjust what I do. No pain, no gain usually isn’t beneficial in massage. Find out more here.
What if I have a body image issue?
I don’t care how you look. I want you to feel better. That’s it. For pain relief you don’t have to take off any clothes anyway. If that’s not enough, read my blog post on this idea here.
Also related to this, some people wonder if they are attractive enough to get a massage. The quick answer is yes. The longer answer is in this blog post, and the answer is still yes.
My point is I work on bodies and don’t care how they look. You are not perfect and neither is anybody else, so lighten up on yourself.
I tried massage once and had a bad experience. Why should I try it again?
I’m sorry you received a poor massage. There are so many benefits from massage and I don’t want you to miss out. Not all massage therapists and businesses are the same. There are other things in your life that may not have been great the first time. Just think about some of your favorite activities or foods – what if the first one didn’t work out well? Read more about this idea here.
I don’t have a lot of pain and I just want to relax.
That’s great. I’m glad your body feels well and you are taking care of it. Relaxation provides many benefits, and if it were that easy most people would be relaxed more than they are. When you are relaxed you are happier, better to be around, and usually more productive and creative. Find out more about what “just” a relaxation massage can do for you here.
Are there benefits from getting a massage at a small business?
Yes there are – read all about them here. I’m not the only game in town so I have to be very good and provide what you want if I want you to come back. You are an important person to me, and not a 3:00 appointment, so I’ll treat you as an important person.
Also you can benefit from getting a massage from the same massage therapist. Find out how in this post. The more we work together the better our communication will be. You will have more trust and will know what to expect which lets you relax further.
Don’t get a massage from just anybody. Find out why here.
But you’re a stranger. How can I trust you?
Read through my website. Call me, email me, ask any questions you want. We trust strangers with important things all the time. We are only strangers until we meet. Find out more here.
But you’re a guy. How can I trust you?
I’m a professional. This is my business so I take it seriously. If I do anything suspicious or creepy you will not come back, and you will tell everybody you know to stay away. I have to maintain a great reputation or I’m out of business.
In fact, some people think there are advantages to going to a male massage therapist.
Is touch important?
It is, and a lot of people do not have enough in their lives. Read more about it here.
Do you want to feel like an old person?
I think you probably do. Find out why here.
Do you know 100 things that massage is better than?
I sure do! Find them here and you may find a laugh or two as well.
Do you talk to your massage table?
Yes. If you would like to know what it has to say read this.
Do you think massage is like having a personal chef?
Yes and here’s why. A personal chef does what you want, not what he wants to cook. I’m here to provide what you need. This is your time.
Do you always ask this many questions?
Do I ask a lot of questions?
Can massage help headaches?
Yes, it’s one of the many benefits of massage. Find out how it can help here.
Getting a massage makes me feel vulnerable. Do you understand how I feel?
I do. It was part of my education in massage school. Because I understand I’ll make every effort to make you feel comfortable. Find out more about massage and vulnerability here.
When you ask simple questions during the massage, are you speaking in a secret massage code?
Yes, it’s a big secret. But you can find out the inside information here.
Are there problems with buying a massage from a deal site?
Yes. You can find them here.