What can I expect during a structural bodywork session?
What can I expect during a relaxation massage session?
Where will the session take place?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
What parts of my body will be massaged?
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
What can I expect during a structural bodywork session?
We begin with discussing why you're here and what you hope to gain from our work together. From there I will perform a postural assessment and we'll discuss what areas I see in your body that are calling for work and how we can address them. Postural assessment is best completed with minimal, but appropriate, clothing so that I can clearly see your structure. Most clients choose to simply dress down into their underwear (bra and panties for women), but fitted clothes for more modest clients are also appropriate. You will remain in this clothing for the entirety of the session, with the option of a top sheet or blanket for warmth or comfort. Therapeutic work of this nature is best done when you the client are present with the work and in the moment, and I may ask for active movement from you during some techniques. I will also work to keep communication open so that you can tell me about your comfort level with any given pressure or technique. When we are finished, we will assess posture again to see if there have been any visible changes to your structure, then discuss what our next steps may be.
What can I expect during a relaxation massage session?
Just like with structural work, we will begin with a discussion about why you're here and what you would like to get out of today. If you're simply looking for some good-ole stress relief, this may be the just the ticket. I have many essential oils to choose from so that you can choose a scent to go into your massage lotion, if desired. I will step out of the room to let you dress down to your level of comfort and get under the sheet on the table. You will be appropriately draped by the top sheet for the duration of the massage, thereby protecting your modesty while allowing me to access just the area of your body I am working on at any given time.
Where will the session take place?
I have a private room in my home specifically set up for bodywork. The room is on the second story, however. If climbing stairs is not possible or safe for you, please let me know so we can discuss potential other options.
What will the bodywork feel like?
Relaxation (Swedish) massage is what most people think of when you say "massage." It is characterized by flowing strokes and kneading with some light oil or lotion to facilitate glide over the skin. Structural work, being a more specific therapy, feels very different. During these sessions I will locate specific muscles or areas of tension within a muscle, then hold a steady pressure until the tissues of interest relax. I will also stretch muscle and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds your cells) using a technique called myofascial release. In structural work, no oil or lotion is used as it inhibits both fascial release and my ability to target specific areas.
Regardless of the style of bodywork, your ability to relax is always a primary concern for me. While the nature of therapeutic work and dealing with injuries or chronic pain means that not every technique will be "comfortable," your experience should not be one of outright pain. My goal is to give your body the pressure it needs to actually make a change, but not to give it so much that it tightens against me and rejects the work. Your communication with me about your experience while on the table is, therefore, very important.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
It depends on what you are being seen for. Relaxation massage is typically "full body" and includes legs feet, arms, hands, back, neck, and head. Depending on your comfort, this may also include glutes, abdomen, chest, and face. If there is any part of your body you do not want worked, you are always within your right to set that boundary. Structural bodywork is much more specific, and it will completely depend on your symptoms and what you posture has to say about them. A session for your low back pain might only involve your back, glutes, and hams...or it might involve your abdomen, adductors (inner thighs), and the lateral aspect of your hips. It just depends on what we're addressing on that day.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
Relaxation (Swedish) massage is what most people think of when you say "massage." It is characterized by flowing strokes and kneading with some light oil or lotion to facilitate glide over the skin. Structural work, being a more specific therapy, feels very different. During these sessions I will locate specific muscles or areas of tension within a muscle, then hold a steady pressure until the tissues of interest relax. I will also stretch muscle and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds your cells) using a technique called myofascial release. In structural work, no oil or lotion is used as it inhibits both fascial release and my ability to target specific areas.
Regardless of the style of bodywork, your ability to relax is always a primary concern for me. While the nature of therapeutic work and dealing with injuries or chronic pain means that not every technique will be "comfortable," your experience should not be one of outright pain. My goal is to give your body the pressure it needs to actually make a change, but not to give it so much that it tightens against me and rejects the work. Your communication with me about your experience while on the table is, therefore, very important.
Are there different kinds of massage and bodywork?
There are numerous types of massage and bodywork; various techniques utilize different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, rocking movement, posture and movement re-education, application of pressure to specific points, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm). Many people just close their eyes and completely relax, communicating if/when they need more or less pressure, another blanket, or anything else relevant to the session. If you have any questions regarding the session or about the particular technique you are receiving, feel free to ask.
How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.
What are the benefits of massage and bodywork?
Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you begin your session, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required by your therapist before commencing with massage or bodywork.
