What does massage therapy do?

• Relieves chronic tension and pain in muscles
• Improves circulation
• Increases flexibility in the joints
• Reduces mental and physical fatigue
• Helps to combat stress (partially by lowering cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, among other things)

• Table massage vs. chair massage
• Swedish, NMT (NeuroMuscular Therapy), CTT (Connective Tissue Therapy), Reflexology, Shiatsu, etc.
• Depending on the therapist's (and your) preference, and what type of massage s/he is doing, s/he will usually use a massage cream or oil--sometimes both.

• Come a few minutes early to fill out an intake form or to talk with your massage therapist about any medical history questions s/he may have.
• Ask questions! If you have any concerns or are unclear about something, ask.
• During your massage, tell your massage therapist if the pressure s/he is using is too much or somehow uncomfortable. (Or if it's just right!)

• For a full body massage, most people undress completely. Some choose to wear underwear. The main objective is to feel safe and comfortable.
• You will always be fully draped, except for the area being worked on.
• Your massage therapist will leave you alone in the treatment room to undress and relax a moment on the table before your massage begins.

• Talk, sleep, drift in and out... whatever seems comfortable.
• Focus on your breathing-really concentrate on slowing down.
• Listen to the music.
• Nothing! You don't need to help. Your main objective is to relax!

• This is not a "no pain, no gain" situation. It doesn't have to hurt to be effective. If an area is uncomfortably sore or the therapist is using too much or too little pressure, tell him/her.
• It probably won't tickle, because the massage therapist uses firm pressure.
• You can always tell your therapist your really ticklish areas if you're concerned.

• An average massage is an hour. This allows for a relaxing full-body massage, or for more in-depth work on particular areas.
• A half-hour is great for an introduction to massage, and allows the therapist to work on a concentrated area.
• One-and-a-half-hours is wonderful for a full body massage in addition to special attention to a problem area.
• Chair massage is also offered-this is generally for a 10-20 minute massage done (with clothing) on a chair specifically designed for comfort during a massage.

• Your massage therapist will leave the room while you dress. Take some time to feel any differences you may sense in your newly relaxed body.
• Get up slowly! Massage often lowers blood pressure, so do not sit up or stand up quickly--you may feel dizzy otherwise.
• Drink a lot of water! Your massage therapist may have a glass of water for you after your massage to get you started. Especially for the 24-hour period after your massage, drink more water than normal.

• Generally, people feel very relaxed. After a period of moving 'slowly', people often experience an increase in energy.