Massage FAQs

What should I expect during my first visit?

At your first visit, you will fill out a health history form. I will then ask you several questions based on the information you provide us. This is also your opportunity to ask me questions. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment protocol and begin your massage therapy treatment.  I work for function!  I will always ask your body back to it’s functional anatomical space to the best of my 17 years experience.

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my appointment?

Come to your appointment with a relatively empty stomach. During your massage, blood normally involved in digestion will be drawn to the areas being massaged. If you have had a large meal you may feel uncomfortable and suffer poor digestion.  Also, it is a good idea to visit the washroom just prior to your appointment.  It will be wise to think about your intention for the treatment.  Is it to gain space, take pressure off, get back to function, balance, to move better, relieve pain, re-pattern your body?

Will I be completely undressed for my massage?

Your comfort is important to us. I cover/drape you with a sheet so that we only expose the area we are working on. It is possible to work on a client who is dressed so just talk to me if you have any questions.

Do I need to talk during my massage?

It’s up to you. If you want silence during your massage, just let me know. I will, though, require some information from you during the massage when releasing trigger points or to determine how much pressure is acceptable for you.

How will I feel after my massage?

You will feel one of 3 ways after my specialized treatments

1. Light,euphoric, floaty and stacked – This is the most common way to feel and it is my wish for you on your first visit.
2. Weak and shaky – Although, you feel a deep sense of weakness, usually in your core or in your neck (like a bobble head), this is a very good sign.  It tells me that we are waking up, lost or forgotten muscles.  We need these muscles to wake up and pull in the slack.  Due to impacts, injury, posture and pregnancy we often loose function of a joint and ultimately the muscle gets weakened or completely forgotten.  For the healing process to take place it is necessary to wake up our lost muscles to re-gain stability, balance and strength.  Remember, we are weak when this happens, so, it is important to remain mindful of our actions as we teach our body to function in a different way.  I use it as a marker for success.  Together, we are changing things up, now we have to teach the body where to be.  I use Core Bracing sequences from the book Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelley Starrett to help you reorganize your spine.  It’s good to have your next visit booked when you leave so I can monitor you as you shift your body.
3. Healing Crisis – You may feel very relaxed immediately post massage. If you are in a true healing crisis then you will get worse before you get better.  This can be feeling like you got hit by a mac truck or increase in the symptoms that you came in with or something completely new.  This is a 48 hour cycle.  I encourage you to ride the waves of sensation for this 48 hour period.  If you don’t start to feel better, better, GREAT after the 48 hours or it gets worse in this timeframe then it could mean that there is unfinished business.  It would be beneficial for you to call me if this is the case, I am committed to ensuring that you don’t suffer longer then 48 hours.  Your body can’t find it’s way back to the THE GOOD SPACE.  Most people experience freedom from long-term aches and pains. After the initial period of feeling slowed down and possibly touch tender, you will most likely experience increased energy, heightened awareness, greater productivity, and increased range of motion.  This is true healing taking place and your  body is completing a big shift into balance!

After my massage, is there anything I special I need to do?

Sometimes we recommend a bath with Epsom salts to calm and sooth muscles and to enhance the benefits of massage. We may also recommend stretches that will help your treatment progress. Drink plenty of water. Massage therapy releases toxins from your soft tissue and drinking lots of water will help flush them from your body.

I’m 8 months pregnant and unable to lie on my stomach. Can I still get a massage?

Yes! We use a specially designed cushion that allows Mom-To-Be to lie either on her side or in the prone position (face-down) safely and comfortably.