Massage FAQs
What techniques are you using now?
While Swedish Massage is the basis for most techniques, I also use advanced Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) that allows for quicker restoration of the muscle tone with virtually no discomfort.
What is Swedish Massage?
Swedish Massage is what most people think of as "regular" massage. It combines effleurage (long strokes) and petrissage (kneading) to relax muscles. Additionally, percussion and friction can be used to "wake the body up."
What are Triggerpoints?
Triggerpoints are spots in the muscles where tension builds up and causes tightness and pain. They are similar to and can be associated with cramps, knots or 'hot spots'. In Triggerpoint therapy, the massage therapist can release triggerpoints by using special techniques of pressure and vibration. It can be quite uncomfortable for a moment. Triggerpoint therapy can release tremendous amounts of tension and make many muscle and joint problems disappear. Often the work is described as a "good kind of pain."
Will I be dressed or covered during a Massage?
It is helpful if the client is undressed, but the option is to undress to your level of comfort. You are always under a sheet and only the part of you getting massaged is uncovered. The primary areas where clothing causes the most interference are the shoulders and back.
Is Massage supposed to be uncomfortable?
Most massages feel either relaxing and soothing or invigorating, but they are not usually supposed to hurt. There are a few exceptions, like triggerpoint therapy and some kinds of deep-tissue work, which can be very uncomfortable at times. A properly trained Licensed Massage Therapist will monitor your comfort level. At any time during a session you should always insist that a Therapsist reduce the pressure if it exceeds your comfort level.
What is Muscle Energy or MET?
MET involves participation of the client in regards to muscle movement while the Massage Therapist applies the massage strokes. This has been proven to be perhaps the most effective way to return muscle to its' original length and tone.
What is Sports Massage?
Sports Massage is exactly what it sounds like - massage specifically designed to aid athletes in getting prepared for competition or to soothe the sore muscles that come from strenuous competition or practice. Deep compressive strokes are used to flush out the build up of toxins.
What is stretching good for?
Stretching is an amazing way to loosen up tight muscles and joints. Active stretching (where you assist) or passive stretching (where you do not) are both terrific ways to work out sore points or 'kinks' in shoulders, lower back or legs. Stretching is a normal part of Sports Massage and may be added to any Massage.
What id=s Reiki?
Reiki heals by flowing through the affected parts of the energy field and charging them with positive energy. It raises the vibratory level of the energy field in and around the physical body where the negative thoughts and feelings are attached. This causes the negative energy to break up and fall away. Reiki clears, straightens and heals the energy pathways, allowing the life force to flow in a healthy and natural way.
Reiki cleanses the body of built up toxins, relieves pain, soothes shock, calms the mind and emotions, and accelerates the body's natural ability to heal itself at the same time promoting a state of total relaxation and well-being. Once a person has been opened up to become a "channel" for Reiki, concentrated universal life force energy will flow through their hands of its own accord and they will retain this ability for the rest of their life. Reiki in no way conflicts with medical procedures and in fact supports and enhances all medical treatments. Reiki can be incorporated effectively into the healing arts practised by health professionals from traditional and alternative medicine.
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After the Massage:
- Drink lots of water. This helps the rid body oftoxins that you were able to release during the massage.
- Plan to take the first 20 minutes after a massage lightly. For example, go on a short walk or sit quietly. This allows the massage to settle nicely into the body.
- After many massages, a nice warm bath or shower is very refreshing and maintains the effects of the session.