Balance Massage will be closing June 23, 2023.
FAQ
What should I wear?
Wear your normal clothing to your session. For you massage, you should undress to your level comfort. Typically for a full body massage many clients get completely undressed. However, your comfort is the most important aspect of the session and if you would prefer to leave clothing items on, your therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can.
Your massage therapist will leave the room and give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. Once you are undressed to your level of comfort and on the table under the blankets/sheet, the therapist will re-enter the room. You will remain covered during the session, I will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.
I like REALLY hard pressure. Do you do deep tissue massage?
Yes, and No.
For relaxation massage, pressure can be varied from light, medium or firm pressure- it should not hurt as movements will be generalized, fluid & smooth. Generally speaking, I will always start with lighter touch and gradually move to deeper muscle layers after the tissue is warmed, working with your breathing to keep you relaxed as deeper pressure is applied. I do not believe in ‘steam rolling’ or ‘beating up’ on clients by using a universal deep pressure, as this might cause more harm than good. The aim is to work WITH your body, not ON your body.
Massage that is “issue focused” -in that significant attention is given to one area or region of the body (ex. neck, shoulder, low back)- you can expect more intensity as movements will be isolated to treat specific muscular dysfunction in that area. A good massage, even a firm pressure massage, should always stay in the relaxed range. This means you can continually take deep and steady breaths. Any discomfort beyond a 6 on a 1-10 pain scale is counterproductive when your body is involuntarily tensing against pressure!
How often should I get a massage?
“Some is better than none.”
What does that mean? Well, it varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition or dealing with chronic pain, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Frequent, shorter sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place. Frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when he/she has a better hands-on understanding of your particular muscular issues.
What about COVID?
Prior to COVID, the cleanliness and sanitization of the treatment space was already a high priority, so like many massage therapists, I didn’t have to change a lot for COVID. I sanitize the door knobs, high touch spots, iPad, and side table between every session. Intake and customer information can be submitted electronically by the client prior to the session, and clients can opt to pay through the VAGARO app if desired.
I wear a mask while in the office and thoroughly sanitize the office before and after each client, as well as having a HEPA filter running constantly in the office.
My office will follow the local recommendations.
Communication is KEY!
This is YOUR session and YOUR time. I enjoy getting to know my clients but will always follow your lead in a session. Generally speaking, as your mind relaxes your body will follow. Therefore, for the quality of the session, there is minimal talking during the session unless you are more comfortable chatting.
But at the same time, I want you to speak up. If you want anything changed: pressure, areas worked, head rest position or if you are too hot or too cold, or need a tissue … speak up! You will not hurt my feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable. Your therapist wants this to be the best experience for you to relax and enjoy.
Also, what you requested in one session may be different in another. If you had a full body massage last time you had a session, but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders/arms worked, it’s perfectly fine to ask, and you will enjoy your sessions so much more!
What does professional massage mean?
Massage is therapeutic, safe touch utilizing techniques and modalities that the massage therapist has learned in specialized instruction and supervised training.
Massage is not sexual in nature and any overtures by the client will not be tolerated.