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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Swedish Massage?

A: Traditional Swedish Massage uses five main strokes (Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement & Vibration) and many variations, to achieve its relaxing and healing effects. Many therapists use a variety of techniques. Swedish traditionally uses oil or lotion.

Q: What is Deep Tissue Massage?

A: Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber's of the muscles, tendons and fascia.

Q: Why get a Deep Tissue Massage instead of a Swedish?

A: The purpose is to "unstick" the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic. Swedish is used more for relaxation purposes.

Q: Is Deep Tissue just a harder massage than Swedish?

A: No. Deep Tissue does not just mean more pressure. Our human body muscles are all lined with a connective tissue called fascia. It incorporates movement from the client to get the maximum stretch for each particular body part. If the muscle is extremely tight, there may be some tenderness, but I have had clients fall asleep while giving a deep tissue massage. The pressure is only done to the clients muscle's point of resistance and the strokes are extremely slow so the muscle 'gives way' and relaxes

Q: I have 'knots' in my back, what exactly are they?

A:Muscle knots are abnormal areas within the muscle, which cause pain or discomfort. Knots are formed when a muscle spasms and is continually 'on', no muscle is meant do this, they are supposed to cycle on and off. After some period of time, a knot is formed, which is usually uncomfortable and or painful, massage therapy is a very helpful treatment to work out these muscle knots.

Q: Why does my Massage Therapist tell me to drink water after a massage?

A: The body tends to build up metabolic waste and various toxins that get trapped and stored in-between the soft tissue areas. These wastes and toxins are often pushed into the blood stream and the lymphatic system during a massage (where they belong).

If you drink a lot of water, then most of it will be flushed out of the body as waste or broken down into usable elements. But if you don't drink enough water, you may get a headache from all of the toxins in your blood stream once it reaches your brain or it will simply resettle within your body as internal waste once again. Be sure that you drink at least 2 eight ounce glasses of water after your massage.

Q: How often should I get a Massage?

A: If it is simply for stress relief and relaxation, we recommend that you get a massage once or twice a month. Pick the days when you have a lot of stress and schedule your appointment around that time.

If you have something that requires more attention such as back pain, tight muscles, or significant levels of stress, it is a good idea to get a massage about once a week.

People who want to feel a significant difference in their body should schedule two or three massages every week for about three weeks. After five or six massages in a relatively short period of time, you will begin to feel the full impact of the treatments.

Q: How long a Massage should I schedule?

A: Most people request at least one hour for a standard session.
It is recommended that you schedule at least 90 minutes for your first massage. This allows a little extra time for any questions you may have, any necessary discussions about your health history, and an explanation of different types of massage techniques.

Q: Can a massage affect my emotional state?

A: Our emotional state of mind relates directly to how our bodies feel. When the mind is "uptight," so is the body and the reverse of this is true, too. When the body is tense, it is difficult to let our mind "unwind." Massage not only relaxes a person physically, but it has a great ability to affect the mind through the body too. In some instances emotional releases occur.