Massage Therapy FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions asked about massage therapy and therapeutic touch. If you have a question about massage or a specific therapy type that is not listed here, please feel free to contact us.

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Q: Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
A: Yes! There are numerous types of massage and bodywork techniques that are specific to certain conditions from relaxation to rehabilitation. Our highly trained staff will use various strokes/techniques throughout the session to help you achieve your goals. As always, please to communicate with your therapist to help maximize the benefits to your session.
Q: What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A: Great question! This will vary from person to person and based on the type of massage you receive. Our typical relaxation massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general 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 is most effective when your body is not resisting.
Q: Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
A: Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Q: Must I be completely undressed?
A: No. Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client undressed to their underwear; 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.
Q: Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
A: The practitioner will leave the room while you undress and lay on the table. Once covered with fresh linen and a blanket for additional comfort, the therapist will knock before re-entering.
Q: How much of my body will be exposed during the massage?
A: Just the part being worked on! We are very conscious of proper draping techniques exposing only the areas that need to be worked on. All private areas on men and women are covered at all times.
Q: What parts of my body will be massaged?
A: This is decided by you! A typical full-body session will include work on your Head, Neck, shoulders, arms, legs, back, hands and feet. You may determine more or less time on any area.
Q: Do people usually tip their therapist?
A: Yes, as part of a service industry it is customary to tip your therapist provided that you received excellent service. Generally speaking, an average tip is around $10 for a one hour and $15 for an hour and a half.If you choose to give a gratuity, please do so separately by cash or check. We cannot put tips on the credit cards.
Q: What is required of me during the session?
A: Another great question! Your job is to communicate the level of pressure you experience, providing direction to the therapist on your comfort level, so that you can maximize the benefits during your session, after that…simply RELAX! Of course you may always ask any questions about the techniques or session you may have. Our goal is to ensure you are receiving exactly what you wanted during your session.
Q: How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
A: Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience a sense of lightness, better mobility or range of motion. 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. In some cases, it is normal to feel a bit sore in a particular area where deeper work was engaged.
Q: What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
A: 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. In addition, it feels fantastic!
Q: Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
A: In some cases yes! Before the session begins, the therapist will ask you about your general health and any answers you provided in our questionnaire. It is very important that you include any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is advised that you talk to your physician before receive massage.
Q: How often should I get a massage?
A: We recommend getting a massage 1-2 times per month for general maintenance and to help maintain well-being. If there is an injury or specific area that needs rehabilitation massage may be recommended up to 1-2 times per week for several weeks depending on the condition. This is usually reduced as progress advances. You and your therapist can determine a treatment plan that best fits your needs.
Q: What type of oil do you use?
A: We use Thera-pro grape seed oil, massage gel and/or lotion. These are the most commonly used blends to help avoid any possible skin irritations. Feel free to request your preference to your therapist.
Q: Are Memberships really a good deal?
A: By all means, yes! We truly believe in the benefits of massage, so much so that we discount our massage prices through our membership, making them more affordable so that you can receive them more often. Sister Rosalind Massage has one of the best memberships out there. There is no long term commitment, huge savings/benefits…you simply have nothing to lose!