Woodside Therapeutic Massage

What should I expect at my first massage?

When you arrive at the session, your massage therapist will first gather information such as the reason for scheduling an appointment, what you hope to achieve, and how massage can help.  She will use the information from this discussion along with a health and lifestyle questionnaire to plan the session.  Please arrive a few minutes early for your session to allow plenty of time for this exchange.

When you are ready to begin the session, the therapist will show you to the massage room, demonstrate how to position yourself on the massage table, and leave to room to allow you to disrobe.  You will position yourself on the table and cover yourself with the sheets.  Although most people undress down to their underwear, only undress to your comfort level.  The therapist will check-in to make sure you are covered before entering the room.

The therapist will make sure you are comfortable and begin the massage.  The therapist will check-in with you throughout the session regarding how the massage is going.  She will undrape only the area she is working on, apply lubricant, massage the area, and re-drape.  The therapist will focus on areas that were discussed prior to the session and any areas that she feels needs extra attention due to increased tension or discomfort.  Any areas that you do not worked should be discussed with the therapist prior to the session. 

At the conclusion of the session, the therapist will leave the room and allow you to get dressed.  You will meet the therapist in the reception area where you can discuss the session, schedule more appointments as necessary, and pay for the session.  The therapist is always available after the day of the appointment should you have any further questions or concerns.

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What are the benefits of massage?

Massage can be beneficial to people of all ages with a variety of health conditions.  Massage is best known to help alleviate stress and related muscle tension, but it has also been shown to have many other positive effects on the body such as:

• Alleviation of joint and muscle pain
• Improved circulation
• Improved immune response
• Increased joint flexibility
• Release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killer
• Reduced frequency and strength of headaches
• Reduced scarring and shortened healing time from injury
• Reduced mental and physical fatigue

Massage has also been shown to have positive effects on many conditions such as:

• Back pain
• Headaches
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• High blood pressure
• Muscle injury
• Chronic pain
• Arthritis

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What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish Massage is a form of Western Massage performed widely in the U.S. and Europe.  It utilizes such techniques as stroking, kneading, vibration, and joint movements to affect the soft tissues of the body.  It is most used to promote general relaxation, but it is also useful for improving circulation, relaxing muscles, increasing joint flexibility, and improving the condition of skin.

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What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is a general description often used to describe a variety of techniques that affect deeper tissues of the body.  The massage is generally more specific than a Swedish Massage, focusing on a specific area of the body.  It is commonly used on an area that has been injured or is chronically stressed.  It improves function and healing of the area by increasing circulation to area and separating and smoothing the tissue fibers that may become stuck together.

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What is chair massage?

Chair massage is massage performed on a person who is sitting erect.  The therapist performs the massage on the client sitting in a standard chair or on a specially designed massage chair.  The recipient is fully clothed allowing the session to occur in public areas such as an office or at an event.  The massage most often focuses on muscles in the back, neck, and arms.

There is increased popularity in the use of chair massage at places of business due to numerous benefits to the employee and employer such as:

• Relief of muscle tension/discomfort associated with repetitive tasks such as computer work
• Reduction of physical and emotional stress
• Improved ability to focus, improving productivity
• Improved immune function, reducing the frequency of  “call-outs”
• Improved sense of well-being and work-place morale

Chair massage offers the portability and flexibility to provide massage in a variety of other  places such as at expositions, spa parties, and hair salons.

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What is a home visit?

For a home visit appointment, the massage therapist will bring all of her supplies including the massage table, linens, and music to your home to provide you a full massage session in the comfort of your own home.

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Do I need to be completely undressed for my massage?

Although most massage techniques are performed best directly on the skin, it is always up to you how much you would like to disrobe.  Most people will leave their underwear on for the massage.  You will be draped with a sheet during the massage, and the therapist will only undrape the area that is being worked.  The client’s genitals and breasts will never be exposed during the massage.

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When may massage not be appropriate?

Although massage is non-invasive and is safe for people in most situations, there are some conditions that massage may not be recommended such as:

1. Infectious diseases
2. Certain forms of cancer
3. Active bleeding
4. Some cardiac problems
5. Some skeletal disorders
6. Acute illness
7. Fever

Please discuss any concerns with your doctor and your massage therapist.  Your therapist may need permission from your doctor to provide massage in some circumstances.  Please provide a complete medical history to your massage therapist such that the massage is safe and appropriate for your situation.  Also, always update your therapist if there should be any changes to your medical history.

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What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that emergencies happen, but for non-emergencies, please reschedule or cancel appointments with at least 24 hour notice.  Failure to do so will result in the client being charged for the session.

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