Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I get a massage?
- I've never had a massage. What should I expect?
- When should I arrive?
- Do you use oil or lotion?
- Do I need to remove all of my clothing?
- What parts will you massage?
- What should I do during the massage?
- Does massage hurt?
- I am mobility impaired. Is your location wheelchair accessible?
- Do I need to shower before my massage?
- I'm pregnant. Can I still receive massage?
- What if I don't like the music?
- What should I expect after massage?
- How shall I pay?
- What is your training?
A book could be written about this subject. Briefly, massage therapy can ease tension and help people cope with stress more effectively. It slows the racing mind, helps people live in their bodies more comfortably, and contributes to a sense of well-being. Massage increases circulation and mobility, eases pain, and is thought to strengthen the immune system.
Besides all of those reasons, massage feels wonderful! Please visit other pages on this website to find out about the specific benefits of various forms of massage. You may also e-mail me or call my office (503-526-0734) and I would be happy to discuss your massage therapy questions.
TopI've never had a massage. What should I expect?
On your first appointment, you will be given a confidential health history form to complete; it usually only takes a few minutes. I will then show you to the treatment room, answer any questions and leave you to undress privately and relax on the massage table.
Please remember to turn any cell phones, pagers, or alarms off before your session. You will certainly be more relaxed if you are not at the beck and call of your electronics.
Often there will be gentle music playing in the background to allow your nervous system to unwind. Most people undress completely, though underwear may be worn if you prefer. Your modesty is respected at all times as you are warmly covered with a clean sheet or a towel drape. Blankets and/or a table warmer may also be used to help you stay warm during your massage.
Pressure is based on your comfort, and I will check in with you during the session and adjust as needed. When the massage is complete, I will leave you to slowly get up and dress.
TopPlease arrive as close as possible to your scheduled massage. There will be plenty of time for paperwork if it is your first visit, and you will still receive the full time you have booked on the table. For instance, if you booked a one hour massage, you will receive 60 full minutes of massage time. Please be aware that any time used for paperwork, and dressing and undressing, will be in addition to this and adjust your schedule. If you are late, every effort will be made to accommodate you, but please be aware that lateness could reduce the length of your massage.
TopSome techniques require the use of oil. I tend to use as little as needed to have techniques be comfortable on the skin. Please let me know if you have a preference about oil or lotion, or have sensitivities to essential oils (scent) or nut oils. My base oil for general use is either pure jojoba oil, or a blend of light natural oils and pure essential oil. My lotion is an all-natural, unscented blend.
If you are concerned about oil in your hair, please let me know beforehand.
TopDo I need to remove all of my clothing?
Depending on the massage technique you are receiving, you may or may not need to undress. If you are receiving Shiatsu you will leave your clothing on. Please wear something lightweight, loose and comfortable, such as yoga pants and a t-shirt.
Other types of massage are traditionally applied to bare skin, using oil or lotion. For a full-body Swedish massage, most people undress completely. You will be properly covered with a sheet during the entire session, and only the area I am working on will be uncovered.
Some clients wear their undergarments or even some of their outer clothing. Some massage techniques are difficult or impossible to apply through clothing; however, we can work around this and treat the areas that you feel comfortable with. I am trained in many techniques that can be applied over clothing, so you will still receive the benefits of massage therapy.
TopThe extent of a massage will depend on several factors, including the length of the session, the specific need for treatment, the techniques used, and your comfort level with receiving massage.
When there is an injury or condition to be addressed, the entire session may focus on a single area. There may also be a need for treatment of other body areas that are affected by an injury. For example, if you have a sprained ankle and are using a crutch, your arm and shoulder muscles may need to be treated, as well as the non-injured leg which is compensating for the injury and temporary loss of function.
If you wish to have massage for stress-reduction or relaxation, we will discuss what will best help you accomplish that. A typical full-body session includes work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders with the abdominal and gluteal area as optional.
If you find you are uncomfortable with being massaged in a particular area, just inform me of your wishes and I will adjust the massage accordingly.
You will not be touched on your breasts, or on or near your genitals. All massage I practice is non-sexual, and I have the right to terminate a session in which the client is behaving inappropriately. You, as the client, have the same right.
TopWhat should I do during the massage?
Relax! It's your massage. Other than asking you to adjust your position so I can apply a specific technique, you can change your position at any time to make yourself more comfortable.
Many people just close their eyes and completely relax. Others like to talk during their session. Feel free to ask me questions about massage in general or about the particular technique you are receiving. Your feedback is important, so please speak up if you are cold or have any questions or concerns.
If you find thoughts or emotions surfacing during massage, feel free to express them if you wish.
TopMassage on healthy tissue feels good. The normal response is to relax and breathe deeply. I will generally start out by applying firm, but gentle pressure, preparing you for deeper massage. "No pain, no gain" is not true for massage. Massage can be deep without being forcible.
The most effective massage works with your body's natural reponse, not against it. Working in the area of injury or chronic pain may at first cause discomfort, which usually lessens in the first few minutes. You may also have tender spots in muscles that are injured or have been tight for a long time. This tenderness should never be intolerable, however, and you should tell your therapist immediately if it is. Pain is the body's signal that tissue is being damaged, so it should not persist throughout the session. It is important that we communicate not only when there is not enough pressure, but especially when there is too much.
TopI am mobility impaired. Is your location wheelchair accessible?
Yes, there is an elevator located through the south doors, and my table features an electric lift. It lowers to a height of just 19" to facilitate transfer from your chair to my table.
TopDo I need to shower before my massage?
If you have been exercising or doing strenuous activity, it is best to shower before receiving your massage. Oils and lotions used for massage also work better on clean skin, so less can be used for your treatment.
TopI'm pregnant. Can I still receive massage?
Yes! Massage is a very nurturing thing to do for yourself during pregnancy. It can especially help make the latter stages of pregnancy less stressful on your body, relieving backache, shoulder discomfort and sore feet.
During pregnancy we avoid deep abdominal work, for obvious reasons. After the fourth month, general and gentle abdominal massage can be enjoyable for both you and baby. Aggressive stretching is usually avoided too, due to the relaxing of tendons and ligaments caused by pregnancy hormones. If you have certain medical conditions during pregnancy, such as excessive edema, hypertension or preeclampsia, we will need a doctor's approval before massage.
At any time during pregnancy, you may find it difficult to lie flat on the table. We can position you on your side with pillow support to make you comfortable.
If you receive massage during pregnancy, always remember to sit up slowly after massage to allow your blood pressure to normalize.
TopWhat if I don't like the music?
By all means, say something! If you prefer, we can work without music, or you may bring yours to suit your own preferences.
TopWhat should I expect after massage?
Massage can be profoundly relaxing, affecting all your body's systems. Give yourself a moment to re-orient before you sit up. After an initial "relaxation" period, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes you may not feel a dramatic result right away. Watch for changes over the following days, like pain relief, increased mobility, or better sleep.
Sometimes people are sore after massage, especially after deep therapeutic work. This is normal, and should go away in a day or two, especially if you take care of yourself by drinking water, eating well and doing your recommended stretches or exercises.
TopI accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover when services are rendered. Don’t worry about tipping, I feel my rates are reasonable and do not accept tips. The best tip you can give is the referral of your friends and family. To show my thanks for your trust, I also have a referral program.
If you have a prescription for massage related to an open motor vehicle accident claim, please visit my Optima Clinic website for information related to insurance and clinical (medical) massage.
TopI completed a 555 hour training program at Oregon School of Massage. I have completed an additional 168 hours of training in Shiatsu and five-element theory, and 42 hours of Integrated Neuromuscular Therapy. Currently, I am continuing my formal studies in both of these methods. The State of Oregon requires massage therapists to receive a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education every two years.
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