FAQs

The FAQs below should answer most questions, but if you have additional questions about anything or you have a request, please don't hesitate to contact me at cammassagetherapy@gmail.com. 
 

***FAQs***

Remember, this is YOUR session. Feel free to speak up!

Why is this so important?  If you want anything changed: pressure, areas worked, the face cradle or bolster repositioned, or if you are too hot or too cold, please let me know.  Your comfort is very important to me.  You will not hurt my feelings by asking for something that will make you more comfortable.  I want this to be a great experience for you.

What you requested in our last session may be different than this one. If you had a full-body massage in your last session but this time you only want your back/neck/shoulders or arms worked on, please ask.  I can perform pinpoint work at an agreed-upon cost-per-minute rate.

What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

I ask that you go to my website and on the "Helpful Forms" tab.   Please print and fill out these forms.  Upon your arrival, I will ask you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed, and to determine if massage is appropriate for you.  I may or may not perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition and to see if you have any presenting complaints.

It is important to list all health concerns and medications so I can adapt your session to your specific needs without doing any harm.  It is also important to list any allergies so I am aware if I need to use a different oil or lotion during the session.  Generally I use a lavender infused lotion.

Do I have to be completely undressed?

You should undress to the level that you are comfortable.  For a full-body massage, it's best to get completely undressed. However, if you are more comfortable leaving your underwear on, or even your socks for that matter, that is fine.  I will work around any clothing that you have left on as best as I can.  If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then you are not getting the optimal benefit from the session.

You will be given privacy to undress and get comfortable on the table. 

Do I have to cover myself with a sheet or towel?

This is known as "draping."  The vast majority of therapists will insist on draping. Once you are undressed and on the table under the drape, the therapist will only uncover the part of your body being worked on.  The genitals (women and men) and breasts (women) will not be uncovered.  The glutes are generally uncovered during work in that specific area.  If this makes you uncomfortable, please let me know.  For my female clients, if you ask or agree to have me perform abdominal work on you, a second towel or sheet will be used to cover your breasts so that the main sheet can be moved to expose the abdomen.

What do I do during a massage treatment?

Make yourself comfortable.  When I need you to adjust your position, I will either move you or I will ask you to move what is needed.  Otherwise, change your position at any time to make yourself more comfortable.
 

Many people close their eyes and relax completely or sleep during a session.  Others prefer to talk.  It's up to you.  It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax.  Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time, especially if you find yourself in need of a tissue, which is common during a massage.

How long will a massage treatment last?

My full-body massage time is 75 minutes in length. A pinpoint massage session, such as neck and shoulders, or back or legs, the feet, can be done minute-by-minute and charged as such.   Those arrangements need to be made ahead of the massage.

Will the massage hurt?

This depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. A Swedish massage, which doesn't probe very deeply into the muscles, shouldn't hurt.  That being said, there is a '"feels good'" hurt and an "ouch, stop it" hurt.  A good massage, even a really deep tissue massage, should always stay in the "feels good" hurt range.  I use a pressure scale from 1 - 10 with 7 being our sweet spot for the massage.  You will be asked many times during the massage how the pressure feels.  Your use of this scale to rate your pain threshold allows me to know whether I can go deeper into the tissue or whether I need to back off the pressure a little.  A 7 will mean something different to each person.

Pain can be an indication that the muscle is possibly injured or inflamed and that the pressure needs be adjusted.  Pain can cause you to tighten up and negate the relaxing effects of the massage. The most effective and deepest massage always works with your body's natural response, not against it.

How often should I get a massage?

It varies from person to person. If you are just looking for some occasional relaxation, then a session every 3-6 weeks may be fine for you.

However, if you are looking to address a specific condition or you are an athlete who demands a lot from your body, then it is recommended to go more frequently at first and then slowly taper down to a maintenance schedule.  Sometimes more frequent pinpoint sessions can be effective until your goals are met and a maintenance schedule is in place.

 
We can discuss the frequency of your sessions after your first treatment when I will have a better understanding of your particular muscular issues.

If I want a really deep massage shouldn't I see a male therapist?

The answer is NO. There is a perception that men give deeper massages than women.  This is a myth.  While some men do give a deeper massage, there are men who prefer to not work so deep.  The same holds true for women.  It is a matter of style, training, and therapist preference.  Some therapists prefer not to give really deep sessions while others specialize in this area.

A massage does not have to hurt to be effective.

Can I talk during my session?

Yes.  It's your session.  The important thing to remember is that this treatment is all about you relaxing and enjoying the experience.  In many instances, people are nervous and may feel more relaxed by starting off talking, but as the massage progresses, they enter a quiet state of relaxation.

The important issue here is that there are times when you need to speak up.  If I am doing anything that makes you uncomfortable, let me know immediately.  Also, let me know if you get too warm or too cold, if the room is too bright, or if the pressure needs to be changed (lighter or deeper).  If something is not working for you, please let me know.  It's OK!

Do I have to listen to whale calls or flutes during my massage?

No. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

While many therapists play slower, quieter, "new age" type music, I choose to play older soft rock, country, and some Christian.  Some studies have shown that music played under 60 beats-per-minute has a calming, relaxing effect on the body and, therefore, can enhance your experience.  While this may be true, any music you like to listen to while you relax can be listened to while you get a massage.  

How will I feel after my massage treatment?

Most people feel very relaxed, or what I like to refer to as "blissed out."  Some people experience a significant decrease or freedom from long-term aches and pains while others experience an immediate and noticeable increase in mobility.  Many feel a little slowed down for a short period and then notice an increase of energy, heightened awareness, and increased productivity which can last for days.  If you have received a deep tissue massage, you may be slightly sore the next day - much like a good workout at the gym. Sometimes a hot shower, a soak in the tub, or some Ibuprofen before bed can ease this soreness.
 

After your session, you should increase your water intake quite a bit. Two to three liters is what I recommend. This helps to ensure that your body's tissues remain hydrated and healthy.

How many sessions will I need?

Honestly, it's hard to say. Every person is unique, and every condition is unique to each person. It may take one session or it may take several.  We will be able to talk more specifically about this after your first session when I have had a chance to evaluate your body's tissues. 

Remember, as an athlete who is consistently training and asking their body to perform, a full-body massage, just like with your nutrition and supplements, should be included with your healthy lifestyle.  It's a tuneup that your body should receive monthly to help it repair from daily workouts.

When should I NOT get a massage?

You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection, or if you are recovering from recent surgery.  That's pretty much it. 

There are many other conditions in which I may need to adapt my techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns).  With some conditions, it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy).  This doesn't mean you can't get massage, but it's always better to err on the side of caution.