About The Therapist

Some of the benefits are relaxation, reduced muscle tension,  reduction of stress, anxiety, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), improved circulation, stimulation of the lymphatic system,  increased joint mobility and flexibility, improved skin tone and improved recovery of soft tissue injuries. 

You  may be required to fill out a health history form. It is important to list all health concerns and medications or any allergies so the therapist is aware if he/she needs to use a different oil or lotion during the session. The therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, and if there are any conditions needing to be addressed so the session can be  adapted to your specific needs.  

No. You should undress to the level you are comfortable. For a full body massage, many get completely undressed. However, many leave their underwear on which is completely fine. The therapist will work around the clothes you left on as best as he/she can. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table and under covers. If you prefer to stay fully clothed, then I recommend you explore  other types of bodywork, such Thai Massage that is performed clothed. 

 The average 1 hour full-body massage treatment lasts approximately 50 minutes,  giving 5 minutes on each end to speak with the therapist and to get undressed and dressed.  A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a  90-minute session last 80 mins and allows  for optimal relaxation or if there are multiple areas that needs more focus.

Frequency varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation and stress relief, then a session every 2-6 weeks may be fine for you. However, if you are looking to address a specific condition or reducing  delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) , then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule. Sometimes more frequent 30-minute sessions can be effective if you are treating an injury until you regain function  and then  a maintenance schedule can be put  in place. Ideally the frequency of sessions should be discussed with your massage therapist after your treatment when your condition is better understood. 

 A light, relaxing massage that doesn't probe very deep into the muscles, shouldn't hurt. With that being said, there is a 'feels good' hurt and an 'ouch, stop it' hurt. A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the 'feels good' hurt range. Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and pressure should be adjusted. Also, pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it. 

 Although a tip is never required, if your massage is at a spa or hotel in North America, a 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the service.  If you were given a gift certificate or purchased a deal through a discount site, a tip based on the original price is customary. 

 Yes. In many instances, people may feel more relaxed starting off talking, and as the massage progresses, enter a quiet state of relaxation. The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience. The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up. If the therapist is doing anything to make you uncomfortable, you should let her/him know immediately.  Also, let him/her know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper). If something is not working for you, speak up! You will not hurt the therapist's feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable.  

 There are few conditions which would prevent you from enjoying massage. You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.  There are other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get a massage. But it's always better to err on the side of caution. 

Being self-conscious shouldn't keep you  from visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. A professional massage therapist will be non-judgmental and focused on your muscles. You can request that the massage therapist avoid certain areas. Or, you can look for a licensed massage therapist who uses a style of massage that can be done through clothing. No massage oil or lotion is used, so you remain fully clothed during the treatment (eg; Thai). 

If you didn't have time to shave your legs, not to worry. Whether or not there is hair on your leg is of no concern to your massage therapist. For many, falling asleep during a massage is very common. Many people go into a massage stressed and sleep-deprived and feel so relaxed that they fall asleep on the massage table. Your therapist won't judge you if you snore during the massage.  Also passing gas during a massage is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about. It is far better to pass gas during the massage (often a sign that you're relaxed) than to clench your gluteal muscles during the massage to hold it in. If you're really uncomfortable doing it, you can always excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.