Frequently Asked Questions about Massages
When you just want to relax, when you are experiencing muscle tightness and stress, when you want to detoxify your system.
You should not get a massage if you currently have a fever, a contagious disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure. If you have been injured, you should not get massage until you are past the acute phase of injury
There are literally hundreds of different massage modalities. Some of the most common ones that I use are:
No. Completely personal preference. All therapists should maintain the same levels of professionalism and boundaries.
Many people are, but therapists are very similar to doctors in that respect...we are paying attention to what we are doing, not critiquing your body. Besides, the majority of your body is covered the entire time anyway.
In New York State, you cannot practice without a license. This means that you went through formal education of 1000 hours including a hands on practical exam and passed the state licensing board exam. Many practitioners also get nationally certified by taking the national board exam which allows you to work nationwide.
The therapist undrapes the section of your body that they are working on, and applies a lotion or oil to lubricate the skin. They then systematically massage the muscles in that area in a very specific manner to relax the muscle and flush out toxins. When they are done with that area, it is covered and they move to the next section.
Depends on the clients need. Some sessions are only upper body. Most full body sessions involve work on legs, arms and back. In some cases, work on gluteal muscles is required, and some therapists do abdominal massage. Optional areas include face, hands and feet.
That is up to the client as well. many massage regulars are comfortable being completely disrobed, many are not. As long as the therapist can access the areas they need to work, it does not matter. For a woman, wearing a bra is usually never recommended since it is a barrier to all upper body work.
Sheets and blankets are always used to drape the body, sometimes towels. It is never appropriate or legal to not be properly draped.
Again, this is completely your preference. Many clients like to talk during their sessions as it helps them relax, many clients like to just be quiet. Many fall asleep. Some minimal communication is required to help guide the therapist as to your preferences in pressure.
It depends on the modality. A regular Swedish or connective tissue massage should never hurt. If you are seeking treatment for injury, deep tissue work or trigger point work, it is almost always at least uncomfortable. But it should never really hurt beyond the clients tolerance level. People who get regular massage, especially deep tissue work, recognize that their concept of pain changes with time.
By all means, speak up! Preferable during the session so that your therapist can make adjustments. If you want deeper work or lighter work, you need to tell the therapist. Communication is the key to a successful session. We are body workers, not mind readers.
This again is personal preference in many cases. For treatment of injuries, it is usually once or twice a week in the beginning. For relaxation, many people come every 3-4 weeks. Some people in great health come every 3 months just for the detoxification. For some people it depends on how much disposable income they have.