questions
Although massage & bodywork has become
mainstream in both wellness and medical arenas, many people still have
questions about modalities and procedures. I hope this helps you feel prepared and comfortable for your first session!
How will I feel after my bodywork session?
Tissues
that have long been stiff may loosen and feel more open and fluid. The
pounding headache you had all day may loose its edge or disappear. The
stresses in your life might seem not as overwhelming. And of course you will feel wonderfully relaxed.
When out of balance, the body develops layers of
tension to cope with the pain and stresses of life. The purpose of
bodywork is to soften and unravel these layers, which initially can
sometimes uncover hidden pain and exacerbate symptoms. On occasion,
if you've received some deeper rehabilitative work, you may feel some tenderness the next day, or that the pain have moved to a different location.
Or, your pain may simply decrease in intensity. Each of these are signs
of change and healing.
It's
a good idea to plan in quiet, restorative time following your session,
and to maybe take a bath. Many people find that to get the most benefit
benefit from bodywork, a number of consecutive sessions are optimal. Learn more about the many benefits of bodywork.
How often should I receive bodywork?
Each
client and situation is unique. After discussing at length your
wellness concerns, and working together the first time, we will talk about how bodywork might best meet your needs. In
some cases, for the most effective healing to take place, this is once
every one or two weeks. Three to four weeks is often the amount of time
between sessions for those looking to maintain wellness after acute
conditions have been resolved. This amount of time is often optimal in
allowing the body time to absorb the benefits of the work and integrate
the new embodied information into life, without letting old patterns
take over again.
Regardless
of my recommendations, you always get to decide how bodywork is going
to best support you in your life. No one's journey is the same!
Do I remove all of my clothes before my session?
If you are receiving solely Craniosacral work, you may remain completely clothed. Comfortable knit clothes are best.
If
you are receiving massage or integrative work, organic massage cream will be
used for some techniques, and you will be lying on the table completely
covered by a sheet,
usually with additional blankets for warmth. After
we talk about your needs and our plan for the session, I will leave the
room to allow you to undress to your level of comfort. Only one area
of the body will be uncovered and worked on at a time. The genitals,
gluteal cleft and women's breasts are always concealed. If there are
any other areas you wish to remain covered, this is honored without
question.
How much to undress is always your choice according to your comfort and
depending on how you are feeling the day of your session. Many people
feel most comfortable completely disrobing. Others like to leave on
underwear. If you have low back or hip pain, you may want to consider
taking off underwear, as some techniques can be more easily done next
to the skin. With that said, there are always effective alternative
approaches, including working through clothing or a sheet. Read my policy on client safety, privacy & comfort for more details.
If
you just want your upper body worked on, feel free to leave on
underwear and pants for warmth or comfort. Some clients like to keep
their feet extra cozy with socks.
Why does my massage & bodywork therapist need to know my detailed health history?
Bodywork
has a profound effect on one's overall health. As your massage &
bodywork therapist, I am trained to identify health concerns that
contraindicate certain techniques or body parts; in some rare cases,
bodywork may be contraindicated altogether. Also, knowing your detailed
health history, and changes in your health as we work together, will
specifically inform our treatment plan.
While
massage & bodywork are well-known in relieving stress and muscular
pain, there are many other aspects that are beneficial when addressing
a whole range of health concerns. These many layers are often what make
bodywork a profound part of your healing journey.
Finally, as an holistic health care provider, I am here as a resource to support you in your well-being. I happily refer you to other trusted providers when your concerns reach beyond my scope.
Should I bathe immediately before my session?
Please plan to
bathe sometime on the day you come, especially after any rigorous
exercise. If you bike or walk, feel free to ask for a towel to sponge
off and freshen up. If you're not feeling your cleanest, don't
worry--you're welcome just the way you are! Additionally, please do not worry about body hair, it is not something that concerns me or effects your treatment.
What if I feel like crying, or other strong emotions arise during a session?
This
is a fairly common occurrence in bodywork sessions. Our bodies serve
many purposes, including the processing and storage of emotions. We may
not fully realize this until we have an experience of emotional release
that happens in bodywork. Sometimes emotions related to an injury will
surface as we work through the tissue, or they may arise from seemingly
unknown sources as part of the healing process.
When
you sense a powerful emotion arising, it is helpful to simply
acknowledge it and know that it will pass in time. It is helpful if you
let me know by simply saying for example, "I feel sadness". I will simply remain present and aim to make you most
comfortable. You may want to stop working on an area, or continue. You
may want a chance to gather yourself, or you may want to cry. Know that
whatever you choose, within the bounds of safety, is exactly the right
thing to do.
Is tipping expected?
For some, receiving bodywork is a budgeted medical expense, and tipping is not possible. For others who are able, tipping is one way of saying "thanks". I accept, but do not expect tips.
