FAQ

You may also have some discomfort during your massage. This depends on the area we're working on, any pre-existing pains, and whether the therapist is using too much pressure. Sometimes, I utilize a pain scale from 1 - 10 when talking to clients about their comfort level during the massage. I will check in a couple of times to see how the pressure is for you. If at any point you need me to change my pressure, whether you want more, less, or because you do not care for the technique I am using in that moment, please let me know. Also, it is not unusual to feel some soreness after a massage. This is due to a release of lactic acid in the muscles, but it doesn't last long.

Not at all! Please, only undress to your comfort level. If you only want to undress to your underwear, that's fine.

 

The therapist will leave the room while you're undressing. There will be a blanket and flat sheet that are there to cover you up during your massage. Areas will only be undraped when being worked on. Glutes, with consent to work on them, will be draped or partially undraped when being worked on. For those who want their chest or breast covered but still want pectoral work
done, that is 100% ethically possible. Same with the abdomen. If you would like your chest covered but your abdomen worked on (with consent), an appropriately sized towel will be used to keep your chest draped.

We all have parts of our body we are self-conscious about. Please don't let this stop you from getting help from a massage therapist. If you're sensitive about a particular area, ask them to avoid it. You can also opt for a fully clothed massage. Whatever your concerns, know that I am friendly, supportive and judgment-free.

When it comes to frequently asked questions about massage, this is a common one. It's normal to fall asleep during a massage. You might be feeling stressed and sleep-deprived, so falling asleep is normal once you're in a relaxed state. It is certainly invited because I want you to be as relaxed as possible and falling asleep rests your mind and body.

There's zero judgment from us if you snore. We're pleased you're relaxed enough to fall asleep, and we won’t mention it.

 

Drooling is also common, especially if you're on your front. Ask us for a tissue, and we'll be glad to grab one for you.

After your appointment is made, you will be asked to fill out a few forms, including a health history form, to let me know about any current concerns or goals you want me to address.

I will then give you privacy to make yourself comfortable on the massage table, whether you decide to remove your clothing or not.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask them.

Massage is excellent for relaxation! But it also has many other benefits.

Massage helps with chronic muscle aches and pains. It helps to reduce stress and ease muscle tension. It is also great to improve circulation, alleviate breathing problems, lower your blood pressure, reduce headaches, improve your daily mobility and well-being, and to assist in helping you manage anxiety and depression. Massage also helps to promote good quality sleep.

I recommend going to the restroom before your session, but it can occasionally happen that you'll need to go during the massage. I want you to be relaxed, so if you're focusing on holding it in, it will interfere with your experience. So please speak up, and I will pause and step out so you can use the restroom. (The restroom is right across the hall from the treatment room. So, you are
welcome to wrap yourself up in the sheet to go across the hall, if you prefer.)

When you're in a relaxed state, you might pass gas during your massage. It may even occur when the therapist applies direct pressure to a particular area.

Any massage therapist will let you know this is normal and just shows you're relaxed. You'll get zero judgment from your therapist. If you can't bear to let it happen, just excuse yourself to go to the restroom.

Some people prefer to chat during their massage session but don't feel you have to make conversation. If you want to close your eyes and relax, that’s alright. Your session is for you. I will follow your lead. If you want to zone out, please feel free to do so. If you want to talk the whole time or part of the time, please feel free to do so.

Do speak up if:

1. You're feeling hot or cold
2. You're in pain
3. You have questions, or you forgot to mention something important during the consultation

Let your massage therapist know before your session. They can use firm, slow pressure or, if you're extremely sensitive, they can avoid your tickle spots.

Yes, headaches can arise after a massage. The massage can stimulate vascular circulation, which can cause a headache. Headaches can also be caused by laying in the headrest for too long, so it's important to tell your therapist if the headrest is too high or low. If you’re feeling congested, lay your head to the side to breathe easier.

It's normal to have occasional bruising after a massage, but let your therapist know if it's getting excessive. Anemia can make it easier to bruise from a massage, so let your therapist know if you're anemic.

This advice came from an old myth that massage releases toxins which need to be flushed from the body. There's no evidence that massage therapy releases these toxins, but it does generate heat which can make you thirsty. Water also helps your muscles flex without pain, so staying hydrated might make your massage experience more comfortable.

Cupping Therapy is a Traditional Chinese therapy in which cups with negative pressure are placed on the skin. The negative pressure causes suction to occur on the skin which pulls on the skin, muscle and fascia up into the cup. This action brings fresh oxygenated blood into the injured tissue. While at the same time pulling out old toxins and stagnant blood from the soft
tissue, it is then recirculated and filtered out of the body.

Quite possibly the most common question asked before Cupping Therapy is whether it's painful. No, it doesn't really hurt. The truth is every person experiences Cupping differently. So, it is difficult to give an absolute answer. Some people feel the pulling of the soft tissue is uncomfortable and not very pleasant. On the other hand, there are people who find the experience soothing and relaxing, like getting a massage. Depending on the stagnation of the tissue being treated you may experience some soreness. If for some reason you do feel pain, let the therapist know as they may need to adjust the strength of the suction on the cup in order to make the therapy more comfortable.

Once you are done with your Cupping Therapy session, you'll notice round marks left behind from the cups. Some people think they are bruises however; these marks can tell you how stagnated the treated tissue was. With darker marks meaning there was more stagnation. These marks can take one to two weeks to clear up depending on your body's stagnation as well. Staying well hydrated can shorten the time for the marks to fade.

Firstly, you should be hydrated. Cupping works with your lymphatic system to get rid of toxins and cellular waste from your body. For this to work properly, plenty of water is required. Avoid shaving, exfoliating or anything else that can make your skin sensitive. Having sensitive skin can increase discomfort during a Cupping Therapy session and can cause you to have an overall poor experience.

 
Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes as once a Cupping Therapy session ends your skin may feel sensitive.

For the vast majority of people, yes. It is unusual and rare for Cupping Therapy to cause any serious problems. Side effects are limited to the marks left behind after Cupping Therapy. Precaution is necessary if you have suffered from recent cardiac arrests, have been fasting for long periods of time or if you are pregnant.

The SASTM tools are specially designed instruments to locate restrictions and allow the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure. The instruments introduce controlled micro trauma to the affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. This initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates healing activities.

Scraping offers several benefits, including:

1. Pain relief: Can help alleviate muscle pain and stiffness, making it a useful treatment for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches.
2. Improved circulation: By stimulating blood flow to the surface of the skin, scraping can enhance circulation and promote healing.
3. Reduced inflammation: Believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions.
4. Increased relaxation: Can promote relaxation and stress relief.

Scraping is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced practitioner. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. The most common side effect is temporary skin redness or bruising, which is a normal response to scraping and usually subsides within a few days. It’s important to inform your practitioner of any skin conditions or sensitivities before receiving scraping treatment.

While tipping isn’t necessary, it’s a great way to show your therapist your gratitude. 15-25% is ideal after a great massage.