Massage FAQ's Page

What Does Research Show About Massage Therapy?
What can massage do for me?
What is the first appointment like?
What should I do during a massage?
What is a massage therapist?
How long is a session?
What should I expect afterwards?
How Can Massage be Medically Beneficial?

What Does Research Show About Massage Therapy?
Research on the effects of massage therapy has been ongoing for more than 120 years. A surge in research over the past 20 years has resulted in more than 2,500 published studies At the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, 70 studies on touch - the majority on massage therapy - have been published or are under way. Recent and ongoing research at some of the nation's hospitals, such as Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, is expanding knowledge of the benefits of massage for a variety of injuries and ailments.

What can massage do for me?
One of the most common requests for massage is due to stress and fatigue. People are more inclined to take more care of their cars, but neglect their health and well being. People constantly place enormous demands on themselves, putting their health in jeopardy which causes many diseases, which are preventable. Massage introduces the experience of touch, putting you back into connection towards health, your natural state of being.

What is the first appointment like?
I will begin by asking you health questions since there are some conditions for which massage is not appropriate. Depending on the massage technique which we will be using, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body Swedish massage, most people undress completely, though you may choose to wear underwear. You will relax on a padded table designed for stability and comfort. I will offer you cushions or an adjustable face rest for support. For many techniques, a lotion will be used.  A massage session usually begins with relatively gentle pressure to calm your nervous system and begin releasing your superficial tension gradually increasing to suit your needs and preference.

What should I do during a massage?
Make yourself comfortable. Other than specifically asking you to adjust your position so that I can apply a specific technique, you can change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Most people just close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.

What is a massage therapist?
Many massage therapists have completed many hours of education which includes a variety of various bodyworks techniques, extensive anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of when massage is and is not appropriate.  Do not hesitate to ask your therapist to explain his or her unique combination of specialized training.  It is important that you find a therapist who is qualified.  Some states require certification others do not.  Make sure you are not receiving massage from someone who is not trained.

How long is a session?
An hour is a common session length. This gives time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for example: back, neck and shoulders. A half-hour can be an excellent introduction to bodywork, with plenty of time for a specific area such as back, neck and shoulders or legs and feet. An hour and a half is usually enough time to address the whole body with special attention to a problem area.

What should I expect afterwards?
Massage and bodywork can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your bodies systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes you may not feel dramatic results right away. Watch for changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility, or reduced stress.

How Can Massage be Medically Beneficial?
People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
* Allergies
* Anxiety and stress
* Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
* Asthma and bronchitis
* Carpal tunnel syndrome
* Chronic and temporary pain
* Circulatory problems
* Depression
* Digestive disorders, including spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
* Headache, especially when due to muscle tension
* Insomnia
* Myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)
* Reduced range of motion
* Sinusitis
* Sports injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and sprained ligaments
* Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

"Massage therapy is a complementary therapy, not
alternative anymore. It's of tremendous benefit."
- Brad Stuart, M.D., Hospice Medical Director for the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of Northern California

Although massage therapy does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

Therapeutic massage may not be recommended in some cases,
such as in people with:

* inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)
* infectious diseases
* certain forms of cancer
* some skin conditions
* some cardiac problems
* diabetes

If you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check with your doctor before seeking a massage.