FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions:
 

Why should I get a massage?
What if I am uncomfortable with touch?
What if I am uncomfortable with my body?
Can I receive massage if I am pregnant?
Where will the massage take place?
What should I do before receiving a massage?
Do I need to undress completely?
Do you have to use a drape?
What areas of my body will you massage?
Do you use oils, lotion and aromatherapy?
Will a massage hurt?
Can I talk during the massage?
How should I expect to feel after a massage?
How often should I get a massage?
 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Why should I get a massage?

In today's touchless society suppressing our need for regular touch and connection has become way too common.  Without touch, we become desensitized to life and those around us.  Getting a massage rekindles every aspect of our well being and boosts our ability to thrive.  There is no substitute for human touch and personal attention. Best of all, massage makes you feel better any time you want! There are many proven physical and mental benefits of massage.  
 

What if I am uncomfortable with touch?

It is not surprising that a lot of us have discomfort with touch.  For reasons such as coming from a family that didn't show love in physical ways, to having experienced touch through abuse or violence.  Receiving massage from a safe and trusted therapist can be a positive way to confront unhealthy associations, feelings and experiences with touch.  I ask that you let me know if you have a touch aversion before your session so I can work with you.  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.


What if I am uncomfortable with my body?

RelaxAmerica Massage strives to create an environment in which  the client feels completely comfortable and relaxed.  Massage therapists see bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old and judging your physique is not our intent.  As a professional, I view massage as a wonderful gift to share with men and women alike, regardless of age, weight or body type.  The fact is once someone is on the massage table, they cease to be a physical body to be judged by the outside world and become a being of muscles and tissue with a soul inside!   So don't wait until you loose a few more pounds or get rid of that cellulite on the back of your thighs!  Low lighting and draping is provided to maximize your comfort. Only the area of the body being worked on will be exposed and treatment areas are at your discretion. 
 

Can I receive massage if I am pregnant?

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.  If you have certain medical conditions during pregnancy, such as excessive edema, hypertension or preeclampsia, we will need a doctor's approval before massage.  You will be positioned on your  side with pillow support to make you comfortable. Read more about pregnancy massage and view packages and options RelaxAmerica Massage  offers to expecting mothers on the services page.
 

Where will my massage take place?

Your massage will be given in a beautiful private treatment room.  The spa studio was transformed into the ideal massage setting.  Among many other amenities, your treatment room has a private restroom, and shower plus a sauna and fireplace.  For more about the spa studio please visit the photo tour
 

What should I do before receiving a 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. Try to give yourself at least a half hour between eating and receiving your massage.

It is also recommended that you fill out your intake and preferences form online before your appointment so that all arrangements can be made ahead of time to ensure the environment captures your tastes.  Please confirm that I have received your appoint request and have sent you a response.  For your convince, you can also submit a pre payment for your service online and will be provided with an instant receipt for your records.
 

Do I need to undress completely?

For a full body massage,  ideally all  articles of clothing and jewelry will be removed to allow the use of full strokes using the boundaries established by the drape (the sheet covering you) rather than stopping before the end of a muscle at your clothing.  Private areas will be kept covered at all times.  However, if you prefer to leave underwear or other articles of clothing on for added modesty, adjustments will be made for your level of comfort.  Clients will dress and undress in privacy.  Before, during and after the massage you will be completely draped. For a brief clothed table massage you will not need to take anything off other than your shoes. 
 

Do you have to use a drape?

Proper draping is required throughout your massage session.  There is a minimum coverage RelaxAmerica Massage adheres to. It's not a matter of being shy, it's a matter of boundaries and professionalism, and it’s especially important with new clients. Neither the client nor the therapist should be forced to exceed their own comfort level during the massage.  The key to all facets of massage is relaxation and if the client or the therapist is uncomfortable, the benefits of the massage will be lost. Gluteus muscles are included in treatments with client consent. The area being worked is the only are uncovered.
 

What areas of my body will you massage?

A typical full-body session includes work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders with the face, abdominal and gluteal areas as optional. You can state the areas desired to be treated on the intake form.  Only areas specifically agreed upon will be uncovered and massaged. 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.
 

Do you use oil, lotion or aromatherapy?

Some techniques require the use of oil, lotion or cream.  As little as needed will be used  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 and lotions.  Our base cream for general use is all natural and unscented versatility cream by muse, which is a rich combination  of pure oils, shea butter and anti-oxidants. It's non-greasy with a lovely silky feel.  Other options include either pure jojoba oil, coconut oil supreme, or a blend of light natural oils and pure essential oil.  Our lotion is an unscented blend. 
 

Will a massage hurt?

Massage on healthy tissue feels good. The normal response is to relax and breathe deeply.  Generally we start out by applying firm, but gentle pressure to 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 response, 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.
 

Can I talk during the massage?

Although touch, talk and time are all interconnected when receiving a massage, most clients allow themselves to enjoy the experience by focusing on the sensation, without being distracted by conversation.   For new clients, talking may help them to relax more until they are comfortable with the therapist or receiving massage. Many clients talk in the initial stages of the massage and as the  session progresses, they slip further into a state of total relaxation and become quiet.  There are times when you should speak up during a massage. If anything makes you uncomfortable, bring it to my attention.  If you're too cold or too hot or if you prefer the strokes to be deeper or lighter, mention it! Please don't sufferer in silence! Feel free to speak up if something about the massage isn't working for you.  Ultimately, the degree of conversion comes down to your personal preference.

How should I expect to feel after a 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. 
 

How  often should I receive a massage?

The answer here depends on the reason for receiving the massage.  If a client comes in for injury relief and to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with their daily lives, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while.  For those who use massage as preventive care and managing the daily stress in their lives, once a month is about the norm.  Some clients come in more often during periods of increased stress or just because they enjoy it that much.

For most people, the frequency of the massages they receive is limited by cost. It's an unfortunate fact, but once many people realize the benefits it provides them, and the pleasure they receive from massage, they find a way to incorporate regular sessions into their budget.