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 is the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage?
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? I pulled a muscle yesterday. Should I get a massage? Is it ok to get a massage when I am sick with a cold or the flu?
What are your professional qualifications?
I graduated from the Northern New Mexico College massage program in 2010, with 650 hours of training in Swedish and deep tissue massage. My foundational education included basic training in cranial sacral technique, Thai massage, Usui Reiki, energy balancing, herbal medicine, infant massage, hot stone massage, and manual lymph drainage techniques. In the 10 years since, I've done extensive continuing education in multiple modalities, including hot stone massage, Thai massage, massage cupping therapy, and Somatic Polarity Therapy. I am licensed in the state of New Mexico (LMT#6747), am a current member of the Association of Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and a Certified Cupping Therapist (CCT) with the International Cupping Therapy Association.
Where will my massage or bodywork session take place?
Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed; however, it is entirely up to you what you want to wear (the exceptions to this include Thai massage and energy balancing sessions --during which you remain fully clothed). You should undress to your level of comfort. You will be properly draped during the entire session.
Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe?
The practitioner will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet and blanket.
Will I be covered during the session?
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 will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. Longer sessions may also incorporate work on the face and/or abdomen.
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 chronic muscular tension. 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, stretching, negative pressure release with cupping, and more. We can discuss which methods may be most appropriate for you.
What is the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage?
Swedish massage is more generalized and rhythmic. It is made up of four primary strokes: effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), vibration (fine shaking or jostling), and tapotement (percussion). Deep tissue massage is usually specific, deeper work (often including stretches) that focuses on targeted problem areas in the body. I usually use a combination of the two.
What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?
Prior to the massage, feel free to ask the practitioner any questions about the technique or the upcoming session. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. The practitioner 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. 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. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage.
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, the practitioner asks general health questions. It is very important that you inform the 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. Contraindication include (but are not limited to); active cold or flu, first trimester of pregnancy, active skin conditions such as athletes foot, risk of blood clots, etc. Please refer to the NEW Covid Health Information & Informed Consent .
I pulled a muscle yesterday. Should I get a massage?
It's not a good idea to receive massage in the very early stages of sprains and strains when there's still a good deal of swelling, heat, and tenderness. After a few days, though, massage can significantly aid in the recovery process.
Is it ok to get a massage when I am sick with a cold or the flu?
NO. One of the benefits of massage is that it greatly increases circulation, but that can also mean circulation of toxins that are already in your body if you're sick, so you can actually feel worse temporarily. It's preferable to wait until you're feeling better. Also, please refer to the NEW Covid Health Information & Informed Consent on the Client Forms page of this web site.