Frequently Asked Questions
Massage
When should I
get a massage?
NOW!!! Really,
nearly any time is a good time to get a massage. You don't need to wait
until you're stressed or injured. Massage boosts the immune system and
is a great way to keep your body in balance and to stay healthy. It can
help with reducing, eliminating or managing pain as well as relieving
stress. The best way it was explained to me: Getting a massage when
you’re already stressed or injured is like only taking vitamin C
when you’re sick. Yes, it helps, but it’s a much better preventative.
When should I not get
a massage?
There are several contraindications for receiving a massage. If you
have any of the following conditions, you should not get a massage:
The theory behind that is simple; massage increases circulation of both
blood and lymphatic systems. You don’t want to spread anything localized
or make an underlying medical condition worse.
*Massage with most types of cancer is still a debatable subject
if you are currently undergoing
treatment. On one hand;
it will help dealing with stress and anxiety and boost your immune
system to help your body heal itself. On the other hand, because massage
increases circulation, it is possible that it can help the cancer
metastasize. If you are currently undergoing any type of treatment for
cancer you will need written consent from your doctor. If you’ve had
cancer in the past, are currently in remission and you’re still getting
screening/check-ups on a regular basis with your primary care physician
a consultation would be necessary, but most likely, under those
circumstances I would feel comfortable doing your massage. The only
exception to that is if you have a benign tumor or basil cell carcinoma,
massage won’t help or harm it in any way.
What type of Massage
do you do?
I can do Swedish and therapeutic (sometimes called deep tissue)
massage. Swedish massage is for stress reduction. Therapeutic can be for
chronic pain, overuse or repetitive use injuries and the treatment of
certain medical conditions (fibromyalgia, TMD, tension headaches, ect.)
The easiest way to explain the difference is to look at your goal for
the massage session; are you looking for relaxation or specific pain
relief? All my massage is
custom made for you. I can focus on one or several areas or muscle
groups, or do a full body massage. I can also add aromatherapy and hot
stones. The use of heat itself is relaxing. It helps warm the tissue so
the massage can penetrate deeper without the discomfort of a deep tissue
massage.
What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body?
Massage therapists have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size,
from young to old, and they're not there trying to judge your physique
or ogle your body. We're professionals who have found massage to be a
wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and
weight, and are proud of how we can help others. I notice and focus on
tension in the muscles and soft tissue. You don’t have to worry about
whether or not you remembered to shave your legs before-hand. I probably
won’t even notice. Really.
What does a massage
therapist's license or certification mean?
A license means that a massage therapist has met the requirements and
paid the fee to legally practice massage in the state of
What happens during a
massage?
When you first arrive you'll be asked to fill out a client intake form.
This will give me the information I need to help me decide the style of
massage that will be the most appropriate for you. Don't hesitate to ask
questions about anything you're unsure of, or any concerns you might
have. If you're expecting something in particular from the massage, make
sure to tell me. For example, if you've been having a lot of tightness
in your right shoulder, and you'd like some extra attention given to it,
or if you already know if you prefer a lighter or deeper pressure
massage let me know.
Once you've finished with the intake, I will leave the room to allow
you to get on the table. I know that comfort levels vary, I typically
will ask that you take everything off except underpants (it makes
draping easier for me) and lying under the top sheet. I can do massage
through clothing if you would like, although the draping (how I move the
sheets) will remain the same. If you start on your stomach, there will
be a cushioned doughnut-shaped pillow at one end of the table. This is a
face rest, and you should place your face in there. This allows you to
be face down, and keep your shoulder and neck muscles relaxed. If you
lay your head on the table and turn it to one side, the muscles in your
neck and shoulders won't be in their relaxed state and won't be able to
receive the best benefits of the massage.
I’ll knock before entering.
For the most part, your work is done, and all you have to do is relax
and enjoy. I will undrape the section of the body that I will work on
first and cover it with the sheet when I am done. If at anytime you feel
uncomfortable or exposed let me know and I’ll adjust accordingly. As you
relax, body systems slow down and sometimes you can get cold. Blanket
and towels are also available.
Both the client and therapist can stop the massage at any point if
either one becomes uncomfortable.
I end each massage by leaving the room and getting you some water. It’s
a good idea to drink more water after a massage because water will flush
out toxins like cellular waste like lactic acid out of your system so
you will feel even better and be even healthier. I’ll talk with you
shortly about anything you would like adjusted, changed and to see what
you enjoyed, see if you have any concerns, settle the bill, and rebook
your next appointment.
What parts of my body
will be massaged?
A full body massage includes work on your scalp, face, upper chest
(pectoral muscles), abdomen, gluts (either work over the top sheet or
undraped), inner thigh and feet. These are some areas that may be
awkward, tender or ticklish. Let me know if you want me to avoid or
alter pressure in any areas.
Do I have to be
completely undressed?
You should undress to your comfort level. I have no problem
and will work around any clothes left on and drape you the same
regardless. (I can and have done half hour massage treatments on
children and these are ALWAYS clothed routines.) I do ask that the
pieces of clothing left on are underpants, either panties or boxer
shorts, because it helps when draping the top sheet.
Sure! Some therapists will discourage you from talking during the
massage. They want you to relax, to just let your mind float free, and
let the massage transport you to an almost subconscious bliss. It's not
uncommon for many people to be more relaxed talking. As long as you
aren’t talking negatively and that’s causing you to become more stressed
or agitated you’re fine. Nothing you say will leave the room.
There are times when you should speak up during a massage. If anything
makes you uncomfortable, bring it to the therapist's attention. If
you're too cold or too hot, the room is too bright, or if you prefer
deeper or lighter pressure, please tell me!
Will a massage hurt?
A Swedish massage will never hurt. Therapeutic massage can vary. It has
been described as a "good hurt" feeling. With some types of chronic
tension trigger points can develop. Releasing these will mimic the pain
you feel. It can be a sharp, stabbing, or radiating pain. A deep massage
with tight muscles may leave some residual soreness the next day.
What if a massage
wasn't quite what I wanted?
Let me know! All the massage I do is custom-made I can change things
about the treatment or refer you to another therapist if you need
something I can’t offer.
How often should I
receive a massage?
The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If
you’re coming as preventive care and managing stress, getting a massage
once a month is about the norm. For pain relief and chronic tension you
may need to come more often.
Facials
Will the
facial make me break out?
Sometimes they can, it depends on your skin and on the skin products
that are used. Professional products are typically stronger and
penetrate deeper than anything you can get at a drug store or
supermarket. If I use a product that has a detoxifying ingredient that pulls
impurities from deeper layers of the skin up to the surface it’s
probably going to cause breakouts and in that case that would be a good
thing. It means it worked.
How do
facials work?
Facials include 6-8 steps to help cleanse, tone, and ultimately nourish
your skin.
What are
the steps?
Analyze- I look at your skin under a magnifying light
for hydration, oil production, how much elasticity it has as well as
breakouts and any areas of concern
Cleanse- This step cleans skin of make up, dirt and
air pollutants.
Tone- This product removes any residue left behind
from any previous product, tightens the skin, and rebalances your skins
ph.
Exfoliate- Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead
skin cells making your skin softer and complexion brighter. There are
three types; 1. Manual (or sometimes called mechanical) exfoliants;
scrubs, loofahs, or sponges 2. Enzyme exfoliants; these are considered
to be the most gentle for your skin. They are protein that eat away at
the dead skin cells like little pac-man and 3. Acids; these are your
chemical peels; lactic, glycolic (also called alpha hydroxy acid) and
salicylic (beta hydroxy acid) to name a few.
Steam- Steam dilates your blood vessels and opens up
pores, preparing them for extractions. Steam is also helpful with
allergies and some respiratory problems and because it creates an
artificial fever it boosts your immune system by tricking it into making
more leucocytes (White Blood Cells). You typically don’t use steam with
most peels.
Extract- Not the most relaxing, but this is what
cleans blemishes and impurities using specific pressure by fingertips or
tools.
Facial Massage- This step increases product
penetration and stimulated circulation of blood and oxygen. A highly
concentrated product called an ampoule or serum can be used or this can
be used with an exfoliant or mask.
Mask- Typically soothing, this step will help calm the
skin and help reduce any redness from the stimulating steps above.
Moisturizer- Moisturizer is used last. This product
hydrates and I will usually pick one with a non-chemical sunscreen.
What are
the different types of skin?
Oily-
over production of sebum or oil, prone to blackheads and breakouts and
visible pores are common
Dry-
lack of oil not moisture! Skin is flaky, chapped or feels tight and is
prone to sensitivity
Combination Mix of two from above. The most common I’ve seen is normal
with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) with or without
dehydration in cheeks.
You
may also see:
Dehydration- lack of moisture (water)
Loss
of elasticity- sagging skin or lines/wrinkles
Hyper-pigmentation- sun spots
Redness- diagnosed as rosacea or broken capillaries
What
products do you use?
I’m
using two different product lines and looking into a third. The first is
called Sanitas. It was created by a chemist named Ben Fuchs in the first
and possibly still the only skin care pharmacy in the
You
can visit their websites here
Link
to www.sanitas-skincare.com
Link
to www.eminenceorganics.com
How do I
know what products to pick/use at home?
I can
recommend products or tell you some good active ingredients for your
skin. I will have some retail available and product samples to try at
home.
Can I
mix different product lines?
Yes,
with caution. Some will tell you not to because mixing certain potent
active ingredients can irritate your skin. Read your labels and don’t
mix Retina A, most acids (glycolic and salicylic are two of the most
common), benzyl peroxide and be careful if you’re taking medication for
acne.
How
often can I get a facial?
You
want to get a facial once a month for cellular turnover. That is, it
takes 28-30 days for your brand new baby skin cells to get to the
surface.
Misc FAQ
Do you accept
SpaFinder gift cards?
Yes!
What are
some of the other spa service you offer?
Right
now I can do salt glows and sugar scrubs. I’m stilling looking into a
line of products for body wraps, but those will be offered in the
future.