Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Must I be completely undressed?
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
Will I be covered during the session?
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?
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room at 386 Fore St. Suite 502, Portland, ME 04101. Soft music or white noise may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table or floor cushion designed for your comfort, or be seated in a massage chair.
Must I be completely undressed?
Not if you don't want to be or if it's not necessary for the treatment!
Normally for a therapeutic table massage, people like to either undress completely or get down to underwear. Please keep in mind that you will be draped with a sheet and as many blankets as are needed to keep you comfy. Only the area being worked on will be exposed at any given moment. Private areas (that would typically be covered by swimwear) are NEVER touched or exposed for any reason. If you prefer to keep some or all of your clothing on, that's totally fine! I have given many wonderfully effective table massages with the client completely dressed, and am happy to do the same for you if you're feeling modest. The only thing you absolutely have to take off are your shoes.
Chair massage and thai or shiatsu on the floor cushion are performed completely clothed It is recommened that you wear flexible, comfortable clothing that isn't constricting. Layers might be helpful, because it's normal to feel a little cooler as the appointment progresses. Lounge wear or anything you'd normally wear to yoga is appropriate.
Yoga lessons and guided meditation require the same comfy clothing as eastern style massage.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet or blanket..
Will I be covered during the session?
During table massage, where you have the option of undressing, you will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.
What parts of my body will be massaged?
A typical full-body session may include work on all your major muscle groups: back, arms, legs, glutes, feet, hands, head, neck,face, shoulders, and abdomimal muscles. Your physical, mental and emotional comfort are of the utmost importance, and you are always free to decline work on any area of the body you don't want touched.
Private areas are NEVER touched, and any request for that sort of touch not only violates professional boundaries but is against the law. Requests for sexual services will result in immediate termination of your session, and what that will look like is me telling you your session is over and going out in the hallway to let you get dressed while I call the police. I have absolutely zero patience for this sort of behavior and will gladly go above and beyond to ensure that you're held accountable for your actions.
What will the massage or bodywork feel like?
A relaxing Swedish massage is often a baseline for clients. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil also helps hydrate your skin. You should communicate immediately if you feel any discomfort so that another approach may be taken. Massage and bodywork are most effective when your body is not resisting.
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 any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I 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. Some people like to chat during the massage, and if that helps you relax, that's okay! Some of us just are naturally extroverted and don't like to be quiet. I'll take your lead! If you want to talk, I'm happy to have some light conversation, especially if it's relevant to the lifestyle and activity choices that may have prompted you to seek massage therapy! If you just want to zone out and be quiet or take a mini-nap, I'll only talk to check in regarding your comfort. 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, we take a few minutes to go over general health questions. It is very important that you inform your 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.
