Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is drinking water important after massage?

Massage improves circulation through the body. The blood brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away the metabolic wastes and carbon dioxide. The concentration of metabolic wastes in the bloodstream is higher (due to being released from the tissues) and being well-hydrated helps your kidneys eliminate them. Most people are dehydrated already which slows the immune response. The bloodstream is the body’s transport system. Hydration assists the white blood cells getting to where they need to go.

How often should I receive massage?

Most people receive massage once a month for maintenance and optimal health. For people who have chronic pain, it is recommended that they come 2-3 times per week for the first couple of weeks. Treatment is then tapered down to the maintenance level as they progress.

What should I wear during my massage?

I would like for this to be a comfortable and relaxing experience for you. Your modesty is protected at all times. You will be covered by a linen and only the area being worked on will be undraped. Many people completely disrobe and others prefer to wear shorts or underwear.

Wear what is comfortable for you. There are treatments that can be done with the client fully clothed (ie: Craniosacral Therapy). For Myofascial Release, shorts, jog-bra or a 2 piece bathing suit works well.

Why do soft tissue injuries take so long to heal?

Your muscles heal very differently than your bones. If you fracture a bone, as long as it is set and fixed in place properly, it will tend to heal so thoroughly that it will become stronger than it was before the fracture! Bone tissue heals with calcium and other minerals, components of bone, in a process that creates a bond that is as strong or stronger than the original bone structure.

Your muscles however, do not actually heal with muscle tissue, but with "foreign" substances including collagen. The resulting scar tissue is weaker, less elastic, and highly prone to re-injury. Once a muscle is damaged, it can become the source of a great deal of pain.  Orthopedic Massage helps re-align the randomly-laid collagen fibers, which results in the scar tissue working with the surrounding muscle fibers. This produces pain-free movement.

How Does Massage Help?

Massage gets you moving! Therapeutic massage stretches tight muscles and releases restrictions, restoring motion to the body, so your body can move naturally, feel good and be well.

The pain cycle starts when injury, chronic poor posture or emotional stress causes pain. The body moves differently, causing muscles and other soft tissues to adapt. Massage helps break the pain cycle by physically stretching and relaxing spasm (muscles shortened from injury or long term inactivity) and trigger points (the swollen, tender areas that may refer pain to other parts of the body).

Also, the kneading of therapeutic massage relieves soft tissue inflammation caused either by traumatic injury or chronic pain. When inflammation and swelling are reduced, pain subsides and motion returns.

Repetitive strain injuries (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome) are prevented and sports performance improved when muscular tension is relieved and postural balance is restored.