Before & Aftercare FAQ

The therapist will interview you as to your reason for getting massage, current health, medical history, lifestyle and stress level, injuries or areas of pain or discomfort, and screen you for any contraindications or special requirements. You will be asked to sign an informed consent waiver. This usually takes about 15 minutes and does not count as part of your actual massage time.

Some styles of massage are done directly on your skin. You may be asked to undress to your comfort level, however this is done privately and you remain very modestly draped under a sheet during the entire massage. The therapist will only uncover the body part they are working on at the time. Usually oil or a special cream is used on your skin so wear something that can go on after this.

Thai Massage and Tui Na Chinese Massage are usually done while you are fully clothed. Wear sweat pants or gym shorts and a tank top or something similarly comfortable and easy to move in.

We recommend that you not eat or drink alcoholic beverages for at least 1 hour before your massage. Eating afterwards is fine.

Check with your insurance company first. Many insurance companies do cover massage therapy, but may require a doctor’s referral. You pay us in full and we provide you with a special receipt that you send to your insurance company. Many companies will reimburse you up to 80%. If you do have a doctors referral please bring a copy for the massage therapist to keep on file.

Yes, if you have inflammation of the veins (phlebitis), an infectious disease, cancer, contagious or unusual skin conditions, cardiac problems, and diabetes.

Generally, massage therapy is a very pleasant experience. You may experience some discomfort as tight muscles release or acupressure points are worked, but it should not be painful in a bad way. In the case that the therapist is using a highly sensational technique they will let you know and work within your comfort levels.

It is of great benefit to the therapist to let them know if you are experiencing discomfort – anywhere from the massage technique to the music being played to the room temperature. The therapist wants you to have an enjoyable and healing massage.

• Helps relieve physical and mental stress
• Aids relaxation, peace of mind and mental alertness
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness, reduces muscle spasms
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Relieves and manages chronic and acute painProvides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves ability to be aware of stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Satisfies needs for caring, nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well-being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Be sure to drink lots of water. Massage releases toxins from your system and water will help to flush these out. It’s also important to take some time to slow down and relax so that you can enjoy and prolong the benefits.

De-toxing is a fairly common response to massage, especially if you have not been getting bodywork done on a regular basis. Massage releases toxins held in your system, so as the toxins move and purge you may experience feeling very mild nausea, achiness, or a headache. This should pass within a couple of hours. Be sure to drink water to assist in release and take a nap if possible. You should feel lighter, clearer, and more refreshed after the de-tox has passed.

You can always call your massage therapist and discuss any post massage symptoms you are experiencing. Acupressure and Qi-Energy work can cause feelings of warmth, movement, and release long after the actual massage session. Our bodies also hold emotional experiences that may be remembered, released, or resolved. Try to breathe slowly and observe what your body is going through. Of course if you feel that something is “wrong” you should seek medical attention.

There is no standard for tipping after a massage. Your therapist will greatly appreciate any tip you care to give and will not be the least insulted if you do not tip. This is a personal choice for you.

Ask your therapist. It will depend on what your reasons are for getting massage and what your goal is. Regular bodywork is both a healing and preventative medicine, so we hope to see you at least once each season.