Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How often should I get a massage?

A good rule of thumb is to have a massage on a monthly basis. Of course, if you’ve been in an accident or have a lot of stress or medical issues, then a weekly massage for a while may be better suited for your situation. A monthly massage is the healthy way to go in order to remove toxins from the body.

What kinds of medical problems does a therapeutic massage help?

A therapeutic massage involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to alleviate stress, pain, discomfort, muscle spasms and cramps as well as promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It can help with personal or work-related stress/anxiety, arthritis of any type, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, sports-related injuries including decreased range of motion, circulation problems, etc. The list is endless of the many medical benefits of massage.

Are massage therapists licensed in every state?

There are close to 60 accredited massage schools in the United States, and the list keeps growing with the popularity of the massage career. Not all states require therapists to be licensed, but the majority do. Massage schools will provide a minimum of 500 hours of training; some require up to 2 years in community college programs which include many extra modalities. A therapist is licensed (LMT) or certified (CMT), depending on the state, when he or she has passed the national certification exam for therapeutic massage. Continuing education is required in order to keep skills up to date as well as renewing licenses.

Why is drinking water so important after a massage?

Please drink plenty of water especially after your first massage and for a 24 hr period after each massage to flush out all the toxins that have accumulated to the surface as massage greatly increases your circulation and lymphatic drainage. Our bodies are approximately 70% water so we’re giving back to our bodies what they need most.

Why do some massage therapists start face up and is there a correct way to start a massage?

No there is not a correct way to start a massage, however in eastern medicine it is more common and more recommended to start face up in order to open up the facial muscles/sinuses and neck/chest areas. Starting face up also allows more personal time and rapport to be built between client and therapist as it is a more open position. By starting with the face first no lotions or oils are on the hands which could interfere with a woman’s makeup or irritate the sensitive face.

Why does my nose feel so stuffed up during and after a massage?

Sometimes this happens because of laying face down in the face cradle. Again, circulation is increased, and everything comes to the surface trying to leave your body through any pores. It is part of the lymphatic drainage process which is very normal. Kleenex is provided in my office for this very purpose. When you have more regular massages, you won’t feel as stuffed up as much. Some clients use a nasal spray so that this doesn’t happen during a massage. Some people cannot lay with their heads face down in the cradle for a 20-minute or more period and may lay with their head to the side, especially if it is bothersome to them.

Are there any medical reasons in which someone shouldn’t have a massage?

Yes, in cases of phlebitis, some cancers, cardiac problems, some skin conditions and infectious diseases, massage isn’t recommended. Ask your doctor if massage is ok, and let your massage therapist know about any areas of concern.

Why does oil have to be used during a massage?

Using oil decreases the friction of a therapist’s hands rubbing your skin. Friction is even greater in hairy areas. It just makes the massage strokes so much easier to manipulate.

How does massage work exactly to make me feel better?

By definition, massage is an Arabic word meaning stroke. By a therapist using various massage stokes, he or she is manipulating the soft tissues of the body by increasing the circulation of blood and lymph thereby flushing out lactic acid and uric acid, 2 of the main toxic wastes. Endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers, are released during a massage. The skin, which is the largest organ in the body, is stimulated, and ligaments/tendons are stretched. Emotional and physical stress is decreased as part of the whole process. Touch is the gift of life.

Is pet massage recommended?

Massaging an animal is as beneficial to your pet as it is to you. An animal’s body is designed different from a human’s body, but the same benefits are realized, mainly improving the circulation and the overall well-being of the animal, especially in areas of arthritis and pain. Animal massage is based on using acupressure points.

Can I receive a massage if I am pregnant?

Massage is very beneficial to pregnant women, but it is always best to check with your doctor first in case of any high risk situations. The first trimester is the most crucial period, so your doctor should advise you if it is ok. After that, there really isn’t any issue other than you may not be able to lay face down on the table comfortably. Usually extra pillows are placed in specific areas to ease your comfort and adjustments to the standard massage have to be made by the therapist. Special prego cushions are used by some therapist if there’s a high pregnancy clientele.