MASSAGE THERAPY FAQS

Why should I get a massage?

When you feel pain or soreness in an area of your body, you instinctively reach out and rub that area. Your muscles need to be fluid, hydrated and free of restriction for optimum functioning. Regular massage-whether for preventive maintenance, nursing an injury or correcting a chronic muscular pattern - is important. Massage is no longer viewed as a luxury reserved for the few and privileged pampered.
In fact recent studies show massage therapy is the most successful treatment option for low back pain. Many conditions are successfully treated or relieved with massage therapy.

What is the difference between a Swedish and a Deep Tissue Massage?

Swedish massage is a full body stress reduction massage. The goal is to calm the central nervous system while promoting blood circulation and release of metabolic waste. This is the traditional relaxation massage.
Deep Tissue Massage is a 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. Deep Tissue addresses areas of the body that require attention.

Why is drinking water important for your body?

Your blood is approximately 83% water. The blood, muscles and organs all need proper water balance to work effectively. Water is vital to the flow of blood, which serves as a delivery system for oxygen and nutrients to the muscles - it has a starring role in the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the bloodstream. Water also transports urine. In contrast to blood’s delivery of carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells, urine takes waste products away - transporting toxins out of the body. Without proper water consumption, urine production decreases. Drink water.

Why do I need to drink water after a massage?

One of the benefits of massage is that metabolic by-products are released from your muscle tissue into the circulatory system for removal. Drinking water after a massage aids in flushing out these waste products from your body; without removal, they can re-accumulate causing soreness stiffness or headaches.

I workout. Should I get massages?

Therapeutic massage can be important support for a fitness or sports program. Massage therapy helps to achieve your fitness or performance goals with minimum injury risk. It supports your program by relieving tired and sore muscles, improving flexibility, speeding recovery from strenuous physical exertion and reducing the anxiety of athletic competition. Most athletes receive regular massage.

Is it true that massage therapy relieves the effects of stress?

Yes. When you are stressed, often your body takes the brunt. Massage Therapy triggers the relaxation response (via the Parasympathic Nervous System), relaxing tense muscles and reducing anxiety. Individuals receiving regular massage literally feel the renewed balance and feeling of well being in their bodies. Massage Therapy allows you to have great control of your body’s reactions in times of life’s stresses.

I have never had a massage before. What should I expect?

Before the massage your therapist should provide you with a health form. This form is required by law and is helpful in providing the most beneficial treatment for you body’s needs. Next, you and your therapists should discuss the form and your goals for the session. This is the time to speak with your therapist regarding concerns with painful or tired areas and together you will decide which treatment will best suit you. Next, the therapist will leave the room so you can prepare to get on the table. The therapist will knock and get your permission to return into the room. Once you are positioned the session begins. During the session, you have the right to give appropriate feedback regarding the massage or your comfort level. Remember, this is your session. The therapist will instruct you if he/she will need you to do something such as turn over or lift your knees to adjust a bolster. The therapist will gently inform you of the sessions end. At this point, the therapist will instruct you on what to do once they leave the room. At the sessions end, you discuss any factors relating to the session including between session exercises if necessary. Book your next appointment.

Do I need to tip my massage therapist?

Massage therapy is fast becoming recognized for its physical therapeutic benefits. If one is seeking massage services on a regular basis for healthcare needs and is receiving regular services from a skilled independent worker, then tipping may not be expected or encouraged. If your massage is a “treat” you sign up for at a spa then in that environment, it would be likely that tipping is customary. Some massage therapists do not encourage tipping. Do not be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. Your Body Needs… is very proud of the quality work provided. They recognize the service provided is more than the pampering kind. Tipping is not encouraged at Your Body Needs… we prefer your return business for your body’s needs.

I am supposed to get naked for my massage?

You should undress to your level of comfort. Some people prefer to leave their underwear on and others prefer to be naked. Either way is acceptable. It is up to you. Sometimes, if the treatment requires specific work in the lower back, gluteus or back of thighs, underwear may get in the way of massage techniques. For women, thongs do the trick. In the USA, clients are required to be draped at all times except the area being massaged. (Draping is the term used for covering). Concern about exposure should not be an issue. Do not be afraid to speak with your therapist. You can always ask for additional draping such as a blanket if you prefer. Some men may feel anxious about getting an erection during the massage. This should not be a concern. If it does happen, it is natural. A massage therapists focus is their work.

How long do I have to get undressed?

As long as you need. First, the massage therapist must leave the room before you begin disrobing. Once you have disrobed to your level of comfort, you get on the table under the top sheet. The massage therapist should never barge in on you. He or she will knock on the door and ask permission to enter the room. They should not come in until you have positioned yourself with the top sheet covering you on the table. If your massage therapist has not made this clear to you before he/she leaves the room, then do not be afraid to ask what the procedure is. Also, you may want to ask if you are required to lay face up or face down.

What about talking during the massage?

Every relaxation massage, no matter how familiar the massage therapist is with a client should begin on the premise that the massage will be conversation-free.
A massage therapy session should be performed with the well being of the client in mind. This usually means a non-verbal session takes place. Occasionally, there are clients who feel that appropriate conversation enhances the quality of their session. In this case talking is acceptable. However, the massage therapist should NEVER initiate the conversation nor continue the conversation if the client chooses to remain quiet for the rest of the session.
A client who wishes to have a conversation-free session should not tolerate a talkative massage therapist. You have every right to express your wish for a quiet session and you must do so.

Communicating about the massage during the session is a different story. You should never feel too nervous to break the silence to communicate with your therapist. Feedback such as room temperature, pressure of strokes, pain threshold and questions or comments relating to the massage is important to the overall quality of the massage. Please speak up.
Some treatments such as clinical, deep tissue, medical, sports massage may require more feedback from the client and more instruction from the massage therapist.

How do I know if a massage therapists is qualified?

Most States require a license. The State of Maryland requires all practicing massage therapists to be registered or certified. Licenses must be displayed in place of business. You have the right to request to see the license.