Facts and Questions

Why Massage

Massage is beneficial for everyone. It can help with some forms of acute pain, help relieve ongoing chronic pain, and to help maintain a pain free life by addressing muscle imbalances before they manifest into an injury. Massage can help transition your nervous system from “fight or flight”(Sympathetic) to “rest and digest”(Parasympathetic). So if you’re dealing with a stressful point in life and “stuck on” massage can help take things down a notch.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I have to take my clothes off?

A: No you don’t have to take your clothes off. While most people find skin-on-skin contact a positive experience and it feels good!, the most important aspect is that you feel comfortable during the treatment. 

Q: Will it hurt?

A: No. I don’t believe Therapeutic Massage has to be painful to be effective. Sometimes certain areas can cause mild discomfort when being touched. Open communication and proper feedback about pressure, area being treated, and different technique options are key to a successful treatment.  We RMT’s aren’t psychic and we love feedback! 

* please note that the scar tissue mobilization technique can be described as painful. It is typically only painful during the actual treatment itself and the results most often provide increased range of motion and a decrease in chronic pain caused by the scar tissue. 

Q: Do I have to have a full body massage? 

A: No. This is your massage, you get to decide what happens. As a patient/client you get to decide what area(s) get worked on, what pressure is used, even the technique. It’s my responsibility to augment and modify the treatment so it is safe and effective for you. 

Q: What if I get on the table and change my mind about what I want worked on?

A: That is totally ok! Let me know and we can change it up. 

Q: Do I have to be quiet during a massage? 

A: Nope! We can chat as little or as much as you want. Ask me about puppies, reptiles or Jeeps and we can have quite the discussion! 

Q: Can I be quiet during a massage? 

A: Yes, of course. Sometimes taking time to be quiet and thoughtful is needed too. I will of course check in to make sure pressure and technique are good. Just let me know!

Massage Therapy 

I see massage therapy treatments as a spectrum.  On one side you have mechanical dysfunction causing pain and requiring rebalancing of muscle and fasciae. At the other end the focus is to help transition your nervous system from a Sympathetic (Fight or Flight) response to a Parasympathetic (Rest and Digest) response. 

It’s important when you come in for treatment to tell me what your goal is for that treatment. Both types of massages, mechanical and nervous system, are valid types, they just require vastly different techniques and ambience. Mechanical usually involves figuring out the cause and finding a solution or prevention of the continuing muscle imbalance. The PSNS massage there’s less talking or trying to solve the pain causing puzzle and more of me encouraging your nervous system to calm down. And yes a massage treatment can be both.